To be honest, after seeing the storage problems in the NJ lawsuit, I am really not surprised at PetCo, nor would I be surprised about any other associated pet food ingredient/product storage facilities.

I guess Petco doesn't use the same pesticides that the PFI got EPA permission to use in the pet food plants

As I was looking at Regulations.gov, I looked up some papers filed by the Pet Food Institute.  Most of it was on Methyl Bromide (includes converting to Phosphine) and sulfuryl fluoride.

It's a catch22 situation IMO - are the pesticides are used without removing product (finished product, packaging, raw ingredients)? (Do we honestly think they'd remove it to treat for pests?)

Which is more toxic to your pet? We can wash our hands - They can  vomit.

What is being really made clear is that handling pet food is dangerous to humans - we're literally handling garbage from companies who apparently don't care about humans or our companion animals.  It's getting really hard to think that any pet food product is "safe" under any sane definition of "safe".  It's the new risk factor/dilution applied to dilute the meaning of "safe"... and that's basically being forced on us, like it or not. Until there is a unified companion animal movement to lobby against the pet food company mafia mentality, I don't think we can anticipate any progress on behalf of safe nutritious pet foods & treats. 

I am grateful to the FDA for exposing this mess, which never should happen with food products.
But I still wonder why the FDA is more concerned with the outside of the package than the
possible bacterial salmonella contamination of what's inside the pretty packages that are
stored properly. Which one affects more pets and their human families overall? The FDA has
this one chance under Public Law 110-85 to really revamp pet food safety by throwing out
the failed policies and ingredients standards of AAFCO and its PFI advisers. Where's the news headline
that shows the FDA is doing that?

I'm thinking that Wellness might want to see this info.
Perhaps they'll reconsider distributing to Petco.

Was out of dry food one time (wasn't aware of Mud Bay, my regular store was closed).  Went to Petco, first time in many years.  Accosted over Nutro (no thanks, Iams is better).  Picked up a bag of organics, picked up a few other things.  Then for some reason, got really upset, and returned everything but the dry food.

They are more expenxie than Mud Bay and my Feed Store down the street (and I can custom order in advance too).  They recognize me and sis on regular basis.

While this tale has led great credence to my beliefs - they are also WAY OVERPRICED for what they sell.

So, there is no Petco in my immediate future (if in dire need of litter and things, Walmart is down the street from them - while not the best selection, would probably go there than Petco).

Welcome, bear!  We have a section here where we talk about our experiences with homecooking.  I'm just starting out.  There are a couple of books recommended there - Pitcairn and Strombeck, I think.

http://itchmoforums.com/making-your-own-pet-food-and-home-remedies-b62.0/

Welcome, bear!  Hope you find something good to feed your pack 'o goldies.  Sounds like your son is one of the many that will be hurt by this.  All for the want of a little effort to keep the place vermin-free.


Karen, before you get the pet food at Walmart - check out Trudy's latest thread!  She saw them pulling occupied mouse nests out of a sofa IN the store! 

In an email from PetCo dated today:

"The inspection reports identified pests and instances where mice had opened packages of pet food.

Since the May inspection, we have acted aggressively to address every concern raised by the FDA.  As a result of the observations raised during these past inspections, authorities today issued an action that places a hold on the receipt or distribution of food products from our Joliet facility."

Isnt Petco one of the parties named in that Florida lawsuit?  Betcha C MacIvor was pleased at the "assistance" they provided her....