STRICT NEW LAWS TO CRACK DOWN ON UNSAFE PET FOOD PROPOSED IN SOUTH AUSTRALIA
Source: 9News (Extract)
Posted: October 18, 2024
South Australia has proposed strict new laws to regulate the $6 billion pet food industry.
The legislation would require manufacturers to clearly list all ingredients in their products to safeguard pets from potentially harmful substances. Businesses that fail to comply could face hefty fines of up to $60,000.
Australia has existing standards for pet food manufacturing and marketing, but these are not legally enforceable, resulting in minimal consequences for those who violate them.
This push for stronger regulations has received support from Samantha Johnston, a former ferret breeder whose beloved animals suffered lead poisoning after consuming pet food containing sulfur dioxide, a commonly used preservative that was not disclosed. “My ferrets started seizing and dying very quickly, and in just 16 days, I lost 16 ferrets to lead poisoning,” she recounted.
Under the proposed laws, manufacturers will be legally obligated to explicitly state all ingredients, including preservatives, in their pet food products.
“We need to ensure that consumers and their pets are protected,” Independent MP Frank Pangallo said.
