March 8, 2010

FDA warns feed firms violating BSE controls

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) had sent warning letters to three feed companies that have not abide by federal regulations that aim to prevent BSE or mad cow disease.

Animal feed products by Rangen Inc. were found to be adulterated. FDA''s investigation determined that the adulteration resulted from the company''s failure to provide measures to avoid commingling or cross-contamination. The adulterated feed was subsequently misbranded because it was not properly labelled, said FDA''s Seattle District Director Charles Breen.

Rangen had failed to use cleanout procedures to prevent carryover of product that contain or may contain proteins derived from animal tissues into animal feed. Other issues include mink feed not labelled "Do not feed to cattle or other ruminants" and auger trucks were not cleaned effectively.

Idaho-based Rangen Inc. provides animal feed for dairy and beef cattle, sheep, swine, poultry, pets and horses. Its distribution network covers Idaho, Nevada, Utah, Wyoming, Colorado, Montana, Washington, California, and Oregon.

Crestview Calves Inc. was also warned over a calf it sold on August 14, 2009. The calf was found to have unacceptable levels of gentamicin sulfate, which FDA has zero tolerance level for. FDA investigation found Crestview is not using the new animal drug as directed by the veterinarian''s prescription.

Ohio-based Stardust Dairy received a similar letter. The only difference was the cow it sold on April 20, 2009 was found to have a higher than tolerated level of the animal drug flunixin, which is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug more properly used to treat horses.