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USDA and FDA Trace Melamine to Poultry Feed

USDA and the Food and Drug Administration have learned that byproducts from pet food manufactured with contaminated wheat gluten imported from China have been used in chicken feed on some farms in the state of Indiana. This information came to light as part of the continuing investigation into imported rice protein concentrate and wheat gluten that have been found to contain melamine and melamine-related compounds.

So far, the investigation shows about 30 broiler and eight breeder poultry farms in the state received the contaminated feed in February, then fed it within days of receiving it. All of the broilers believed to have eaten the feed have since been processed.

FDA and USDA believe the likelihood of illness after eating chicken fed the contaminated product is very low, and no recall is being issued. However, USDA is no allowing products derived from poultry that ate contaminated feed to enter the food supply, and is offering to compensate producers who euthanize this poultry.

For additional information visit FDA.gov - www.fda.gov/oc/opacom/hottopics/petfood.html