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Pet-food recall: The numbers. The numbers. The numbers.
By Gina Spadafori
March 26, 2007
Things may be a little slow on the blog today, but this is the Day of the Duck: Things look serene on the surface, but the paddling is furious under the water as we’re contacting all sorts of veterinary databases and veterinary sources to confirm the trends our own self-reported database has indicated: That hundreds, if not thousands, of pets have died.
In the meantime: Itchmo has posted a timeline.
If you’re new to the site, please check out our general information page.
Please see our immediately previous post about the numbers. Good suggestions in the comments section.
Report your pet’s loss to the FDA. Also, ask your veterinarian to report your pet’s loss to the state veterinarian for reporting to the FDA. Additionally, if your pet has eaten one of the recalled foods and become sick, add your pet to our database.
Our self-reported numbers, as of 10:30 a.m. PT: 1,792 deceased pets (1018 cats, 774 dogs).
Bottom line: We want your pet to be counted, everywhere. And we want your pet’s death to count for something, in hopes that in realizing the true scope of the problem changes will be made so something like this is less likely to happen again.
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Technorati Tags: pet food recall, dogs, cats,veterinarian, veterinary
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I called the Baltimore office of FDA on Friday. The FDA employee called me back today and took a substantial amount of information including the names and phone numbers of my vet. When you call have the specific information regarding brands, where you purchased the food, and the exact dates of your purchase. In addition, have information regarding when you first noticed your pet was sick.
CALL if your pet was sick but will survive in addition to those who have lost their loved one.
Comment by Judy T in Virginia — March 26, 2007 @ 11:53 am
Gina,
Do you have a number of the reported sick but surviving in addition to the unfortunately deceased pets? My cat refused to eat most of the poisoned food. Obviously, she was smarter than her mommy and realized it was making her sick. Her creatinine levels were above normal but a couple of days of IV and she it looks like she is better. I still have 10 to 12 packets of the recalled food.
Comment by Judy T in Virginia — March 26, 2007 @ 12:12 pm
USA Today did a follow up story on Pet deaths 3/26 both online and section 5D of the paper. We need to continue to get the word out that there are many many deaths beyond the 16 deaths Menu Foods talks about and 14 from the FDA.
In announcing they would “pay” for vet bills, what about the cost of the dog originally, and the ongoing medical costs most of us put into our pets every year. There is no cost that will pay for the loss of our pets themselves. Menu Foods needs to be held accountable to more than what they have stepped up to for now both in acknowledging the losses and in how to help pay for them.
Comment by Jeff Burnton — March 26, 2007 @ 12:29 pm
I contacted FDA to report our cat’s euthanization after eating food listed by the company. In my converstation with them, I asked how many dead pets have been reported to them and was told 4,400 was a number she heard this morning (3/26/07).
Comment by Glenn C. — March 26, 2007 @ 12:37 pm
One thing seems obvious. The Corporations are hoping this story dies off asap and just goes away.
The bunker mentality and the continuing build up of a wall of silence is pretty transparent.
Comment by Steve — March 26, 2007 @ 12:59 pm
I called the NY number and I’m still waiting for a call back. Whenever I call I get nothgin but an answerign machine
Comment by Rafael — March 26, 2007 @ 1:01 pm
I’ve been on the edge since March 18. Where are the good “Corporate Citizens” today in giving us information and the clean, clear, definitive feedback we need and DESERVE to insure our companions foods are safe?
Comment by Steve — March 26, 2007 @ 1:04 pm
PetSmart has been very helpful to me - upon email request they promptly (same day) provided a purchase history of all recalled food I’ve purchased since December - 5 pages worth - with my PetPerks card. I’m hoping this will be good documentation for later.
I called the NJ FDA office twice, once I left a message and the second time I got through. They pulled more people in to answer the messages, they are just swamped. A few days later someone did return my original message.
Comment by Natalie — March 26, 2007 @ 1:17 pm
TO Judy T:
“Do you have a number of the reported sick but surviving in addition to the unfortunately deceased pets?”
I’m not Gina, but the database on this site is for ill as well as deceased pets. So please do enter your cat’s information into the database.
Comment by Dawn Turner — March 26, 2007 @ 1:22 pm
MARCH 26, 2007 - 14:52 ET
Clarification From Menu Foods: No Expanded Recall
TORONTO, ONTARIO—(CCNMatthews - March 26, 2007) -
NOT FOR RELEASE OVER US NEWSWIRE SERVICES
Media outlets have reported conflicting and incorrect information, including that Menu Foods has expanded its recall to include all products produced.
To clarify, late last week, the US Food and Drug Administration (the “FDA”) and various media outlets reported that some retailers still had recalled product on their shelves. In response, Menu Foods issued instructions for retailers to remove from their shelves all cuts and gravy products of the flavours listed on the recall list, regardless of the dates produced. For many retailers, this had already been completed as their standard operating procedure.
This step did not expand the recall but provided the remaining retailers with an efficient means of withdrawing the recalled product. The full recall list is available at http://www.menufoods.com.
In addition, Menu Foods reiterated that there is no evidence of any problems in any products manufactured at either its Streetsville, Ontario, facility or its North Sioux City, South Dakota, facility. Furthermore, there is no evidence of problems in any of the products not on the recall list produced at Emporia, Kansas, or Pennsauken, New Jersey.
http://www.ccnmatthews.com/new.....For=642305
Comment by Steve — March 26, 2007 @ 1:36 pm
Soon or later they are going to have to tell the TRUTH. When that may be is anyones guess.
Comment by Steve — March 26, 2007 @ 2:04 pm
From: http://dogblog.dogster.com/200.....executives : I know everyone is upset about the way we and our furfriends have been betrayed but PLEASE be civil when writing to Menu executives. If we want them to take us seriously and realize the depth of the evil their company has done by being more concerned about their bottom line than our pets’ lifelines, we MUST remain civil in all interactions with them, including our letters and phone calls.
Thanks to Clinton for meowing this information into the Pet-o-Nomics Group.
Paul K. Henderson, President, Chief Executive Officer and Director of Menu
Foods GenPar Limited
Menu Foods Income Fund
8 Falconer Drive; Streetsville, ON
Canada L5N 1B1
ph: +1-905-826-3870; fax: +1-905-826-4995
Serge Darkazanli, President and Chief Executive Officer
Menu Foods Income Fund
8 Falconer Drive; Mississauga, ON
Canada L5M 2C1
ph: 905-826-3870; fax: 905-826-8102
email: sdarkazanli@menufoods.com,
adoremus@menufoods.com
Mark Wiens, Executive Vice President
Menu Foods Income Fund
8 Falconer Drive; Mississauga, ON
Canada L5M 2C1
email: mwiens@menufoods.com
Comment by catscount2 — March 26, 2007 @ 2:12 pm
I’m not surprised at the latest release, in fact that was my understanding even though it was reported differently.
But, why on earth do they continue to say NOT FOR RELEASE OVER US NEWSWIRE SERVICES?
It’s not like we don’t share the same internet…
Comment by Kim — March 26, 2007 @ 2:14 pm
What about Iams?? Has anyone seen or heard from them either in person or in the press? When I called Menu Foods I was told that Iams has asked that those who purchased and fed their products to our pets were directed to call Iams directly. I have and reported my cat’s illness to them; however there has been no determination on Iams part as to what they are going to do, i.e. pay my vet bills?? How about being proactive, offer payment for treatment NOW, so more pets can be saved rather than waiting until they die.
Given the choice of either euthanasia or starting an expensive treatment with no guarantee of success was horrible. I feel that due to the expensive nature of treatment (IV fluids for 3-5 days @ $500/day — my scenario)plus initial blood/urine tests for both by cat and dog @ $550 creates a nearly impossible situation for many who simply cannot come up with that kind of money nor could have planned for such an event with an otherwise healthy cat. Therefore, deaths are high! Iams and Menu Food should be doing what Banfield is — get the money out there to save our pets! I applaud Banfield for their support and help.
Another answer is to pursue alternative treatments. I am having success, although still somewhat guarded, with a homeopathic remedy Newton Homeopathics Detoxifier. I am working with a Homeopath that specializes in animal care and my cat is responding well — she is now eating and even a little playful whereas before she was lethargic, not eating, drinking lots of water, vomiting, all the symptoms. Her labs were bad! She is a fairly young 5 yrs old which I’m sure is helping too.
We got to get the true facts to the media!! My own vet’s office was quoting the “13 deaths” and they had not seen another case but for mine . .. . so I’m sending them this website!
I’m also going to call the FDA here in California.
Best to you all and your pets!
Morgan
Comment by Morgan — March 26, 2007 @ 2:22 pm
If anyone is interested the MenuFoodsClass Action@yahoo
Comment by Amy Boda — March 26, 2007 @ 2:35 pm
Oh ggod grief, lets try that again
The MenuFoodsClass Action@yahoogroups.com is organizing a Nationwide March. I think this is a fabulous idea.
Comment by Amy Boda — March 26, 2007 @ 2:36 pm
MenuFoodsClassAction@yahoogroups.com
Comment by Amy Boda — March 26, 2007 @ 2:37 pm
Can you post the details of the March here?
Comment by Linda — March 26, 2007 @ 2:39 pm
Hi,
I’ve been dealing with IAMS recently. They will pay vet bills, but they are not specific about what they need to see before they pay—just that you should have the creat and BUN and other blood chemistry. I was told it’s on a “cat by cat” basis. So far I have faxed them 35 pages of bloodwork, bills, etc. along with a few cans of the recalled food. You should call the number listed on their recall page and report your animal, making sure to get a reference number. I’ve called 3 times now, and had no problem speaking to someone, though I was on hold for very long periods of time (30 minutes or more). They will take lots of info, including your vet’s name and number. To my knowledge, they have yet to contact my vet, even though I reported my cat’s illness on Saturday (March 17th). I did speak to a vet tech from IAMS on Saturday (the 24th) and she mentioned reimbursement for vet expenses will take 6-8 weeks. I hope this helps.
Lee
Comment by Lee — March 26, 2007 @ 2:42 pm
this is so sad,my heart breaks for everyone who lost a beloved pet. menu foods you better send that dam ship back to china with your WHEAT full of RAT POISION you jerks put in our pets food.look at the numbers this is how many pets you killed LOOK AT THE NUMBERS DO YOU PEOPLE AT MENU FOODS EVEN CARE.?????????
Comment by gigi — March 26, 2007 @ 2:45 pm
Comment by Morgan — March 26, 2007
Well most likely these companies just want this fiasco to die out so people will forget it ever happened and pretend nothing ever happened. Then it will be business as usual.
It’s called “damage control”.
Unfortunately these ceo’s and executives can afford to feed their pets fresh sauteed tournedos of organically raised beef every single day while the rest of have to suffer waiting to hear if we have poisoned pet food in our cabinets.
Comment by Steve — March 26, 2007 @ 2:49 pm
Gigi, my sentiments exactly.
Steve, ditto!
Comment by Linda — March 26, 2007 @ 2:50 pm
http://www.consumeraffairs.com.....poria.html
I read this and my head almost exploded!
Comment by Amy Boda — March 26, 2007 @ 2:57 pm
Here is the info on the Nationwide March. She is accepting emails from people who want to join, help organizing, spread the word, etc. I think we should all spread the word too and be a part of this!
——- Original Message ——-
> From: “Jen H” >
> To:
> >
> Sent: Monday, March 26, 2007 11:48 AM
> Subject: Re: [MenuFoodsClassActi on] Nationwide March?
>
> > This is for sure something that can be done. I worked with a political
> > group for 6 months and we pulled off this kind of stuff all the time. I
> > can
> > help set things up if we all get an organizing committee together.
> > Jen
> >
> > On 3/26/07, lady jane >
> wrote:
> >>
> >> I just suggested that - sort of a million dog march on the capitol
> >> where
> >>
> >> people start from the 4 corners of our country meeting up with people
> >> from
> >>
> >> each state, carrying their state flag. Along the say people can march
> >> with
> >>
> >> them a little way even. Along the way, the marchers collect signatures
> >> for
> >>
> >> a class action lawsuit. Along the way, the marchers collect labels from
> >> brands NOT made by Menu Foods.
> >>
> >> And once the marchers get to Washington DC the roll of states is
> called,
> >> and the representative will then step forward and dump all the labels
> >> from
> >>
> >> pet food not made by Menu Foods.
> >>
> >> And then, the class action lawsuit will be present to the lawyer(s)
> >> handling
> >> all the lawfuit(s).
> >>
> >> Think - publicity - for weeks. We would be on the front page of every
> >> newspaper, on the news of every channel.
> >> Jane
>
Comment by Amy Boda — March 26, 2007 @ 3:01 pm
Sorry her email got cut off. It is candyeclair@gmail.com.
Comment by Amy Boda — March 26, 2007 @ 3:02 pm
Oh that is so good. Is it possible to do this at each State’s Capitol - I can’t leave my pets to march to Washington DC.
Comment by Linda — March 26, 2007 @ 3:03 pm
I, too, reported my pet’s death to the Chicago branch of the FDA on Monday, March 19. As of last Friday (it took the investigator 5 days to call me back)he said there were more than two hundred reports of sick or dead pets in the Chicagoland area alone.
Comment by Gail Moran — March 26, 2007 @ 3:07 pm
Please check this out, the producer of CBS Evening News with Katie Couric has contacted this group for inclusion in their broadcast (unsure of when) according to an email I received. I encourage everyone to join and tell your story, mention this website and the numbers posted on here too…we just may get this exposed nationally yet!
(EMAIL I RECEIVED LESS THAN 10 MIN AGO)
> Tell everyone that you come in contact to visit:
> http://www.MenuFoodsClassA ctionLawsuit. com. It will take them directly to
> this Yahoo! group without having to remember the long web address for
> the group. I am going to try to get the group in a press release so
> more people will be aware and we can help each other. If you know
> anyone in the press let them know.
>
> Rob
> Group Moderator
Comment by Amy Boda — March 26, 2007 @ 3:11 pm
This law firm is doing a class action:
http://www.audetlaw.com/pet-food/
Comment by John — March 26, 2007 @ 4:01 pm
My cat has become blind due to renal failure from this tainted food. It saddens me so to see my cat, whom ive loved for the past 16 years, walk into walls and doors, and get lost not 4 ft from her food. I feel as if there isn’t much time left for her. :(
It at least gives me comfort to know that instead of death, as some customers have experienced, my pet somewhat dodged a bullet, even if she did loose most kidney function and her eyesight. All I can do is change her diet and make her feel more comfortable. It tears my heart out everytime I see her. To know of the impending doom, and being helpless to prevent it.
I shall be a soldier and march on. And I will do to the best of my abilities to cherish these last few months.
What’s ironic, the vet prescribed Hill’s Prescription Diet, Made by the same company that caused her to need this special food. This food is over 4x as much as reg canned food. It makes me wonder…
Comment by David — March 26, 2007 @ 4:07 pm
David,
Please report your cat’s illness to the FDA. Hill’s needs to be investigated as well as the other companies. Our cat died after eating the Hill’s Prescription c/d dry formula. Pet owners need to unite and lot let this drop!!! I called the FDA in my state and they are testing the food to determine if it is contaminated.
Comment by Janice — March 26, 2007 @ 4:18 pm
Is it possible to do this at each State’s Capitol - I can’t leave my pets to march to Washington DC.
Linda - that’s an excellent Idea. Most of us can’t and won’t leave our pets right now. Fortunately I live right in the capital city of New Mexico (Santa Fe.) count me in.
Comment by Kim — March 26, 2007 @ 4:25 pm
Has anyone been successful in getting names and addresses for ceo/president of Nutro? I found Iams after some online searching, and will post it tonight. I want to send letters to all of them.
Comment by Joyce — March 26, 2007 @ 4:35 pm
I live in Sacramento and I’ll be at my capitol here in CA with all my dogs in tow pulling a wagon of the poisoned food if need be. Tell me the day and time!
Comment by Linda — March 26, 2007 @ 4:38 pm
i am soooo very sorry for all of yall that have lost a dog or cat. i can hardly stand it. i love animals so much espically cats. i have 2 i was one of the lucky ones i feed my cats friskies in the pouches it is made in st louis in the great usa. also i feed my cats purinia dry food. for all of yall that have lost a pet please join the action suit with all the other animal lovers. also contact yalls own tv stations and state congressman and senator. menu foods needs to pay for this big time. also contact yalls own tv stations so they can keep reporting this story.
Comment by cindy barnes — March 27, 2007 @ 12:08 am
I had my cat, Fluffy, for 10 years. He became ill, and after taking him to the vet and having blood work done, was told by the vet that he was in kidney failure. He was put to sleep and we brought him home and buried him, and 3 days later we learned of the pet food recall and learned that the food we used to feed our cat was on the recall list. We realized we had been feeding our cat tainted food and it was too late to help Fluffy. We were also told by our vet that he had already seen 4 other cats that week that came in with kidney failure. This all happened before the recall hit the news and those 4 other cats were probably being fed tainted cat food as well!! Julie
Comment by Julie E. — April 9, 2007 @ 9:44 pm
NUTRO CEO INFO
To Joyce:
Check out this link: http://www.prnewswire.com/cgi-.....#038;EDATE=
His name is Dave Kravis [CEO and President] and it’s located in the City of Industry, CA
Ricky Whitman also “vouched” for Nutro food. He is the VP of the Pasadena Humane Society and SPCA in CA.
It’s easy to find this kind of info. Just go to Google and enter “Pet food Nutro financial” and this should give you some references.
Comment by Lynn — April 9, 2007 @ 10:34 pm