Announcing US Pet Owners for Pet Food Safety eMarch

Jan. 9, 2008 - PRLog -- The Food & Drug Administration announced on 1/7/08 its intention to schedule and hold a public meeting early in 2008 to obtain input for the development of ingredient, processing and labeling standards to ensure the safety of pet food.  To provide US pet owners a voice in the FDA’s meeting, Susan Thixton announces the organization of ‘US Pet Owners for Pet Food Safety e-March’.

The FDA’s announcement of the proposed public meeting requested “input from stakeholder groups, including but not limited to the Association of American Feed Control Officials, veterinary medical associations, animal health organizations and pet food manufacturers for the development of ingredient, processing and labeling standards to ensure the safety of pet food.”  There is no larger stakeholder group than the 74 million US pet owners.  

Susan Thixton of TruthAboutPetFood.com is commandeering an unprecedented electronic effort – US Pet Owners for Pet Food Safety e-March.  To begin, pet owners nationwide are urged to post comments on the FDA docket e-comments page when it becomes available.  “The FDA is asking for input from stakeholder groups – there is no larger stakeholder group than pet owners – our stake is the health of our pets, it’s not profit motivated.  I definitely feel that the FDA and AAFCO should hear and consider what pet owners want to ensure the safety of our pets” says Susan Thixton.  She continues “I believe part of the reason the pet food industry has had such horrible recalls in recent years is partially due to the FDA allowing pet food manufacturers to make their own rules – it’s time to remove pet food manufacturing representatives from all advisory boards, listen to what the public wants, and to make pet food manufacturing decisions based on modern veterinary science.”  

Besides the e-March to the FDA Pet Food Safety public meeting Susan Thixton states she’s not exactly sure where or what the organization’s plans are…“I just want the voices of pet owners all over the US heard.”  
Thixton’s website TruthAboutPetFood.com has posted information on the website regarding the FDA public meeting including the FDA’s electronic comments page and other contact information.  The FDA electronic comments page is not currently available; TruthAboutPetFood.com has provided an email notification system for those interested in posting comments when it becomes available and to provide updates prior to the meeting.  

Susan Thixton continues to contact national media and various social and pet related websites to cover the proposed pet food safety meeting and to partner in the e-March.  “This meeting is not as important as many things that are going on in the US right now, but it is important.  I’m hopeful that Network Television and social networking websites decide to provide attention to this - I’m sure the majority of the 74 million US pet owners would appreciate seeing what the FDA is planning to protect our pets” says Susan Thixton. She urges all US pet owners to join the group – “regardless whether you feed kibble, canned or cook for your pet – we all care about our pets - we need the FDA to step up and ensure the safety of pet food.”

To join the US Pet Owners For Pet Food Safety e-March and to receive updates and further information on this meeting, visit http://www.TruthAboutPetFood.com/emarch.html

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About US Pet Owners for Pet Food Safety:  An organization of US pet owners fighting for safe food for our pets.

Website: www.truthaboutpetfood.com/emarch.html