[Moderator's note: 8 in 1 Pet Products asked a subscriber to forward this post to the FML. It's being posted anonymously so there'd be no confusion that the post is from 8 in 1 and not from the subscriber forwarding it. The address of the author (at 8 in 1) *is* in the post. BIG] Ferretone by 8 in 1 BHT has been shown to be a safe antioxidant when used in human and animal diets. The levels that we use are regulated by the Animal Association of Feed Control and the FDA. BHT can be found in a large number of foods that are being fed to both pets and humans. BHT is an important additive because it greatly reduces the oxidation of the fats and essential fatty acids. Without the use of antioxidants, this type of supplement would deteriorate very quickly, and result in high levels of extremely harmful by-products. These by-products are classified as peroxides, which have been researched extensively and have been shown to cause very deleterious effects to both humans and animals. These include, cancer, heart disease, and brain lesions. In addition, the oxidation of fat soluble vitamins such as vitamin A & E can cause deficiencies in these types of nutrients. The opportunity for potentially harmful effects from an increased level of peroxide is infinately higher than any potential negative effect of using trace levels of BHT in the product. The bottom line is that ferret owners are being frightened by unsubstanciated and false rumors about a very safe and effective food additive that has been shown to prevent the breakdown of the essential fatty acids and vitamins in Ferretone. Dr. Martin Glinsky Eight In One Pet Products Hauppauge, NY 17788 Please direct any inquiries to Eight In One Pet Products at: Tel: 516-232-1200 Fax: 516-232-1206 [Posted in FML issue 2635]