The following was sent to me on Friday, May 20 by Scott Sanfilippo of
The Ferret Store.  I have permission to post.
 
Linda Iroff
International Ferret Congress
http://www.ferretcongress.org
 
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Official Company Statement Concerning Request for Removal of Certain
Ferret Products
 
Over the past few weeks, TheFerretStore.com has been contacted by
representatives of the International Ferret Congress requesting food
and treats they deem as being unsafe for ferrets be removed from sale.
Some of these items include:
 
          8 In 1 Yogies Treats for Ferrets
 
          8 In 1 Fruit & Crunch Treats
 
          8 In 1 Ferret Fruit Cakes
 
          8 In 1 Ferret Marshmallow Cakes
 
          8 In 1 Ferret Fruit Frenzy
 
          F.M. Brown's Tropical Carnival 2nd Helpin's Ferret Treats
 
          F.M. Brown's Fruit Bites
 
          Kaytee Banana Yogurt Dips for Ferrets
 
          Kaytee Peanut Butter Yogurt Chips for Ferrets
 
          Kaytee Healthy Toppings
 
          Kaytee Ferret Fiesta Diet
 
          Vitakraft Ferret Yogurt Drops
 
While it is our full intention to provide ferret owners with the highest
quality products and the largest variety, we have decided not to remove
these products at this time.  It is our opinion that the simple removal
of these items will not cause the manufacturers to stop production, but
will merely shift the purchasing of these products on the consumer level
from one store or online retailer to another where they are available.
 
Instead, we believe that consumer education is the key to promoting
healthy alternatives in food and treats.  With that in mind,
TheFerretStore.com will begin to list ingredients, guaranteed
analysis, and feeding instructions for food and treats on our website.
Additionally, all natural and healthy treats will be marked by an icon
along with treats that do not contain sugar.  This way, the information
we provide about the product can be used by the consumer to make an
educated decision whether to feed that type of food or treat or not.
It is with education that these products will eventually make their way
off the store shelves, not by protest.
 
In conclusion, as the largest purchaser of ferret products in the United
States, we will use that leverage to work with the manufacturers to
encourage them to develop healthy food and treats and also urge them to
look at their current product offerings and review them for safety and
nutritional value.
 
For more information, contact Scott Sanfilippo, President,
1-800-440-3356 ext. 9200, [log in to unmask]
[Posted in FML issue 4885]