November 24, 2007

WARNING! This story contains information that may not be suitable for some readers.

For background on this story, please see our story “Rendering, Explained.”

A report by AllAboutFeed.net says at least one rendering company sells the byproducts of companion animals to fish farmers in Asia – they raise fish that are later sent to the U.S. for human consumption.

The report found that California based West Coast Rendering disposes many of the Golden State's euthanized pets.

For the most part, renderers aren't allowed to recycle pets – California's case is a unique one. In fact, post mad cow legislation has clamped down on the industry as a whole – limiting who they can sell their products to.

The report explains that pentobarbital, the chemical used in euthanasia, isn't broken down during rendering. The fish are fed the chemical-laden feed then returned to the U.S., where Americans consume them.

The report claims that less than 1 percent of imported seafood was inspected by the FDA last year - and says it's unlikely the FDA tests for pentobarbital.

The FDA says you probably won't get sick from the chemical. But we want to know – how do Americans feel knowing they may have eaten shrimp that were raised on recycled pets.

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