Response to Comments Regarding Iams (Animal Testing and Food Quality)
Wednesday, September 16, 2009 at 2:02pm
We have read all of your comments regarding Iams and take your feedback very seriously. Because of your expressed concern, we had discussions with Iams and Procter & Gamble (Iams' parent company) representatives, and we decided to look into, again, the quality of Iams food and their humane treatment of animals. We truly appreciate it when people voice their opinions an d strive to learn more about issues that are important to them.
We take great care in what we feed the animals during their time at the shelter, and made the decision to work with Iams after many meetings, discussions and extensive research (including an inspection of the Iams facility in Dayton, Ohio). Currently, Iams donates food for all of the cats and dogs in our care, which lifts a major expense from our shoulders.
On Animal Testing at Iams
At the time we were switching our food suppliers, we sent our Executive Director, Vicki Burns, to Dayton, Ohio to conduct an audit inside one of the facilities where “animal testing” took place. Vicki thoroughly investigated the premises and reported to our Board of Directors that Iams was a safe and humane place for animals.
The types of “animal testing” done by Iams are actually feeding studies and are the same kind of studies a human would volunteer to join (i.e. urine, feces, blood and immune cell analysis, allergy tests and skin and muscle biopsies.) The tests are conducted within the strict guidelines of a detailed, industry-leading animal studies policy. Most of the animals that participate in these studies, complete them from their own home, with their owners collecting the data.
All of Iam's practices are conducted with the help of an independent International Animal Care Advisory board that includes some of the world's leading experts on animal care, welfare and ethics including a representative from the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA).
The following major animal organizations from around the world have all deemed Iams a humane company that produces healthy and safe products:
- The Kennel Club (UK)
- American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA)
- American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA)
- American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA)
- The Animal Medical Center (AMC)
- The American Kennel Club (AKC)
- Canine Companions for Independence (CCT)
- National Animal Interest Alliance (NAIA)
- Humane Society of the United States (HSUS)
- Canadian Federation of Humane Societies
All of this information and more can be found at
Animal Care, pet food, and pet products from IAMS.
On the Quality of Iams Products
Iams is classified as a premium product, while specialized brands such as Eukanuba are qualified as super-premiums. The company follows a strict 19-point Quality Assurance program that covers everything from laboratory testing of materials, cleanliness of production facilities and handling of finished products. The program is one that includes some of the strictest food and safety standards in the business; it exceeds both USDA and Food and Drug Administration standards.
Iams has a core team of experienced veterinarians that are constantly working on improving the existing products. Iams food and procedures are also regularly reviewed by independent bodies such as the American Institute of Baking, a certification authority in the human food industry.
Just because they have grown to become a large company that offers affordable products does not mean they have low quality products. They do not change formulas when opportunities for cheaper ingredients arise and are constantly working towards making improvements to their products.
The food we give our animals has been approved by The WHS Director of Animal Health and has never caused any general health concerns for the animals in our care.
On P&G's Animal Testing Methods
While P&G does perform tests on animals, the company works very closely with The Humane Society of the United States, an organization that holds very high standards in area of animal welfare. The two organizations have worked closely together in contributing to the advancement of viable alternatives to animal testing.
Currently it is required by law to use animal research to ensure the safety of certain products. Today, government authorities still consider animal tests to be the most appropriate way to determine the safety and effectiveness of these products before human exposure. P&G only ever test on animals as a last resort, if it is required by law. They only involve the minimum number of animals necessary for their work and are constantly moving toward their goal of the reduction, refinement and replacement of animal research.
While it is not ideal to ever have to test on animals, the company has invested almost $200 million towards alternatives to animal research and have developed more than 50 proven alternatives such as computer models, in vitro cell culture tests, advanced chemistry methods and human clinical studies.
While we don't agree with animal testing, we know that progress is being made towards its eventual elimination, which is definitely a cause worth supporting.
This information and more can be found at
PG.com Sustainability: environmental issues, supply chain.