Melamine in Petfood: Thanks, China

Here's the text of a letter I sent to the President, both my Senators, and my Representative:

Congress needs to investigate how melamine and/or rat poison could contaminate so many brands of pet food without detection. It seems obvious that there is not enough inspection requirements or the FDA failed in their responsibilities. The result is much heartbreak for many families, especially young children.

It is my understanding the toxic materials were in wheat gluten imported from China. China and many other countries do not have the same agricultural safety regulations regarding fertilizers and other chemicals applied to food products. U.S. farmers must follow much more stringent rules. Current trade policies hurt our farmers financially by allowing cheaper agricultural products into our food supplies from growers who do not have to follow those rules. This is not only unfair to our farmers, but it is a hazard to American consumers, including our beloved pets. Food exporters should be required to follow our rules for food safety or be barred from shipping their products to the U.S.

Personally, I do not knowingly allow foreign-grown foods on my table. The problem is food processors do not have to label most foods with the countries of origin of the products in the food. Legislation should require this. As a concerned consumer and cat owner, I want to know the sources of the food I bring into my home.