Tests Reveal Potential Contraventions of EU Legislation

12th Jun 2009

Campaign for Superior Quality Nutrition

 

 

 

Tests Reveal Potential Contraventions of EU Legislation

A series of benchmark tests undertaken by Supreme Petfoods have highlighted significant problems with the on pack declarations and contents of some leading brands of small animal pet food.  The tests were conducted as part of Supreme Petfoods quality measurement and management process.  While the samples of Supreme Petfoods measured up to appropriate requirements in the main, a considerable number of other samples raised concerns as to  production standards, and showed an inaccuracy of statutory declarations of the contents of certain products.

 

The benchmark study, undertaken by Campden BRI on behalf of Supreme Petfoods, aimed to validate product specifications and declarations; validate nutritional claims for marketing purposes and to compare Supreme Petfoods’ quality standards against its competitors.  The tests on several of the non-Supreme samples found:

§         Evidence of trace DNA contamination indicating some presence of meat by-products in the process of manufacturing rabbit foods.

§         Incorrect Fibre declarations that were misleading and, while being legal, were consistently at the lower end of the allowed tolerances.  Plus one sample which contained 14.9% fibre against a declaration of 22% apparently contravening the regulations.

§         Issues regarding high sugar levels which are not required to be declared under current rules.

 

Supreme Petfoods are concerned by these results because:  a) in their opinion meat in rabbit food is unacceptable, b) on pack fibre declarations may mislead owners causing them to unwittingly feed their pets insufficient fibre and c) lack of on pack clarity over sugar may contribute over-eating by the pet, a potential key driver of obesity.

 

Chris Childs, Managing Director of Supreme Petfood, commented. “The results greatly concerned us.  We were shocked to find food that is marketed for rabbits – ie: herbivores – had traces of mammalian and avian DNA in it.  In my opinion, this can only be compared to vegetarian food being contaminated with meat. This was our main concern amongst many other issues revealed.”

 

The tests were undertaken by two respected independent laboratories. Based on the Campden regulatory review and Supreme Petfoods’s own technical review, Supreme has decided to submit the results to DEFRA and the Trading Standards Authority for their information.  Regulations in this area are complex, so having meat contamination in rabbit food may not even be breaking any rules.  However, Supreme itself feels and believes it is likely that consumers will feel that meat contamination is totally unacceptable.

 

So unacceptable, in fact, that Supreme Petfoods (which operates a meat-free manufacturing process) is calling for a complete overhaul of the rules and regulations which apply to pet food for small companion animals.  It has launched a discussion document called ‘The Case for Quality’ in which it gives further evidence of how the benchmarking tests have illustrated some serious causes of concern. 

 

Supreme Petfoods is questioning the adequacy of current legislation and its enforcement in the small animal pet food market.  It is leading the debate for a complete overhaul of the existing situation and suggesting that a quality scheme be introduced that is properly accredited.  This scheme should be aimed specifically at pet food for small companion animals and should contain strict conditions for the production, packaging and marketing of food for herbivores.

 

Chris Childs concluded.  “After bankers and MPs we didn’t want to be the latest industry to be accused of unacceptable trading and cover ups.  So we are taking a complete report of our findings to all the key organisations, policy makers and relevant bodies relating to small pets and asking for their input on how standards can be improved, imposed and maintained.  There will be considerable upset over the results of our findings, especially given the problems lie with non-Supreme products.  We do expect to be extremely unpopular with our competitors for having publicised the situation.  But we challenge any potential detractors to explain, having discovered these findings, what the alternative course of action could have been?  It is only right that consumers know that these serious problems have been identified and steps are immediately being taken to rectify them.”

 

Ends

Click here for a copy of the summary test report.
For further commentary, please contact:  Bobbi Davy/Phil Russell or Jamie Douglass on 0207 689 5155 or email supreme@clear-group.co.uk.

 

Note for Editors

Supreme Petfoods is the original manufacturer to specialise in food aimed specifically at small pets.  Its Russel Rabbit Original has dominated the market since introduction in 1991 and is now supported by specialist ranges for Mature and Junior Rabbits, Guinea Pigs, Hamsters, Ferrets, Rats, Mice, Chinchillas & Degus.  Other species specific lines include Science Selective, a mono-component food aimed at combating selective feeding. 

 

Tests referred to were undertaken by Eclipse Scientific Group and Campden BRI.