Can Pet Food Companies Keep Handling Information Confidential?

[Beryl]

Timberwolf Organics has reportedly stated that they cannot disclose where their foods are manufactured. Their refusal is unsubstantiated internet rumor so I inquired for myself via email. Since I was a customer (note the past tense), feel that they may disclose directly to me. In my email, I reminded them that they can verify that I am a customer via my email information. (They can even call me if they desire.)

Over the weekend, I became bothered by the idea that some companies are keeping this information secret. I firmly believe that no company that supplies products that can be used topically or internally by humans or animals has a right to keep manufacturing and packaging information as confidential. A consumer has a right to know both ingredients and handling information prior to purchasing.

I've decided that if Timberwolf refuses to disclose, I will
1. Request a refund for my nearly full bag of food and shipping costs to return it to them.
2. No longer do business with them. I strongly feel that if a company hides that kind of information, they can be hiding other important information.
3. Inform consumer advocate groups.

Even though Innova products were not affected by the recent recall, they disclosed that they have used Menu Foods to handle some of their products. I respect the fact that they disclosed and would use Evo more quickly than I would Timberwolf Organics -- given my current knowledge.

[calgal]

Scary isn't it!!! Have you ever tried to get "any" of the dog food manufacturers to give a tour of the plant so your "group" can see exactly how it's made and what it's made from? That is a BIG joke. They wont even tell you were the plants are. Yes, it's all a big secret, and not government regulated because the government is making big money off of them. Smell fishy? You bet!!!

[Beryl]

I received the form letter response back from Timberwolf:

Date: Monday, March 26 2007 10:01 AM
Subject: Regarding Your Recent Email to Timberwolf Organics
Thanks for your question!

We at Timberwolf Organics understand that this is a very stressful time for consumers, as there is lots of information concerning the recall going around. I would like to start by saying that we are NOT affected by the Menu Foods recall.

Our products are produced in a high end facility which has a long history in the manufacturing of high quality feeds for companion animals. It has earned itself a reputation for producing some other well known natural pet foods in the industry, however this information is proprietary in nature and we are therefore unable to release this information.

Beforeany product enters our facility, before any truck is unloaded, inspection is made and random samples are taken. These samples are then taken to the facilities laboratory for screening, testing and analysis. The range of tests will also include proximate, aflatoxins, vomitoxins, peroxide values, microbial, temperature amongst others.

Our facility also has regular inspections by the USDA and APHIS. The plant is a member of the Pet Food Institute and as such is continuously updated on all regulation changes and is notified immediately of any outbreaks which would affect production so that any precautions or stoppages could be made.

All poultry based meals and frozen poultry are supplied and received only only from facilities process poultry and no other meats. These facilities are USDA/APHIS approved facilities. The poultry included in our formulas are all hormone and steroid free and contain human grade chicken fed on real feed with no waste included.

Fish oils are received only from suppliers that are USDA/APHIS/NMFS approved. Our fish oils are naturally preserved by the supplier.

Our facility have built a close relationship with all their suppliers conducting long term research and development to be at the top of their profession and the industry. Between them they have years of experience with which they are able to bring to the table the finest in companion animal food production.

Chris Porch
Customer Support
Timberwolf Organics Inc.
P.407-802-7865
www.timberwolforganics.com

Unimpressed, I sent the following reply:

I appreciate receiving a response to my email.

However, your choice to keep the location of your product handling (manufacturing and packaging) "proprietary" is not acceptable. If your product was not one that is consumed topically or internally, I would be less concerned. However, since I need to be comfortable with the preparation and handling of foods, it is important that this information is made available.

I no longer have confidence in your product or your company due to your lack of full disclosure.

Please send a return label and refund the cost of one of the bags of food I recently purchased. I purchased 2 bags of food and have one left that I can return to you.

Thank you.

I'm done with Timberwolf Organics.

Fortunately for my little pack is that I don't feed much store bought food (kibble) anyway. I use kibble like I due rice/noodles in my food. It only covers the bottom of their bowls.

[bigdoglover]

Funny thing is, Purina gives anyone a tour of their plant,even holding dog events at the plant. They seem to be very open about their product and manufacturing.

[mrsgrubby]

hmmmmm, so the bags themselves dont' say where the food was manufactured?

What about if you call the number listed and ask where you are calling?

[Beryl]

The bag doesn't hae that kind of information -- only a P.O. Box. I haven't tried calling the number but you know that number could represent someone anywhere in the world. I can get a number in China via the internet.

Here is more food for thought:

1. What about the thousands of poor people who eat dog food? My mother (nurse for 40 years and also worked public health) told me that many seniors eat dog food to contain costs.

2. Since this food is unsafe for dogs what about the many children who are put at risk? Dog food needs to be kept out of reach of children since it can be poisonous.

[rmci]

I have a feeling, but I'm not positive, that there are many products that we humans consume where the manufacturers would say the same thing, that they do not have to disclose where the food was grown or manufactured.

[Beryl]

I don't think I can be any more polite but they still refuse to disclose.

Subject: Re: Cash Sale #XXXX from Timberwolf Organics, Inc. - PLEASE REFUND $10.49
Timberwolf Organics,
I received a call at my office regarding this matter. I returned the call and spoke to someone who referred to herself as "Liz". She did not disclose the manufacturing information required for me to keep your product.
A refund for the unused portion of this product is required unless I am made aware of where the food was manufactured.
She mentioned that I will hear from your legal representatives. This is appropriate as I will ensure your legal representative is in contact with mine. Please be aware that this action will require my compensation to be increased from the requested $10.49.

Thank you.
[Beryl]
----- Original Message -----
To: ashley.chaney@timberwolforganics.com
Cc: Customer Support <customer.support@timberwolforganics.com >
Date: Monday, April 2 2007 10:25 AM
Subject: Re: Cash Sale #XXXX from Timberwolf Organics, Inc. - PLEASE REFUND $10.49
Timberwolf Organics,
You refuse to disclose where you manufacture it. As a result, I can only assume that your food is manufactured at Menu Foods and subject to contamination.
I have one bag left of the attached order with about one cup of food eaten. I will no longer feed it to my dogs because I do not trust your foods anymore.
Please refund my money for the one bag. If you want the bag returned, send me an RMA number and shipping label.
Thank you.

What are they hiding?

[Beryl]

The good news for people who want to continue to use Timberwolf Organics is that they have put in writing that they "do not produce [their] Dry Product at Menu Foods". (See refund information below.)

I hated to be difficult about this but I strongly feel that consumers have a right to know where food is produced. I am not impressed with the "trust us, we have your best interests at heart" media-speak that a few companies have given us. If the company refuses to disclose, I feel that the consumer should have their money refunded.

Natura/Innova's candor and leadership is impressive and if I ever go back to commercial dog food (I doubt it), I will consider Evo again.

The issue remains though. Should companies be allowed to keep this kind of production location information "proprietary"?

You Have A Pending Payment!
Yukon Nutritional Company just sent you a payment with PayPal.
-----------------------------------
Payment Details
-----------------------------------
Amount: $10.49 USD
Subject: Refund from Timberwolf Organics
Note: Dear Valued Customer,
We have refunded $10.49 for the product you do not want even though we do not produce our Dry Product at Menu Foods. I hope you will continue using our products as we value your business.

[KennelMom]

I think companies should be allowed to keep their manufacturing process a secret if they so choose. They disclose ingredients and guarenteed analysis, as required by law. At the end of the day, the consumer has the choice as to whether or not to buy that product from that company.

There are things that consumers may want to know, but aren't entitled to because such things would be considered proprietary.

My personal opinion - I think a company would be crazy not to be screaming from the rooftops that they don't produce their foods at Menu facilities!

1. What about the thousands of poor people who eat dog food? My mother (nurse for 40 years and also worked public health) told me that many seniors eat dog food to contain costs.

Interesting you should bring this up, as it has long been an argument put forth by policital groups...

There has been one person made sick from contaminated dog food at Menu. It wasn't an old person who had to eat it b/c they can't afford human food. It was a lady trying to convince her DOG to eat the food, so she ate it to try to entice him.

I am not sure there is any evidence of the "thousands" of seniors who eat pet food to survive. Anecdotal evidence doesn't count.

[Beryl]

Originally Posted by KennelMom

I am not sure there is any evidence of the "thousands" of seniors who eat pet food to survive.

I'm not sure there is evidence of thousands of seniors who eat pet food to survive either. However, my statement referred to "many seniors" not "thousands of seniors". Poor seniors are only a subset of the "thousands of poor people" of which there is significant empirical evidence. Any search engine will provide links to validated research results, if required.

Also, a documentated account of one person who has been affected by the recall may be as representative of the total affected population of humans as the mere 15 animals who have reported to have died.