Jan 5, 2009

Taiwan: Tainted feed kills 300 dogs

Tainted food blamed for deaths of 300 dogs in Taiwan

 

Source of Article:  http://www.straitstimes.com/Breaking%2BNews/Asia/Story/STIStory_322219.html

 

TAIPEI - AGRICULTURAL authorities in Taiwan have ordered a local firm to destroy 30 tonnes of contaminated dog feed after it was suspected to have killed more than 300 stray dogs, an official said on Monday.

Ji-Tai Forage Company imported 1,500 tonnes of corn from Pakistan in November, of which 50 tonnes were used to make dog feed and 1,450 tonnes to make pig feed.

The deaths of hundreds of stray dogs at two shelters in northern Taipei county late last year prompted the Council of Agriculture to investigate.

'We're almost certain that the polluted feed caused the deaths of the more than 300 stray dogs found dead,' said Mr Hsu Tien-lai, chief of the council's Department of Animal Industry.

Samples taken from the dog food showed it contained up to 150 ppb (parts per billion) of aflatoxin, a chemical produced by a fungus, which causes severe liver damage in animals, he said.

International allowable levels of aflatoxin for dogs stand at around 20 ppb.

Around 30 tonnes of the tainted dog feed were retrieved and destroyed but 20 tonnes, and 1,450 tonnes of pig feed, have been consumed.

Allowable levels of aflatoxin for pig feed are 200 ppb.

The council said it would step up its tests of corn imports from Pakistan to prevent any recurrence. -- AFP

 

 

Main Page

setstats            Copyright (C) All rights reserved under FoodHACCP.com

            If you have any comments, please  send your email to info@foodhaccp.com