At the grocery store, consumers need only read the label to know what their foods contain. Unfortunately, the law does not require manufacturers of parrot food to list the additives found in the individual components of the finished food products they sell. It’s up to the retailer to be able to put the consumer’s mind at ease, with respect to the additives and preservatives found in products they purchase.

Hookbill mixes are most likely to contain added sulfide agents, used to preserve the color and appearance of dried vegetables and fruits found in many diets. Though generally considered safe for humans, allergic reactions have been reported by many, requiring the Food and Drug Administration to take action.

The FDA recently recalled a large amount of dried fruit from the human market for not declaring the presence of sulfides on the product label. However, with parrot food, it can be more difficult to find out if a certain dried ingredient contains sulfur derivatives.

Sulfur additives have been well documented to cause skin irritation, resulting in feather loss and feather picking behaviors in parrots.

The only way to put the consumers mind at ease, regarding sulfides, is to maintain an open dialog with manufacturers and their sales representatives. Find out from them where their ingredients come from and how, exactly, their fruit and vegetable ingredients are handled.

“Naturally dried” or “freeze-dried” ingredients are buzz words consumers want to hear when they shop for their feathered pets. When you and your staff use these words confidently to recommend foods, you appeal to the growing need for consumer knowledge of food safety.  <HOME>