(JA)Pet food under the gun as the number of sick dogs rises

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Pet food under the gun as the number of sick dogs rises

Asahi Shimbun

 

March 5, 2001

 

The increase in cases of serious diseases found in pet dogs has prompted the

agriculture ministry to investigate whether pet foods are responsible.

 

The move follows the discovery of a carcinogen-a substance that can cause

cancer-in at least one pet food produced by a major manufacturer.

 

A study of tens of thousands of dogs nationwide from 1993 to 1998 shows that

the number of pets with stones in their urinary tract had increased 60

percent, while the number with kidney failure had jumped 20 percent. The

work by the Tama Veterinary Clinics Association found that most of the

animals had been eating processed or canned dog food.

 

The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries has earmarked 5 million

yen from the fiscal 2001 budget to work out guidelines on the safety and

quality control of pet food products.

 

The Asahi Shimbun recently asked the Japan Inspection Association of Food

and Food Industry Environment (JIAFE) to examine different dog food brands

produced by three top manufacturers, both Japanese and foreign. The JIAFE

found that one product contained 377 ppm (parts per million) concentration

of antioxidants known as BHA and BHT.

 

BHA is a proven carcinogen while BHT is suspected of causing cancer. The

amount of those antioxidants in the pet food exceeded the acceptable level

for cattle.

 

The National Consumer Affairs Center of Japan did a similar study of pet

foods in 1993 and found BHA and BHT in three out of 17 examined products.

 

A veterinarian who runs an animal hospital in Tokyo told The Asahi Shimbun

that the results contribute to his belief that many health problems in dogs

stem from diet.

 

However, Shigekazu Motoyoshi, with the Japanese Society of Pet, Animal

Nutrition, says diseases in pets are caused primarily by aging and

differences in each pet's body structure.

 

The Pet Food Fair Trade Association-consisting of 35 companies-has set

guidelines that require producers to label all pet food ingredients on their

packaging. But the guidelines only compel companies to disclose up to 80

percent of the ingredients. There are no laws controlling the quality and

safety of products or any independent agency regulating the nation's pet

industry.

 

By contrast, in the United States-where pet-related services are seen as

more sophisticated-there is an inspection agency that works independently of

big business.

 

The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries admits that some legally

binding guidelines are needed and says it will investigate international

standards.

 

Meanwhile, a pet food producers' association conducted a survey last October

asking 5,000 pet owners nationwide about why they buy certain pet foods.

 

Most respondents said their pet's dietary preference was the biggest single

influence, followed by price.

 

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republication without written permission.