Pugsley: aka, the Sausage.
Lori: Loves Pugs. Writing. Food and Fashion.
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Kidney problems and deaths spark massive pet food recall. FYI
Tthe FDA has issued the following press release yesterday:
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has been informed that Menu Foods, Inc., a private-label pet food manufacturer based in Statesville, Ontario, Canada, is recalling all its "cuts and gravy" style dog and cat food produced at its facility in Emporia, Kansas between December 3, 2006 and March 6, 2007. The products are sold in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
The recall was prompted by consumer complaints received by the manufacturer and by tasting trials conducted by the manufacturer. There has been a small number of reported instances of cats and dogs in the United States that developed kidney failure after eating the affected product. Ten deaths, one dog and nine cats, have reported at this time. The firm has undertaken extensive testing of the pet food products in question, but to date has been unable to find the source of the problem.
The products are packaged in cans and pouches under numerous brand names and are marketed nationwide by many pet food retailers including Ahold USA Inc., Kroger Company, Safeway, Wal-Mart Stores, Inc., PetSmart, Inc., and Pet Valu, Inc.
Menu Foods, Inc. has identified the potentially contaminated products on the Internet at www.menufoods.com/recall. Consumers who have any of these products should immediately stop feeding them to their pets. Dogs or cats who have consumed the suspect feed and show signs of kidney failure (such as loss of appetite, lethargy and vomiting) should consult with their veterinarian. Menu Foods, Inc. is notifying retailers by telephone and mail and is arranging for the return of all recalled products.
FDA is conducting an investigation and working with Menu Foods, Inc. to ensure the effectiveness of the recall. Consumers with questions may contact the company at 1-866-895-2708. Consumers who wish to report adverse actions or other problems can go to http://www.fda.gov/opacom/backgrounders/complain.html to contact the FDA complaint coordinator in their state.
Sophie commented March 19, 2007 03:53 AM
Hello - it is my hope that pet parents educate themselves on GM (genetically modified) foods here in the U.S., because I believe that there is the good chance that this is another 'reaction' due to another hastily released gm product. I hope that I'm wrong. The "..new wheat supplier.." comment makes me suspicious. If so - our pets are the guinea pigs. I believe that GM wheat is new, but the rest of the world won't touch it due to the risks involved. Only here in the U.S., and Mexico.
If this is the case, the FDA will do nothing - other than try to sweep it all under the rug. For more on this topic (GM Foods), you can visit Greenpeace. If you like to read, this might appeal to some: http://www.non-gm-farmers.com/index.asp
Good luck to you all.
Sophie