Much of today has been spent re-connecting with existing customers and attempting to connect with some target retailers in states where we have thin representation. Almost none of the store owners I've called this week attended the big industry trade show, Global Pet Expo.I'm heading down this path of identifying questionable claims to help give retailers and consumers the tools to verify they are getting what they are paying for.
Let's start with Salmon Oil. In future posts I'll go into more detail about the nature of salmon processing, questions of sustainability and purity along with issues relating to country of origin.
A quick look at one vendor, Naturvet, reveals a great deal of what frustrates every day.
You'll notice this product is clearly declaring that is made from Wild Icelandic Salmon. The problem is that there is no commercial fishery, in Iceland, for Wild Salmon. If fact, a quick call to the Iceland Directorate of Fisheries with request a for information about Wild Icelandic Salmon Oil production will get you laughed at!
Late last summer I contacted the company to alert them to the fact that their product was misrepresented. They ultimately agreed and promised to "correct" the situation. Well, it is now Feb. '09 and the product is still on the shelves. What makes the situation even more frustrating is the owner of the company, is a Board member of the National Animal Supplement Council...the Industry body dedicated to the quality standards by which animal supplements are delivered!
Now I don't doubt that the quality of the oil in their bottles is reasonable. However, there is no question that it is NOT what is declared on the label. This is in clear contravention of FDA regulations yet the company continues to sell a product whose stated claims are wildly inaccurate.
Naturvet, in order to obtain their NASC "Seal" must show that they have, "a Quality Control Manual", this is to insure the company provides consistent and quality product. I imagine one line in their specification reading:
"Raw Material spec: Wild Icelandic Salmon, Salmo Salar"
The QC department missed that one!
Ian
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