China disputes reports that dog and cat treats made in China caused 1,000 pet fatalities in the United States since 2007.

The US Food and Drugs Association (FDA) recorded around 4,800 reports of pet illnesses that are allegedly related to jerky treats, whereas pets manifested symptoms such as diminishing appetite and activity, vomiting, diarrhea and increased water consumption after eating said pet food.

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"We believe that all pets, whether they're in homes or in shelters should have nutritious, safe food and treats," says Humane Society Executive Director Lora O'Connor.

The illnesses have been linked to several brands of jerky treats all over the US which are being tested for contaminants by the FDA.

In May, United States pet retailers PetCo Animal Supplies Incorporated and PetSmart announced that they will no longer sell dog and cat treats made in China, PetCo stating that they intend to protect the "well-being of pets".

Meanwhile, US Pet Supplement Retailer WellPaws USA releases a new product named FlexEase USA which it claims to be 'China-free and safe'.

However, the FDA found no evidence linking the pet illnesses to Chinese-made pet treats during the inspection done in 2012 in a manufacturing facility.

In response, General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine Spokesman Lu Chumming said that reports declaring the link between the pet illnesses in the US and China-made pet treats "lack scientific grounds."

The pet treats exported from China to the US were produced in strict compliance with US standards and there have not been commercial arguments and complaints over the years, Lu added.

Also, the authority found out that the US has yet to determine the concrete reason for the death of dogs while the FDA continues to test Chinese jerky treats for salmonella, metals, and other possible contaminants.

Tagspet jerky, FDA, PetCo, PetSmart, pet death, pet treats