I'm sure you've all heard about the recent pet food recall and I'm sure you have some questions. I wanted to do some research on this issue and let you know what's going on. So I hope for the sake of you and your pets that you will review this issue carefully. I'm going to address the questions I've received and if you need more information, feel free to visit us at www.petsweekly.com - we'll have a new page up on this issue by Wednesday - or shoot us an email at petsweekly.gmail.com. The FDA is also a reliable source of recall information, as are many other national papers.
Which brands are included in this recall?
These brands include any and all foods manufactured by MenuFoods.
How much food was recalled?
New food brands are being added almost daily. As of March 16, 2007 Menu foods listed 51 brands of dog food and 42 brands of cat food that have issued voluntary recalls. In all, over 60 million cans/pouches of food have been recalled.
When was this recall issued?
Recalls are nothing new in the pet food industry. In December, 2005 a recall was issued by Diamond Pet foods after they discovered Aflatoxin in 19 of their pet food products. Aflatoxin is a naturally occurring chemical by-product that occurs in corn. Symptoms of poisoning include: sluggishness or lethargy combined with a reluctance to eat, yellowish tint to the eyes and/or gums, and severe or bloody diarrhea. In that case, 23 dogs were documented killed as a result of consuming contaminated food, and countless others were likely killed, but never reported, as well. More than 18 were sickened, again it is likely that we never heard about others. Over 30 countries were effected, yet, we heard little to nothing about this issue. There were other recalls as well – WildKitty foods in 2005 and again in February of 2007 (due to Salmonella), PetCurean in 2003 (beginning as voluntary, changing to mandatory in 2005 after being found to create liver failure and anemia in pets) and Berkley & Jensen's Wild Pig Ear products in 2000, 2006 and March 2007. IN fact, there were so many recalls, I can't even list them all here.
This week's particular recall was first issued after 1 dog and 9 cats died in laboratory tests as a result of consuming contaminated food. According to MenuFoods, they first became aware of the problem after receiving an “undisclosed number of complaints.” Testing reportedly began in February however, the recall was not issued until this week. While the specified food has been on the market since January, the recall was just issued on March 16. Again, Diamond foods is on this list once again and the same manufacturer, MenuFoods, was also listed.
Which food items are included in this recall?
See the chart at the end of this article for a complete list of foods, or visit www.menufoods.com/recall for more information.
How many animals have been effected?
While the actual numbers may never be known, this reaches much further than the 9 cats and 1 dog that was killed in laboratory tests (an average of 1 in 6 tested). Please note that these recorded deaths are only related to the laboratory animals used in testing. Deaths and illness across Canada, Mexico and the United States are being reported daily, although they have not yet been documented.
Which symptoms should I watch for in my pets?
The symptoms in animals who have consumed these products include a loss of appetite, vomiting and lethargy. A yellowing of the white part of the eyes, or yellow in the belly or other areas where hair is thin, is also an indicator of kidney failure. Fever, bloody diarrhea, discolored urine, increased thirst and urination, or a lack of ability to urinate/defecate, are all signs that your pet needs to be seen immediately. If your dog or cat has consumed any potentially contaminated food, take them into the veterinarian even if they are not displaying symptoms. Many pets never show any signs of liver or kidney problems. In this day and age, tests can be done to determine if your pets are in any danger, simply tell your veterinarian that you wish your pet to have a workup in regards to the recent pet food recall.
What is the problem with the food?
The belief is that these problems have arisen due to a problem with the Wheat Gluten that was used during the production process. Wheat Gluten is commonly used as a filler for pet foods, and can cause problems anyway, as many pets have allergies to wheat. As Menu Foods apparently handled the production of each of these foods (which makes you think), this is the only cause they have so far determined. The truth is that the problem could lie with the processing machines, the packaging, or anything else. According to Menu Foods spokesperson, Sarah Tuite, “We're testing and testing but we can't identify the problem in the product.”
Where was this food sold?
The food was sold just about everywhere on the North American continent in nearly all pet stores, grocery food chains including Kroger, Safeways, Walmart, and superstores like PetSmart and Petco. If you live in North America, you should check your supply of pet food immediately.
What should I do with contaminated food?
Stop feeding it immediately. While changing brands suddenly may cause digestive upset in many pets, the danger of feeding this food is much more of a threat at this point. Contaminated food should be disposed of immediately. Remember that anything going into the garbage can has the potential of being consumed by other animals, including feral animals and birds. Most pet and grocery stores are offering a refund or exchange of any contaminated food and this is the best bet for disposing of it. It's best to let the manufacturer dispose of this food, so please return it to the store you purchased it from.
What if I have more questions?
Menu Foods has set up two numbers for reporting problems or asking questions. They are:
1-866-463-6738 and 1-866-895-2708. While the line has been constantly busy, Sarah Tuite – spokesperson for Menu Foods, states they have “...added more people and several lines to cope with the calls.” The FDA asks that any deaths or illnesses associated with these foods be reported to state complaint offices2. The contact information for your state can be found at the end of this article, or online at http://www.fda.gov/opacom/backgrounders/complain.html. You can also check the FDA site (www.fda.gov) for the most recent recalls, which we suspect will continue to grow.
How will these problems be avoided in the future?
Honestly, we're not sure. The manufacturer involved has stated that they have switched distributing companies and have increased testing of raw foods and ingredients. However, petsweekly feels that this should have been occurring already. Do our pets deserve less than the best? We don't think so! If we do product testing with our food, it should certainly be done with our pets! Of course, the product testing should NOT occur on lab animals, so we need to come up with some alternatives soon.
So, What IS safe to feed my pets?
We actually have a few alternatives for your pet.
Other options include a raw diet food, but this diet can be costly and time-consuming. I'm sure there are many other brands that are quality as well, but we haven't tested them out and we won't recommend them unless we have. General rules apply– stay away from foods that contain wheat or corn, byproducts and fillers.
We have been feeding our pets Life's Abundance from HealthyPetNet for some time now. Their food contains NO byproducts, NO fillers and is completely safe. We don't anticipate any problems in the future. Visit their site for a free sample of cat or dog food. When you see how much your pets love it, choose your special diet from several selections. Become educated on your food by watching the video on the site, and see the chart where you can compare your current food to this brand.
Telling Others About Your Sick Pet
Please let us know if your pet has become sick or had to be put down as a result of consuming contaminated food. Email your story to Petsweekly.gmail.com. Getting word out about this issue is perhaps the most important thing we can do, and we will be devoting a section to it on www.petsweekly.com.
Remember, awareness is half of the battle, action is the other half, so please tell us about your experience.
1. Gaston / Diamond Foods Facility Products Removed From Sale
Diamond Low Fat Dog Food
Diamond Hi-Energy Dog Food
Diamond Maintenance Dog Food
Diamond Performance Dog Food
Diamond Premium Adult Dog Food
Diamond Puppy Food
Diamond Maintenance Cat Food
Diamond Professional Cat Food
Country Value Puppy
Country Value Adult Dog
Country Value High Energy Dog
Country Value Adult Cat Food
Professional Chicken & Rice Senior Dog Food
Professional Reduced Fat Chicken & Rice Dog Food
Professional Adult Dog Food
Professional Large-Breed Puppy Food
Professional Puppy Food
Professional Reduced Fat Cat
2. FDA Reporting
To report adverse reactions or other problems with FDA-regulated products, contact the FDA district office consumer complaint coordinator for your geographic area. If you require the use of a Relay Service, please call the Federal Relay Services (1-800-877-8339). This is a toll free relay service to call Federal agencies from TTY devices.
Alabama--866-289-3399
Alaska--(425) 483-4949
Arizona--(949) 608-3530
Arkansas--(214) 253-5200, ext. 5233
California (Northern)--(510) 337-6741
California (Southern)--(949) 608-3530
Colorado--(303) 236-3044
Connecticut--(781) 596-7700
Delaware--(215) 597-9064
District of Columbia--(410) 779-5713
Florida -- (866) 337-6272
Georgia--(404) 253-1169
Hawaii--(510) 337-6741
Idaho--(425) 483-4949
Illinois--(312) 353-7840
Indiana--(313) 393-8100
Iowa--(913) 752-2440
Kansas--(913) 752-2440
Kentucky--(513) 679-2700, ext. 124
Louisiana--866-289-3399
Maine--(781) 596-7700
Maryland--(410) 779-5713
Massachusetts--(781) 596-7700
Michigan--(313) 393-8100
Minnesota--(612) 758-7221
Mississippi--866-289-3399
Missouri--(913) 752-2440
Montana--(425) 483-4949
Nebraska--(913) 752-2440
Nevada--(510) 337-6741
New Hampshire--(781) 596-7700
New Jersey-- (973) 331-4917
New Mexico--(303) 236-3044
New York -- (718) 340-7000 ext 5588
North Carolina--(404) 253-1169
North Dakota--(612) 758-7221
Ohio--(513) 679-2700, ext. 124
Oklahoma--(214) 253-5200, ext. 5233
Oregon--(425) 483-4949
Pennsylvania--(215) 597-9064
Rhode Island--(781) 596-7700
South Carolina--(404) 253-1169
South Dakota--(612) 758-7221
Tennessee-- 866-289-3399
Texas--(214) 253-5200 ext. 5233
Utah--(303) 236-3044
Vermont--(781) 596-7700
Virginia--(410) 779-5713
Washington--(425) 483-4949
West Virginia--(410) 779-5713
Wisconsin--(612) 758-7221
Wyoming--(303) 236-3044
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Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands--800-332-0127
3. Recalled Cat Product Information
Recall Information 1-866-895-2708
4.Recalled Dog Product Information
Recall Information 1-866-895-2708
About the Author
Stacy Mantle is a freelance writer who resides in the southwestern deserts of Arizona with a number of cats, a coyote/wolf hybrid, and a very understanding husband. Her writing has appeared in publications such as Pacific Yachting Magazine, The Arabian Horse Times, Today’s AZ Woman, and Pets Illustrated. She also runs the website, www.petsweekly.com. Many of her stories and articles have been translated into several languages, and now reach an international audience. Quickly becoming known as "…the Erma Bombeck of animals", her writing has skyrocketed to new heights as she records the stories of those she loves, inspiring the reader to learn why we have all come to love the animals we share our lives with. She is the author of Conquering the Food Chain: Living Amongst Animals (Without Becoming One), which is available in Barnes & Noble bookstores nationwide, as well as online at www.bn.com or www.amazon.com.
