If you think Forensics is only beneficial for human, think again. Who would have thought Forensic Science can also be helpful to your pets? That is exactly what the article is all about. And no, it’s not about the dog/cat equivalent of CSI where suspects are fingerprinted and swabbed for DNA.
The article describes the use of Forensics in detecting contaminated cat and dog food.  Hundreds of pet food brands have been voluntarily recalled because of the contamination. FDA laboratories and FDA Forensic Chemistry Centers were the ones who analyzed these pet foods. Laboratory equipments like Forensic microscopes were used in the analysis of these pet foods. The forensic examination in partnership with other partners in health and media were responsible in the dissemination of information and recollection of the contaminated goods.
The FDA scientists used forensic microscopes in examining and eliminating suspected compounds in the pet food that could have resulted in pet kidney problems. Compounds such as ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol, propylene glycol and Vitamin D were analyzed using forensic microscopes as well as testing the pet food for toxins. The results came negative.
It was soon discovered through the use of forensic microscopes that melamine was the common factor among the contaminated pet food and in the kidney tissue samples of the affected pets. This resulted to pet owners examining the labels of their pet food for wheat gluten. How did the FDA scientists discover this? Scientists in the FDA Forensic Chemistry Center first weigh the wheat gluten to be analyzed and then test the samples if they contain melamine. They then use forensic and scientific instruments to check the presence of melamine as well as the level of amount present in the sample. The instrument used to detect as little as 0.001% of melamine compound in the sample is called a gas chromatograph with a mass selective detector.
The melamine compound is not approved for human or pet use. It is usually used in the manufacture of cooking utensils. How did the melamine compound get into the pet food? Wheat gluten, an ingredient used in thickening pet food gravy, was contaminated with melamine. The contaminated wheat gluten originated from a new supplier from China. This does not mean all ingredients that came from China are contaminated or unsafe.
Since wheat gluten is widely used not only as a pet food ingredient but sometimes for human consumption as well, studies and investigations have been made to make sure human foods containing wheat gluten is safe.
Blood and tissue samples of affected pets are being studied as an ongoing investigation in forensic laboratories in order to understand how melamine played an active role in the illness process. Forensic microscopes were used in studying these blood and tissue samples. The result of these studies will help in the early detection and prevention of similar cases.
Advancement of science and technology has made Forensics what it is today. Forensic Science can be applied to anything not just to crime scenes or human beings.