Through a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request, we learned that in 2014 the FDA asked the industry trade association Pet Food Institute (PFI) for input on a video produced for pet food consumers. Association for Truth in Pet Food and TruthaboutPetFood.com was NOT asked to participate in the development of this video. Only industry was invited by FDA.
The document we received through FOIA request was apparently the third communication between PFI and FDA regarding the video. It appears that PFI suggested several previous edits that were accepted by FDA. Quoting the email from PFI to FDA: “PFI is appreciative of the effort to get the pet food video ‘right.’ The changes made in this latest version remove much of the language and imagery that were of concern in the previous versions.”
But, PFI wanted FDA to make even more changes to the consumer video. “PFI strongly urges FDA to re-record the audio track for two segments of the pet food video in order to replace statements that are alarmist and out of proportion to the risk posed by pet food.”
The changes PFI suggested to FDA…
FDA script:
“Most pet food is safe, but sometimes pet food and treats can become contaminated with bacteria that can make not only your pet sick, but you sick. Salmonella is perhaps one of the best known bacteria that may be found in pet food or on pet treats, but it is not the only one.”
PFI suggested edits:
“Pet food is designed to provide safe, healthful nutrition for your pet. When handling food for yourself, or your pets, you should practice good hygiene including washing hands, bowls and utensils.”
The Pet Food Institute’s suggested edits were to remove the mention of Salmonella and any mention of other potential bacteria that has historically been found in pet food.
Another suggested edit…
FDA script:
“Contamination by Salmonella and other types of bacteria may not be frequent, but it happens. On average, 60 pet food or treat products are recalled each year due to Salmonella contamination. Human Foodborne illness can be caused by contact with contaminated pet food or treats. In one recent outbreak, more than 20 cases of human illness were linked to dog food made at one plant and contaminated with Salmonella.”
PFI suggested edits:
“Pet food manufacturers are responsible for preventing bacteria from contaminating pet food and pet treats when they’re processed. Foodborne illness can be caused by contact with contaminated pet food or treats.”
PFI felt FDA’s facts regarding the average number of Salmonella recalls each year were “alarmist” and wanted FDA to remove any mention of actual human illnesses linked to pet food. Perhaps the PFI wanted this human illness fact removed because the pet food brand FDA is referring to is a PFI member; Diamond Pet Food. At the time, the CDC reported: “During February 1–May 31, 2012, a total of 22 cases (20 cases in 13 states, and two cases in Canada) of human infections with the outbreak strain were reported.”
And the FOIA documents show the PFI wanted FDA to completely remove this entire section of the script…
PFI suggested removal:
“Bacterial contamination is one potential problem with pet food, but there are others like contamination with chemicals or toxins or including too much or too little of certain ingredients during manufacturing. While these contaminants may not harm humans, they can present a serious risk to your pet.”
Again, the Pet Food Institute felt the FDA being factual with pet owners regarding various potential problems in pet food was “alarmist“. Or perhaps the PFI was concerned about another one of their members; in January 2013 Purina Waggin Train dog treats were recalled due to containing illegal antibiotic residues and were linked to many pet illnesses and deaths (along with other brands of jerky treats).
The good news is that FDA did NOT implement the PFI’s third suggested edits. None of the above edits were added or removed from the video. But…the FOIA request did not provide the PFI’s previous edit requests, thus we do not know how much influence the Pet Food Institute had over the FDA video.
Click Here to view the FDA video on YouTube.
Click Here to view the full FOIA request; included are multiple pages with PFI’s email and script with suggested edits.
And by the way…it took FDA five years to provide this FOIA request to us.
Susan Thixton
Pet Food Safety Advocate
Author Buyer Beware, Co-Author Dinner PAWsible
TruthaboutPetFood.com
Association for Truth in Pet Food
Become a member of our pet food consumer Association. Association for Truth in Pet Food is a a stakeholder organization representing the voice of pet food consumers at AAFCO and with FDA. Your membership helps representatives attend meetings and voice consumer concerns with regulatory authorities. Click Here to learn more.
What’s in Your Pet’s Food?
Is your dog or cat eating risk ingredients? Chinese imports? Petsumer Report tells the ‘rest of the story’ on over 5,000 cat foods, dog foods, and pet treats. 30 Day Satisfaction Guarantee. Click Here to preview Petsumer Report. www.PetsumerReport.com
Find Healthy Pet Foods in Your Area Click Here
The 2025 List
Susan’s List of trusted pet foods. Click Here to learn more.
The 2025/26 Treat List
Susan’s List of trusted pet treat manufacturers. Click Here to learn more.