Milo’s Kitchen – manufactured by Big Heart Pet Brands and J.M. Smucker Co. – and Tyson Foods are being sued by California resident Susan Fitzpatrick, who claims both companies falsely advertise their pet treats as being made in the USA.
On January 11, 2016, Susan Fitzpatrick of Placer County, California, sued Milo’s Kitchen and Tyson Foods for violating California’s Unfair Competition Law and Consumer Legal Remedies Act by claiming their products are made in the USA when some ingredients are insourced to the county.
The ingredients in question in this lawsuit include amino acid packs, mineral packs, tapioca, and vitamin packs.
Smucker’s Head of Corporation Communication Maribeth Burns had this to say about the lawsuit:
“We will not be able to comment on the pending litigation. However, we are planning to vigorously defend the case. I can confirm there are no other similar cases pending.”
Tyson Foods Senior Director of Public Relations Gary Mickelson released the following statement concerning the lawsuit:
“We disagree with this lawsuit and will fight it. Our pet treats are made with meat and poultry produced right here in the United States. We meet all pet food safety rules and regulation of the Food & Drug Administration and Association of American Feed Control Officials. We are proud of our products and believe that labeling them as ‘Made in the USA’ is entirely consistent with applicable law.”
The Federal Trade Commission’s website spells out the rules on labeling products as ‘Made in the USA’ as follows:
“There’s no law that requires most other products [excluding automobile, fur, textile, and wool products] sold in the U.S. to be marked or labeled ‘Made in the USA’ or have any other disclosure about their amount of U.S. content.”
What are your thoughts? Should companies be able to label their products as ‘Made in the USA’ if they insource ingredients from other countries?
Let me know in the comments, and then share this story with your friends and family.
Remember, the best product for your pets is the one that makes them happy and healthy!
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