FDA halts Illinois pet-food firm's shipments

Washington

-- The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) ordered Illinois-based Evanger's Dog & Cat Food Co. to cease distribution after the agency determined the company was not in compliance with various food processing rules.

Deviations in Evanger's processes and documentation of its low-acid canned food products could result in the growth of botulism, according to an FDA media release.

However, Evanger's products have not been recalled.

"There has never been any detection of any bacteria in any of our products," according to an official company statement."As part of the FDA inspection, every can in our warehouse was inspected by the FDA for signs of bacterial contamination. The result: No contamination was found."

In April 2008, the FDA determined the company failed to meet the regulatory requirements to process a product that does not present a health risk. During follow-up inspections conducted between March 2009 and April 2009, the FDA determined Evanger's was not operating in compliance with agency permits.__

"The FDA is stopping Evanger's ability to ship pet food in interstate commerce," says Dr. Bernadette Dunham, an FDA spokeswoman. "Today's enforcement action sends a strong message to manufacturers of pet food that we will take whatever action necessary to keep unsafe products from reaching consumers. In order for Evanger's to resume shipping in interstate commerce, the company must document that corrective actions and processing procedures have been implemented to ensure that the finished product will not present a health hazard."

"Evanger's and its Process Authority believe the processes filed with FDA cover all its products, though FDA appears to disagree," the company states. "The management of Evanger's is working closely with the FDA and our Process Authority to resolve this matter quickly."

All Evanger's products currently on store shelves remain safe, according to the company.