PetSmart Agrees to Pay Fine

The has reached a settlement with concerning unacceptable levels in cadmium in containers containing pet products.

PetSmart, which has a location on Loudon Road in Concord, will pay the state $15,000, according to a press release.

At issue was PVC packaging “that contained levels of cadmium that exceeded State regulatory limits and failed to submit Certificates of Compliance upon request.” According to the settlement, the store chain doesn’t admit liability for the violation. Half the money will be paid as a penalty and the other half will be used “to further enforcement of laws prohibiting toxic metals in packaging material.” The chain will also ensure that no more violations occur by issuing certificates of compliance in a timely manner, according to officials.

In the press release, officials noted that while cadmium may not pose a threat to those handling the packages, “when the packaging material is disposed of in landfills or incinerators, these toxic metals can enter the environment and pose a risk to health and safety.”