Gov't steps up checks for salmonella in pet food

The COA's Department of Animal Industry said the department has been conducting regular inspections of pet food and has issued the results of its checks since 2004, when the Taiwanese distributor of Pedigree dog food was accused of failing to control the quality of its products made in Thailand, which caused kidney failure in dogs.

So far, all the brands checked have passed inspections, according to the department.

However, because aflatoxin, melamine and heavy metals pose a more serious health threat to pets than salmonella, the department has not actually carried out checks for that type of bacteria, the department admitted.

However, to assure pet owners, the department will use some of its aflatoxin-testing funds for carrying out salmonella testing, the department said.

The department urged pet owners not to touch pet food with their hands and to wash their hands immediately after feeding their pets.

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