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Study Finds Endangered Sharks in Major Pet Food Brands

Your pet's favorite food might be hiding a dark secret. A new study shows that many popular brands contain endangered shark species, contributing to overfishing.

In the image there is a white cat standing in front of a bottle, around the cat there are many...
In the image there is a white cat standing in front of a bottle, around the cat there are many items, behind the cat there are some files.

Study Finds Endangered Sharks in Major Pet Food Brands

A recent study has revealed a concerning trend in Singapore's pet food industry. None of the major brands were found to have endangered shark species like Silky or Blue Sharks as main sponsors for their products. However, the study uncovered a different story.

The research identified genetic material from endangered Silky Sharks and other species in various pet foods. Notably, Silky Sharks were the second most common species found, despite being listed as endangered by the IUCN. Blue Sharks, although not listed as endangered by CITES or IUCN, were the most common species discovered. The study suggests that better labeling and supply chain accountability could prevent the use of these endangered species in pet food.

Adding to the concern, none of the pet foods' ingredient lists mentioned sharks. Instead, terms like 'ocean fish', 'white fish', and 'white bait' were used. This vagueness could lead pet owners to unknowingly contribute to overfishing of endangered sharks. Several popular brands, including Fancy Feast, Sheba, Whiskas, Kit Cat, and Aixia Yaizu, were found to contain shark genetic material in their cat foods.

The study highlights the need for clearer labeling and stricter regulations in the pet food industry to protect endangered shark species. Pet owners should be aware of the potential presence of these species in their pets' food, even when not explicitly listed. The findings underscore the importance of transparency and accountability in the supply chain.

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