FDA Cracks Down on Hills Pet Nutrition

[Nancy1999]

Originally Posted by Britster

I agree. So many of the weight loss supplements out there scare the crap out of me!

You're wise to be scared by most, seriously, so many people have died from taking different suppliments for weight loss. The problem is, it takes too long to find out the danger to these things.

[ladyjane]

Originally Posted by Nancy1999

I know many people are going to read so much into this, but all you have to do is read the FDA letter, it states:

Some structure/function claims, however, imply that the product has an impact on disease. Although a food may make claims that refer to the product’s ability to maintain healthy structure or function, structure/function claims that imply the product is intended to diagnose, cure, mitigate, treat, or prevent disease are classified as “disease claims” and the product for which the claims are made is regulated as a drug.[2] FDA evaluates the context in which a structure/function claim is made to determine whether it is a disease claim. See 21 C.F.R. §101.93(g).[3]

So it's only because they used the word "arthritis" which is a disease.

Originally Posted by 107barney

Exactly Nancy. It really is about reading comprehension.

Originally Posted by Nancy1999

The problem is many people will think it's a huge deal, there will be so many people who interrupt that as Hills is doing something really wrong, and that doesn't appear to be the case. People will see the word "WARNING" and that's about all. It's so sad when people are scared to buy a food because of all the propaganda posted on the Web. I can understand posting a food recall, but it might be best to explain what the FDA warning means.

This is not a big deal at all but so many people will read it as such, especially when people comment that the FDA is "cracking down" on Hill's. Hill's spends more money doing testing than any other company and it is so tiring to see the bashing that goes on. I for one feed most of my pups Hill's products and they are all doing very well. I do have some on other RX diets. I have the utmost confidence in Hill's and have no fears about possible recalls that I fear will be coming again in the future because there are way too many small companies jumping on the "holistic" bandwagon.

[Britster]

Where was anyone bashing Hill's in this thread?

Such a double standard.... when FDA sends some kind of letter to one of the more so called 'holistic' companies, the SD bandwagon hops on it. But when something not-even-bad is posted about Hill's, it's not allowed?? If I would have shared this info about another company, either nobody would have replied or would have just said thanks for sharing.

It's an FDA warning, that's it! Thought it was worth sharing just like everybody else shares stuff like this. There was also recently some sort of recall issue with Iams, it was posted... I believe one person replied to it.

The Hills bandwagon is just as annoying as the holistic bandwagon... it's so ridiculous.

[ladyjane]

Originally Posted by Britster

Where was anyone bashing Hill's in this thread?

Such a double standard.... when FDA sends some kind of letter to one of the more so called 'holistic' companies, the SD bandwagon hops on it. But when something not-even-bad is posted about Hill's, it's not allowed?? If I would have shared this info about another company, either nobody would have replied or would have just said thanks for sharing.

It's an FDA warning, that's it! Thought it was worth sharing just like everybody else shares stuff like this. There was also recently some sort of recall issue with Iams, it was posted... I believe one person replied to it.

The Hills bandwagon is just as annoying as the holistic bandwagon... it's so ridiculous.

Not allowed? You can post anything you want; but if I think you have misread it or posted in a way that seems biased, I am going to comment on it. I would not exactly call it "cracking down on Hill's". I do know how you feel about their products and I do believe there was some kind of motive on your part in posting it especially when I read the title. *shrug" I am just happy to see that many clarified what the letter actually was saying.

[Britster]

Originally Posted by ladyjane

Not allowed? You can post anything you want; but if I think you have misread it or posted in a way that seems biased, I am going to comment on it. I would not exactly call it "cracking down on Hill's". I do know how you feel about their products and I do believe there was some kind of motive on your part in posting it especially when I read the title. *shrug" I am just happy to see that many clarified what the letter actually was saying.

I copied the thread title from the forum that I got it from! Sorry, I guess I have to watch how I title threads now too. I know I'm allowed to post anything I want, I was being sarcastic.

I don't have any personal vendetta against the company, I just don't prefer to feed it if I don't have to... as I posted before, I've posted recalls about all of the other "holistic" foods before. Foods that I HAVE fed and still posted concerns about them.

Just so ridiculous. Sorry my mind doesn't work that way, I don't have certain "motives" when posting things. I guess you do, you seem to know so much about it. If you'll look back at my past posts, I've always posted about new foods, new formulas, FDA warnings, recalls, that I happen upon and like to share. God forbid I post something about the almighty Hills! Then the brigade comes marching in. You clearly have a bias against me though so I'm not even going to worry about something so insignificant that it's laughable. I can't even believe the way this thread turned.

[Britster]

Please, I'd like you to point out any bashing that occurred in this thread? Because, unless I'm blind, I don't see it.

[ladyjane]

Originally Posted by Britster

I copied the thread title from the forum that I got it from! Sorry, I guess I have to watch how I title threads now too. I know I'm allowed to post anything I want, I was being sarcastic.

I don't have any personal vendetta against the company, I just don't prefer to feed it if I don't have to... as I posted before, I've posted recalls about all of the other "holistic" foods before. Foods that I HAVE fed and still posted concerns about them.

Just so ridiculous. Sorry my mind doesn't work that way, I don't have certain "motives" when posting things. If you'll look back at my past posts, I've always posted about new foods, new formulas, FDA warnings, recalls, that I happen upon and like to share. You clearly have a bias against me though so I'm not even going to worry about something so insignificant.

I know you were being sarcastic.

I have no bias against you personally. I just don't think you are as knowledgeable about nutrition as you think you are. No disrespect at all...just saying it as I see it. I don't need to go back and reread your posts...I know the general theme of them.

I too have posted about food companies and recalls.....I post what I see as dangerous to people's pups. Things like recalls for Salmonella.

I do think it is helpful to watch how we say things...You had to type that title in on your own. IMHO it was misleading.

I hate that some people will let their dogs get sick because they have read some misleading information about Hill's Science Diet RX foods and refuse to use tuem. I am on this forum to share what I know just as you are....and I will continue to do so...as will you. People do need to get a clear picture of things and when something looks to be posted incorrectly, it behooves us to correct it for the people who may come along and read it.

[Nancy1999]

Originally Posted by Britster

Where was anyone bashing Hill's in this thread?

Such a double standard.... when FDA sends some kind of letter to one of the more so called 'holistic' companies, the SD bandwagon hops on it. But when something not-even-bad is posted about Hill's, it's not allowed?? If I would have shared this info about another company, either nobody would have replied or would have just said thanks for sharing.

It's an FDA warning, that's it! Thought it was worth sharing just like everybody else shares stuff like this. There was also recently some sort of recall issue with Iams, it was posted... I believe one person replied to it.

The Hills bandwagon is just as annoying as the holistic bandwagon... it's so ridiculous.

Brit, since I responded to this thread more than anyone, I’m assuming you think I’m on the Hill’s bandwagon. Nothing could be further from the truth; I don’t know that much about the company, but I do know they were the first company that started offering food made for dogs instead of dog food that appealed to humans, so I guess I do have a little soft spot in my heart from them, but I’m definitely not biased toward them.

Your title interested me, it was a provocative title, and I think a little misleading. I didn’t think you had anything against Hills when you wrote it, but I thought maybe you just didn’t understand what the complaint said. Now though it does look like you have a beef against Hills, and anyone who writes in their defense. Even if I hated this company, my replies would have been the same, it not about the company, it’s about the complaint or warning and how serious it is and how will it affect our dogs.


I just want to be clear, nothing wrong with you posting this information, but without explaining what the warning is, you could cause people to think Hills is doing something dangerous. They take that information to other sites and so on and so on. As you've since said, you realize this warning was no big deal, but then you compare it with a recall, which is always a big deal.

[107barney]

Hill's brigade? Lol I don't even feed Hill's. I'm a home cooker currently using Royal Canin and Purina for convenience. It just seemed clear to me that you hadnt read the FDA letter or if you did you misunderstood it. No biggie.

[Britster]

Nope, I didn't misunderstand anything; as I did not make any comments on it in my initial post. Simply shared the FDA letter. Simple as that really. Copied/pasted from another forum. Just like I've done in the past with any other tidbit of info I happen upon when it comes to dog food/health/diet.

[ladyjane]

Hopefully others on that forum noted the same thing that many of us have. Not exactly a "crack down". Extremely misleading.

Honestly, when posting things from another forum it is always good to verify the information. I tell people that all of the time with the bogus emails that get forwarded all over the place. Boggles my mind that people naively believe whatever they see and spread misinformation all over the place.

[tem_sat]

"FDA has significant concerns about the promotion of other pet foods marketed by your firm. We strongly encourage you to contact Eric Nelson, Director of the Division of Compliance, at the FDA’s Center for Veterinary Medicine to arrange a meeting to discuss these concerns. It is your responsibility to ensure that all of your products are in compliance with the FD&C Act and its implementing regulations. Failure to promptly correct the violations specified above may result in enforcement action without further notice. Enforcement action may include seizure of violative products and/or injunction against the manufacturers and distributors of violative products.

You should notify this office, in writing, within fifteen (15) working days of the receipt of this letter of the steps you have taken to bring your firm into compliance with the law. Your response should include any documentation necessary to show that correction has been achieved. If corrective action cannot be completed within fifteen (15) working days, state the reason for the delay and the date by which the corrections will be completed. Include copies of any available documentation demonstrating that corrections have been made."

Call it a "crack down" or call it a "slap on the wrist". I certainly don't think anything posted was intended to be misleading. Hopefully some good will come of it and help the Hills consumer make an informed purchasing decision down the line.

[Ringo1]

Well, I got nothing against Hills or prescription diets in general ~ Lucy may need one some day.

BUT, my guess is Hills (or any other company) sure would like it if you bought more dog food because you thought it helped with arthritis; joint problems or whateve else they are advertising.

I think they were reaching a bit myself and deserved to be called out.

[Nancy1999]

Originally Posted by Ringo1

Well, I got nothing against Hills or prescription diets in general ~ Lucy may need one some day.

BUT, my guess is Hills (or any other company) sure would like it if you bought more dog food because you thought it helped with arthritis; joint problems or whateve else they are advertising.

I think they were reaching a bit myself and deserved to be called out.

No you misunderstand; Glucosamine & Chondroitin Sulfate have been shown to be effective for joint problems including arthritis. I notice a huge difference when I take it regularly and many people here give their dogs these supplements. I have been giving Joey these supplements for several years, hoping that his grade one LP would stay at grade one. So it's not because they said it helps with arteritis, and it doesn't, it's because you cannot mention a disease or your food will fall under the "drug" category. Foods aren't allowed to speak of helping with a disease. It's a technicality that has to do with labeling. However, the fact that some misunderstand this tells me we have a responsibility when we post certain things to make sure no one interprets it incorrectly.

[Jacksmom052709]

Regardless of whoever thinks this or that, people can simply read the posting the Britster put out there and come to their own conclusions. Brit - keep up the good work with informing people who may not see these articles/warning letters from the FDA or other sources you find.