In the article “Banned in Human Foods, yet Still Allowed in Your Pet's Food,” the deceptive marketing and sale of certain cat foods by Nestlé Purina PetCare are called out by two companies who have filed a lawsuit. The plaintiffs, GMO Free USA and Clean Label Project, allege that lab tests have revealed the presence of glyphosate and ethoxyquin, an artificial preservative, in Purina cat foods that are labeled as “natural” and “with no artificial preservatives.” The article highlights the concerns surrounding these additives and their potential adverse effects on pets' health. Additionally, the history and dangers of ethoxyquin toxicity are discussed, including first-hand accounts from individuals who have witnessed the harm caused by this synthetic antioxidant. The article offers insights on how to avoid pet foods containing ethoxyquin and emphasizes the importance of transparency and control over the ingredients in your pets' diet.
Background
Recently, two companies filed a lawsuit against Nestlé Purina PetCare for deceptive marketing and sale of cat foods labeled “natural” and “with no artificial preservatives.” The plaintiffs, GMO Free USA (doing business as Toxin Free USA) and Clean Label Project, charge that lab tests reveal that certain Purina cat foods contain both glyphosate and ethoxyquin, an artificial preservative.
The plaintiffs allege that Purina is exploiting pet owner preference for pet foods marketed as “natural”, which consumers assume describes products free of pesticides and artificial ingredients. According to Toxin Free USA executive director, Diana Reeves, chronic illness has been on the rise, not only in humans but also in our pets. She believes that Purina must be held accountable for misleading marketing practices. Clean Label Project executive director, Jaclyn Bowen, adds that there is a disconnect between the marketing and the actual contents of pet food products, and consumers have a right to know the true contents of the food they buy for their pets.
Studies have linked glyphosate, found in Bayer-Monsanto's weedkiller Roundup, to cancer, liver and kidney disease, and other adverse health conditions. Currently, there are an estimated 125,000 pending lawsuits against Bayer-Monsanto alleging Roundup caused non-Hodgkin lymphoma in plaintiffs. Monsanto also developed ethoxyquin back in the 1950s for use as a pesticide. Ethoxyquin is currently used as a preservative in some ultra-processed pet foods to prevent rancidity in fats and fat-soluble vitamins. Studies show that ethoxyquin can have adverse effects on the liver and toxic effects on both living cells and genetic material.
Glyphosate and Ethoxyquin
Glyphosate, the active ingredient in Roundup, has been linked to cancer and other health conditions. The presence of glyphosate in pet food raises concerns about the potential health risks associated with its consumption by pets. Ethoxyquin, developed as a pesticide in the 1950s, is commonly used as a preservative in certain pet foods. However, studies have shown that it can have adverse effects on the liver and genetic material. Both glyphosate and ethoxyquin have toxic effects on living cells.
While there have been studies on the health risks associated with glyphosate and ethoxyquin, there is still limited information available about their cumulative effects and the effects on certain populations. This lack of comprehensive research raises concerns about the long-term impact of these substances on pets' health.
First-Hand Accounts of Ethoxyquin Toxicity in Pets
There have been personal accounts of pets experiencing ethoxyquin-related health issues. One individual shared their experience of ethoxyquin poisoning in their Rottweiler, Gemini. After consuming food containing ethoxyquin, Gemini went into liver failure. This experience led the individual to switch to a homemade diet for their dog, as they were determined to provide clean and healthy food for their pet.
Another pet owner, Susan Thixton, shared her experience with a dog developing bone cancer, which she believes was caused by ethoxyquin in the pet food she was feeding. This personal experience highlights the potential risks associated with the use of ethoxyquin as a preservative in pet food.
These first-hand accounts underscore the importance of consumer awareness and the need for pet owners to make informed decisions about the food they provide for their pets.
Ethoxyquin in Pet Food
A white paper published by the plaintiffs in the lawsuit against Purina titled “Ethoxyquin: Is there something fishy about your pet food?” provides a detailed history of ethoxyquin and its use in pet food. The paper discusses the link between ethoxyquin and chronic degenerative diseases and compares the American and Australian pet diets.
According to the white paper, a veterinarian with 30 years of experience wrote a letter to the FDA Division of Animal Feeds in 1992, highlighting the epidemic of chronic degenerative diseases observed during her tenure. The letter also pointed out the differences in the health of American and Australian pets, with Australian pets still being largely fed fresh meat compared to the American pet diet that had largely transitioned to commercial kibble and canned food.
The white paper also raises concerns about outdated studies and erroneous conclusions made about ethoxyquin. These concerns emphasize the importance of sourcing and supply chain transparency in pet food manufacturing.
How to Avoid Pet Foods Containing Ethoxyquin
Ethoxyquin is banned for use in human food, except in very small quantities allowed as preservatives in spices. However, it can pass from animal feed to farmed fish, poultry, and eggs, which means humans can still be exposed to ethoxyquin.
The challenge for pet owners is determining whether ethoxyquin is present in their pet's food, as it is rarely listed on pet food labels. Ethoxyquin is added before the raw ingredients are shipped to pet food manufacturers, so it is not required to be listed or disclosed on the product label. Fish meal and poultry meal are likely to contain ethoxyquin, and industry insiders have shared that additional ingredients, such as chicken and beef meals, and rendered animal fat, are sometimes preserved with ethoxyquin.
To avoid pet foods containing ethoxyquin, it is recommended to ask the pet food company directly about the presence of ethoxyquin in their products. Fresh pet food companies focusing on transparency are emerging in the market, making it easier for pet owners to choose options free from synthetic additives. Another option for pet owners who want ultimate control over their pet's diet is to prepare homemade meals using fresh, whole ingredients.
Conclusion
Consumer awareness is crucial when it comes to the ingredients and potential risks associated with pet foods. The lawsuit against Purina highlights the need for stricter regulations and transparency in the pet food industry. The presence of substances like glyphosate and ethoxyquin in pet foods raises concerns about the health risks they pose to pets. Homemade and fresh pet food options provide an alternative that allows pet owners to have more control over the ingredients and sourcing, potentially reducing the risks associated with artificial preservatives.
By being informed and making conscious choices, pet owners can prioritize their pets' health and well-being when it comes to their diet.
Sources
- Dogs Naturally, May 7, 2020
- Mercola comments
