Finland reduces pet food safety oversight amid neurological symptoms in dogs

Pet food safety oversight in Finland will be reduced next year, despite an ongoing situation where numerous dogs across the country are likely suffering from neurological symptoms linked to a specific brand of chew treats. The Finnish Food Authority (Ruokavirasto) is responsible for regulating pet food safety, but it has announced that personnel resources for monitoring will be approximately 25% lower than this year.

Hanna Laatio, head of the authority’s feed division, highlighted that limited oversight was already evident in the investigation of Hau Hau chew rolls. Unlike last year’s controversial Smaak case, where officials directly collected and tested food samples, the current investigation was handled by the importer, Prima Pet Premium, which conducted its own monitoring.

Rautio, a dog owner from Mikkeli whose dog Likka developed neurological issues after consuming a Hau Hau product, expressed frustration over the lack of information and assistance available. He and his partner established a Facebook group for dog owners facing similar situations to share support and strategies for advocating improved pet food safety.

Laatio mentioned that, although the majority of pet foods on the market are safe, there were serious deviations identified in nine food batches last year, including unacceptable levels of enterobacteria, salmonella, and prohibited additives. The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry’s expert, Eeva Saarisalo, emphasized the importance of self-regulation among manufacturers, highlighting that regulatory testing for all products would be prohibitively expensive.

Rautio warned of the dangers of decreased oversight and called for enhanced investigations and regulations in the industry to prevent future health issues in pets.