- 14 Mar 2002
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Dog and cat owners, beware! We feed our dogs only with fresh food, deep-frozen meat, boiled broccoli and carrots, along with nattou, which they love. We avoid dry food.
An overwhelming majority of dog and cat food sold in Japan contains toxic per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), according to a recent study analysing 100 products. The research was conducted by a team led by Nomiyama Kei, associate professor of environmental chemistry at Ehime University. It marks the first large-scale, systematic investigation of pet food. The findings were published in the academic journal Environmental Pollution.
PFAS persist in the body and tend to accumulate over time. Exposure has been linked to liver dysfunction, weakened immune response and cancer. The researchers said further work is needed to clarify how these substances build up in animals and to develop standards for assessing health risks. The team examined 100 widely distributed products in Japan, including 48 dog foods and 52 cat foods. Samples were analysed using mass spectrometry capable of measuring trace levels of chemical compounds. Researchers screened for 34 PFAS types. At least one compound was detected in 92 products, while eight items fell below the detection limit.
Products listing fish as the main ingredient generally showed higher PFAS concentrations than those based on meat. The highest level was found in a dry cat food made in China, which contained 16 nanograms per gram. The product used whole small fish. Earlier studies indicate that PFAS accumulate more readily in fish organs such as the liver and kidneys than in muscle tissue, suggesting that consuming whole fish may increase health risks. The researchers also warned that contamination could spread and intensify through the marine food chain.
Widespread PFAS contamination in pet food: Dietary sources and health risks to companion animals
An overwhelming majority of dog and cat food sold in Japan contains toxic per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), according to a recent study analysing 100 products. The research was conducted by a team led by Nomiyama Kei, associate professor of environmental chemistry at Ehime University. It marks the first large-scale, systematic investigation of pet food. The findings were published in the academic journal Environmental Pollution.
PFAS persist in the body and tend to accumulate over time. Exposure has been linked to liver dysfunction, weakened immune response and cancer. The researchers said further work is needed to clarify how these substances build up in animals and to develop standards for assessing health risks. The team examined 100 widely distributed products in Japan, including 48 dog foods and 52 cat foods. Samples were analysed using mass spectrometry capable of measuring trace levels of chemical compounds. Researchers screened for 34 PFAS types. At least one compound was detected in 92 products, while eight items fell below the detection limit.
Products listing fish as the main ingredient generally showed higher PFAS concentrations than those based on meat. The highest level was found in a dry cat food made in China, which contained 16 nanograms per gram. The product used whole small fish. Earlier studies indicate that PFAS accumulate more readily in fish organs such as the liver and kidneys than in muscle tissue, suggesting that consuming whole fish may increase health risks. The researchers also warned that contamination could spread and intensify through the marine food chain.
Wide range of dog and cat food in Japan found to contain toxic PFAS: research - The Mainichi
MATSUYAMA -- An overwhelming majority of 100 dog and cat foods distributed in Japan and analyzed in a recent study were found to contain toxic per- an
Widespread PFAS contamination in pet food: Dietary sources and health risks to companion animals