FDA WARNING_LETTER - Animal Magnetism Inc - September 07, 2007

The FDA issued a Warning Letter to Animal Magnetism Inc. in Naples, Florida, following a September 7, 2007, investigation. The inspection confirmed the firm was selling live turtles with a carapace length of less than four inches to retail customers as pets. This practice violates Title 21, Code of Federal Regulations, section 1240.62 [21 CFR 1240.62], enacted under the Public Health Service Act. The regulation prohibits the sale or distribution of undersized turtles due to the significant public health risk of Salmonella transmission, which can cause severe, potentially fatal, salmonellosis. The letter highlighted a specific complaint where a child developed salmonellosis requiring hospitalization after purchasing an undersized turtle from the firm. The FDA noted that the firm's practice of adding "educational or research purposes" notations to sales receipts does not exempt them from the regulation, as the turtles were clearly sold as pets. Animal Magnetism Inc. is required to immediately cease the sale and distribution of turtles with a carapace length of less than four inches. The firm must respond in writing within fifteen working days, detailing specific corrective actions taken to prevent reoccurrence. Failure to comply may result in further regulatory action without notice.