Recently, a plethora of public records has come to light showcasing the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) deceptive and misleading stances on the subject of raw pet food and Avian Flu risks. The officials seem to downplay the significant risks associated with these issues, causing concern among pet owners and advocacy groups alike. This article delves into the exposed facts, acts as a watchdog for consumer protection, and investigates the buried evidence.
The recent release of public records has sparked a heated debate on the potential dangers of raw pet food and the USDA’s alleged efforts to downplay these threats. Although many owners choose raw diets for their benefits, there are worries about food-safe handling and risk of contamination. As cases of Avian Flu rise, raw pet food can be susceptible to transmitting the disease to humans, emphasizing the need for transparency and honesty concerning its risks.
Several internal communication and documents from the USDA illustrate officials’ attempts to reassure pet owners that raw diets are safe and negate any concerns about significance in spreading diseases like Avian Flu. One of the documented emails said that “emphasizing the safety and benefits of raw diets allows consumers to purchase our products without concern.” Their reluctance to inform the public about potential risks could be rooted in protecting financial interests and avoiding the negative impact on the raw pet food industry.
Public records expose an email exchange between a USDA representative and a pet food manufacturer, discussing the need to avoid alarming pet owners about potential harm from raw pet food and Avian Flu. The USDA official warns that stressing the risks could lead consumers to avoid raw pet food, thus damaging the industry. This email chain showcases apparent attempts at covering up and minimizing the dangers posed by raw pet food, ultimately compromising pet owner’s decisions and safety.