A class action lawsuit against pet food manufacturer J.M. Smucker, was filed last month alleging that the company misleadingly labels 9Lives, Kibbles ‘n Bits and Meow Mix cat foods as being “healthy”, despite the presence of titanium dioxide in the pet foods* and identified PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) on the packaging**.
The lawsuit claims that the pet food manufacturer “knew or should have known that titanium dioxide is unhealthy and raises health risks from various sources…” and that Smucker “sells pet food containing titanium dioxide and PFAS, abusing the public’s trust and failing to inform consumers of the implications of consuming the toxins.” (source)
Ten states now prohibit PFAS in food packaging. Similar legislation is likely to follow in 2023.
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*Pet food makers use titanium dioxide to whiten poultry- or fish-based products and avoid a grey appearance. The chemical is also used to make items ‘appear’ like bone or simulate fat marbling. (Source: Greg Aldrich, Ph.D., professor and pet food program coordinator at Kansas State University, Petfood Industry column)
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**Pet Food Contaminated with Toxic PFAS Chemicals from Packaging
Chemical Free Life 