Products made by the Bassar Pet Food company contain a toxic food additive that is killing dogs in Brazil, according to a recent statement from the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, and Supply (MAPA).
Another report from the Civil Police of Minas Gerais says nine dogs died after eating Bassar brand dog snacks. The contaminated products were found in the company’s Dental Care and Everyday product lines, reports the Business & Human Rights Resource Centre.
A Costly Mistake
The statements come on the heels of a recent MAPA investigation. In that investigation, officials found two batches of propylene glycol, a permitted additive, contaminated with ethylene glycol — commonly used in antifreeze. The products came from Tecno Clean Industrial. Unknowingly, Bassar used them to make the treats linked to the recent deaths.
Ethylene glycol is highly toxic and attractive to dogs because of its sweet taste. A preliminary report from a university in Minas Gerais explains how the substance attacks the central nervous system, ultimately causing kidney failure and death.
As a result, MAPA issued a stop to all operations at the Bassar plant in Sao Paulo. Additionally, the agency ordered a total recall of the company’s food products.
So far, the company is complying with the stop order and the recall. Furthermore, a third-party specialist was brought in by Bassar to inspect all processes, raw materials, and machinery. The company states it has never intentionally used ethylene glycol or any other toxic food additive in any of its products. Additionally, Bassar says it always sources from reputable suppliers.
The Goal Is Containment
Authorities gathered product samples to certify safety and compliance with all regulations. Even as Bassar recently completed its annual MAPA inspection, the company says it continues to collaborate with all investigations. As of now, experts say the goal is to find the point of contamination.
