DENNIS J.. KUCINICH RANKING MEMBER SIIBCOMMITTEE ON AFFAIRS STIMULUS OvERsIo1-rr AND 3 . 2445 RAYEURN HOUSE OFFICE BUILDING PENDING WASHINGTON, DC. 20515 COMMITTEE ON OVERSIGHT AND (202) 225-5871 GOVERNMENT REFORM 4 nf the Hlilfl?fl Qtatca I 14400 DETROIT AVENUE ON EDIICAIION AND TIIE LAKEWDOD, OHIO 44101 henna nf Bnpreanutaiiuca 216 228-S850 - - PARMATOWN MALL. 7904 DAY DRIVE PARMA, OH 44129 (440) 845-270? February 3, 2012 Margaret A. Hamburg, MD. Commissioner U.S. Food and Drug Administration 10903 New Hampshire Avenue Silver Spring, Maryland 20903-105 8' Dear Commissioner Hamburg: 1' I am concerned about recent reports of illness and death of dogs following ingestion of "Waggin Train" and other chicken jerky products. In September 2007, the U.S. Food and Drug_Administration (FDA) issued a warning to I consumers of possible health dangers of feeding "Waggin' Train" and other chicken jerky products imported from China to their dogs. The FDA reissued this warning in November 2011 following what it describes as "an increase in the number of complaints it received of dog illnesses associated with consumption of chicken jerky products imported from China. .reported to FDA by dog owners and veterinarians." Specifically, the is advising consumers who choose to feed their dogs chicken jerky products to watch their dogs closely for any or all ofthe following si gis that may oc-cur within hours to days of feeding the products: decreased appetite; decreased activity; vomiting; diarrhea, sometimes with blood; increased water consumption and!or increased urination. If the dog shows any of these si mis, stop feedi.ng the chicken jerky product. Owners should consult their veterinarian if signs are severe or persist for more than 24 hours. Blood tests may indicate kidney failure (increased. urea nitrogen and creatinine). Urine tests may indicate Fanconi (increased glucose). Although most dogs appear to recover, some reports to the FDA have involved dogs that have died." Despite an increase in consumer complaints and specific reported illnesses associated with constmiption; "scientists have not been able. to determine a definitive cause for the reported illnesses." The FDA must not wait to issue a voluntary recall until it is able to definitively identify a causal agent. The FDA has clearly established an association between consumption of the chicken jerky and illness and death.. It is simply not feasible to expect every do owner to be aware of a modestly publicized warning- from the FDA. I (23 1l I am requesting a detailed brieiing on the status of FDA's investigation and the infomation that is considered to be necessary to proceed to a voluntary recall. The brieiing should. cover in considerable scientific detail the scope of potential biological and chemical contaminants for which testing has been conducted, the raw data from such testing with an accompanying summary, methodological protocols, and any other supporting qualitative and quantitative data. I look forward to hearing from you. Dennis J. Kucinich Member of Congress