pet connection

301 Comments »

1. I still find it unbelievable how underreported and poorly reported fiasco is.

   There are probably hundreds of thousands if not more Pet Owners who are either still clueless or know there is a recall but probably think it’s nothing to be concerned about.

   Comment by Steve — March 31, 2007 @ 10:05 am

2. Most if not 98% of all press releases are wire mill “drop-and-run” media releases. Unless pet owners are actively scanning the internet, they are pretty much at the mercy of the markets. The MSM and television news networks really needs to get with the program.

   Comment by Steve — March 31, 2007 @ 10:13 am

3. As for little to no media coverage - Someone previously said - follow the money. Advertising on tv is down due to the age of the tivo. You have to wonder if the owners of the news stations are limiting coverage because they can’t afford to loose pet food companies advertising $. Just a thought.

   Comment by jim — March 31, 2007 @ 10:21 am

4. How about a LAW that prohibits buying food stocks from countries if they do not have equivalent or higher standards and regulations than North America. We ban chemicals here and they are sold to unregulated countries only to come back and bite us on the rear end through finished product.

   Comment by Sandro — March 31, 2007 @ 10:26 am

5. someone previously said - follow the money - well you have to wonder if the media/news is under-reporting because quiet frankly it effects their bottom line too. Think about it, advertising is down all over the place due to the tivo age - so if these pet food companies can’t afford their ads then the owners of the news companies are effected too. The truth is always behind the dollar.

   Comment by dan — March 31, 2007 @ 10:27 am

6. whoops - we posted twice (dan & jim) as it didn’t appear to go through the first time. we’re sorry about that. but still something to think about.

   Comment by dan — March 31, 2007 @ 10:28 am

7. Here are my concerns. I think that the loss in faith in our vets is worse than our loss of faith in the pet food industry (which was misplaced anyway, the natural response of trusting, fair and naive people). But our vets being uninformed and dismissive is frightening.

   Another nail in the coffin of trust in our government. Cronies in high places, making (or not making) decisions that could affect us all. To worry that our food is not safe is frightening. And yes, I’m worried about that too. Check your pantry shelves - I have.

   The doddering and lame news organizations. While they’re out chasing rumors and gossip about who said what and who fathered whom, they can’t be bothered to go online and get the idea that something bad is happening here and they should look into it.

   The financial hit. Mine, yours, probably a lot of innocent and responsible companies and individuals.

   Yes, I am writing those letters. I can already tell you that what I will receive in return is a bunch of meaningless (word censored here). But I will write - what else can I do.

   Comment by Nancy Nielsen — March 31, 2007 @ 10:29 am

8. Comments in parentheses are mine:

   http://www.cnn.com/2007/US/03/.....recall.ap/
   Experts at the University of Guelph in Canada detected aminopterin in some samples of the recalled pet food, but only in very small percentages.
   “Biologically, that means nothing. It wouldn’t do anything,” said Grant Maxie, a veterinary pathologist at the university. “This is a puzzle.” (Just how many labs are involved in the network set up to deal with a biological threat? Do they cross national boundaries? Are there enough? Obviously not or many more samples of pet urine, kidneys and food would have already been done. Then there’s the issue of working with “sticky substances” when testing, which apparently is a problem. Is there anyone that can step up and fix this problem?)

   The FDA was working to rule out the possibility that the contaminated wheat gluten could have made it into any human food. (Oh, yeah and THAT is why the pet food issue takes a back seat. Because there are NOT enough resources to deal with this situation and first and foremost they want to protect human food sources.)
   [..]
   About 70 percent of the wheat gluten used in the United States for human and pet food is imported from the European Union and Asia, according to the Pet Food Institute, an industry group.

   One veterinarian suggested the international sourcing of ingredients would force the U.S. “to come to grips with a reality we had not appreciated.”

   “When you change from getting an ingredient from the supplier down the road to a supplier from around the globe, maybe the methods and practices that were effective in one situation need to be changed,” said Tony Buffington, a professor of veterinary clinical sciences at Ohio State University. (Gee, ya think that’s the problem? Sigh…at least someone’s saying it out loud on mainstream press.)

   Oh and I might add that it wouldn’t hurt to also send letters to county officials. Here in Floriduh we are sick of unfunded mandates from state govt. and I’m sure county officials would like nothing better than to tell the state officials they’ve not done their job. Plus it helps to start at the local level to insure good communication. Then, no matter what the big boys do, the word will get out locally.
   And don’t forget to include copies of your letters to Durbin, et. al. just in case your representatives are more worried about the horrible horrible AG scandal.

   My dogs hate me - the second day in a row they’ve been nowhere. I just tell them to pretend I’m on vacation….not!

   Comment by Cathy — March 31, 2007 @ 10:32 am

9. We ban chemicals here and they are sold to unregulated countries only to come back and bite us on the rear end through finished product.
   Comment by Sandro — March 31, 2007 @ 10:26 am

   Exactly. And I just an article today where Nestle is making moves on the Pakistan Baby Milk market.

   Nestle opens 67 million dollar milk processing plant in Pakistan

   “The company has in the past come in for fierce criticism and consumer boycotts over its policy of marketing powdered milk and infant formula in developing countries.”

   http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20.....vgczAZO7gF

   Comment by Steve — March 31, 2007 @ 10:42 am

10. Yes, I am writing those letters. I can already tell you that what I will receive in return is a bunch of meaningless (word censored here). But I will write - what else can I do.
    Comment by Nancy Nielsen — March 31, 2007 @ 10:29 am

    Don’t underestimate the power of word of mouth and citizen action. All it takes is one unhappy customer. The word starts getting around to friends, family, and associates and the next thing 20, 30, 40 people hear about it and it continues to grow in scope.

    Comment by Steve — March 31, 2007 @ 10:45 am

11. I have been feeding Trader Joe’s lamb & rice dry dog food to my dog.
    I called Trader Joes in Monravia, California to make sure it did not have any ingredients from Menu Foods. They assured me it didn’t. However, they will not divulge who makes their dry pet food , though they said it is ” a well known, high quality brand ” . In light of the poisoning of our pets, and that dry food is now also implicated, I urge pet owners to demand Trader Joe’s tell us which company makes their dry pet food, or at least name the companies supplying ingredients.
    Call Trader Joes at 626-599-3700
    CEO : Dan Bane, President: Doug Rauch

    Comment by ray gwyn smith — March 31, 2007 @ 10:45 am

12. I hope this episode exposes how deceptive and dishonest many of the pet food companies are. The long list of companies that use Menu Foods is unbelievable. The way many of these companies have behaved shows that greed is their driving force. My experience with Nutro (no call back, no communication after notifying them of my pet’s illness and then death), finding out that brands like Newman’s Own Organics, Wellness and Innova use Menu Foods or are Menu Foods brands, and that “by Nature” packets are a “Product of China” are personal experiences that I will always remember.

    Nothing will bring my beautiful cat back. All I can do is exercise the power of the purse and never again purchase from the companies that engage in deception. I will write my federal and state representatives and hope that action is taken. This country needs comprehensive laws with strict enforcement that will protect our pets and ensure the safety of the food they eat.

    We need to stop relying on China and other foreign countries for products that are available in the United States. China has an abysmal human rights record and animal rights are non-existent. Anyone who does a little research on the cruelty practiced by Chinese commerce and industry in exploiting dogs and cats for commerce would never buy anything from them.

    PLEASE, stop buying products from companies that deceive you. PLEASE, stop buying products grown or produced in countries that export poison. PLEASE write you elected representatives and express your anger.

    Comment by MFEMFEM — March 31, 2007 @ 10:50 am

13. Comment by ray gwyn smith — March 31, 2007 @ 10:45 am

    Yes. Contractual obligations and corporate competitive secrets. This istheir problem. They got themselves into it. If they can not be 100% transparent and straight forward about their products I am just NOT going to buy their product or have anything to do with them in any way shape or form. I’ll support honest and ethical companies who have nothing to hide.

    Comment by Steve — March 31, 2007 @ 10:53 am

14. My heart goes out to those with lost pets and to the pets who’ve been sick and passed away from this horrendous negligence.

    I had no idea about Newman’s Own Organic dog food using Menu Foods. Does anyone know about Blue Buffalo dog food? Their website tells of all ingredients used and says they are not involved in the recall. Any information would be helpful. Thanks in advance.

    Comment by Mary — March 31, 2007 @ 11:01 am

15. It is stunning to see how much garbage and waste products a food industry will try to make “palatable” for profit isn’t it?

    Comment by Steve — March 31, 2007 @ 11:01 am

16. WOW. I forgot to go out and get this mornings newspaper and the Pet Food Recall Fiasco is finally a MAJOR HEADLINE FRONT PAGE STORY.

    And in Bold Print. It’s about time.

    Comment by Steve — March 31, 2007 @ 11:03 am

17. Steve, all these companies know the potential for millions of lawsuits based on the enormous scope of this problem, of which they are more aware than we. I’m sure they’ve all been advised to remain silent at this time. They are in it together. They are gathering force, but so are we. It will just be a matter of time before they are forced to come forward if we persist.

    Comment by Nadine Long — March 31, 2007 @ 11:06 am

18. I just read an article on an “alternative news” website about millions of bees dying, not only in this country but all over the world. Without pollination, our own food supply is endangered of being wiped out. The big question is, is it the result of the genetic modification of grain crops?? We all know that our “fearless leaders” are in bed with big business, and what is bigger than Monsanto, who ships their poisons everywhere. Could our government-run FDA have been TOLD not to release any names? I am paranoid with good reason.

    Comment by gerry m. — March 31, 2007 @ 11:06 am

19. Comment by gerry m. — March 31, 2007 @ 11:06 am

    My two boys, young men in Oregon, who are involved in horticulture have been telling me this for a long time. Now I understand. Paranoia isn’t paranoia if the problem is real. This whole debacle is a blessing in disguise. I keep repeating that our pets have taken the hit for us. We will learn that soon.

    Comment by Nadine Long — March 31, 2007 @ 11:10 am

20. Comment by Nadine Long — March 31, 2007 @ 11:06 am

    You bet they are. It’s all damage control and management from here on out. I still want to see investigations and Congressional Hearings. I’m sure everyone across the country does.

    Which reminds me off,

    Ann Martin is to the pet food industry what Rachel Carson was to the … for her tenacity in taking on an industry with $20 billion in worldwide revenues. Ann Martin has been investigating the multi-billion-dollar, commercial pet food industry since 1990. Today, she is internationally recognized as an authority on the dangers of commercial pet foods.

    http://www.newsagepress.com/foodpetsdiefor.html

    Comment by Steve — March 31, 2007 @ 11:13 am

21. Comment by Steve — March 31, 2007 @ 11:13 am

    Thanks for that input. This is what we all should be sharing here. Knowledge is power.

    Comment by Nadine Long — March 31, 2007 @ 11:15 am

22. please tell me which of these brands are safe. I have to pick something today. I can locally get my hands on these (for a cat)
    Wellness
    Solid Gold
    Innova & Evo (Natura)
    I am leaning toward Solid Gold as there seems to be some connection with wellness & Natura to Menu Foods. Solid Gold seems to have no wheat at all which I like right now.
    Any Advice? I have also been recommended to buy Boulder Cat Treats for treats. Any thoughts on any of this - PLEASE….I have to buy something today.

    Comment by dan — March 31, 2007 @ 11:16 am

23. Comment by dan — March 31, 2007 @ 11:16 am

    My cat has been fine on Wellness Lite Super 5Mix with deboned chicken, chicken liver, real cranberries, real blueberries, flax seed, no rendered fats, no by-products. She has been on this for a year.

    Comment by Nadine Long — March 31, 2007 @ 11:20 am

24. is that a loaf style nadine or chunky?

    Comment by dan — March 31, 2007 @ 11:21 am

25. Dan, it’s dry food.

    Comment by Nadine Long — March 31, 2007 @ 11:23 am

26. Comment by dan — March 31, 2007 @ 11:16 am

    Dan check this list. Unfortunately there is not many panaceas.

    http://petsitusa.com/blog/?p=210

    We are staying with Wellness Wet although we are nervous as hell. It is all our cat will eat. Her favorite and main diet. She’s fine but we are still….. NERVOUS AS HELL…. and somewhat upset by Wellness even being involved with Menu.

    Comment by Steve — March 31, 2007 @ 11:24 am

27. ah, thanks nadine, i need that too. she likes it all. i evne have to change her treats out, they had wheat gluten in them too. i am getting rid of all that crap. she is actually being tested right now as a precaution and i will know the results soon.

    Comment by dan — March 31, 2007 @ 11:27 am

28. thank you steve for your input too & all of the info you have provided here.

    Comment by dan — March 31, 2007 @ 11:28 am

29. I, for one have been making my 2 dog’s meals since the day Before the recall, since that is when mine became ill, which could have been avoided if they would have told us months earlier WHEN THEY KNEW! And, even though I started feeding them ‘real food’ Before the recall, I have one that I’m still not sure is going to make it or not. She may be a little ‘better’, but she is still not her same ole self - and she’s young - only 3 years old.

    And it looks like us Pet Parents are ALL more enlightened to the dog food industry now. We now see what is Really in the food that our beloved pets have been eating. (besides the Aminopterin & Melamine!) which before I never thought to research because I ‘trusted’ my pet’s lives AND Nutrition with the dogfood manufacturers. We are seeing FDA reports months old that we never even heard about! We are finding out that many of the ingredients are imported! (Hey, I for one, didn’t know that! I”ve never seen “Some Ingredients may be Imported from China” on a can, have you?) I didn’t know the inspection process was as laxed as it is. I didn’t know pet food companies had kennels of dogs and cats, (and ‘other’ animals) so they could use in testing and laboratory procedurs. Dogs and cats, with feelings, being tortured, killed, and forced to live in a cage all of their lives.

    We have to realize that many other people, especially people who were raised in other countries, cannot relate to the close bond that we have with our Pets. They are not ‘just a commodity’ to us, or ‘entertainment’ like a Nintendo. They are a close nit part of our family. We Love our pets and that love is a close bonded tie similar to the love we feel for our children. We also KNow that they have Emotions such as sadness, depression, happiness, contentment, secureness, and we know they love us, too. We can’t Make others understand this, so we have to take the responsibility of protecting them into our own hands.

    We have to change the way pets are classified in our society. We have to raise the standards concerning pet food inspections. WE HAVE TO MAKE SURE THIS NEVER HAPPENS AGAIN!

    The only way is to “Speak up NOW”! Speak up for the innocent souls, our beloved pets, that lost their lives, or were permanently damaged, to human carelessness or intentional terrorism - whatever it may be.

    It seems like the only way they will listen is if their Net Profit Numbers are affected. These dogfood companies are BILLION DOLLAR CORPORATIONS. And where did they get their Billions? From US, the Pet Parents like you and me. We are the ones who work hard to put food our family table, INCLUDING food in the bowls of canine and feline FAMILY MEMBERS!

    If we all Stopped buying the “Crap in a Can” out there, or better yet, a group of fellow Pet Parents, opening their Own Pet Food Company (with stricter inspections policies, higher grade foods, & used our Own pets as ‘food testing animals’ (we’re not going to put the ‘bad stuff’ into our own pet’s food- it would be more of a ‘taste test’ which is the only type of ‘testing they should need’)……..THEN MAYBE………THEY WOULD START LISTENING….AND START MAKING CHANGES………IMMEDIATELY!!!!!!!!!!!

    Comment by Keri — March 31, 2007 @ 11:28 am

30. Pedigree brand dog food recalled in Asia after illnesses reported
    Asian Economic News, March 15, 2004

    Find More Results for: “whiskas recall cat food “
    Editorials Pet food…
    Banfield Treats Pets…
    More interactive ads…
    BANGKOK, March 12 Kyodo

    The makers of Pedigree brand dog food and Whiskas brand cat food have recalled products manufactured in Thailand and sold in Japan, South Korea and Southeast Asia after reports of increased renal illness among dogs in Taiwan, according to a company statement Friday.

    Effem Foods (Thailand) Co., a unit of food and confectionary giant Mars. Inc., said in a statement that it has recalled the dry dog and cat food ”because of concerns over raw material quality at a manufacturing plant in Thailand.”

    It said it had found mold in raw materials Wednesday at a pet food manufacturing plant in the Pakchong district of Nakhon Rachasima Province, 160 kilometers northeast of Bangkok, where operations have since been suspended.

    But the company said its investigation has not confirmed a direct link between the mold finding and an increase in reported cases of renal illness among dogs in Taiwan, Thailand and the Philippines.

    Comment by Jamie — March 31, 2007 @ 11:30 am

31. Dan,

    Wellness is a good food formula. We’re just upset to learn they decided to partner with Menu for some of their manufacturing. We know we are taking a chance. Nothing is more distressing then wondering if your companion is now a crash test dummy or test specimen. We hope we can take the companies word on this. If something happens that they could or should have acted upon or could have prevented they can bet-expect they will be hearing from us. And our Attorney.

    Comment by Steve — March 31, 2007 @ 11:33 am

32. Dan, stick with Solid Gold. Also, anything from Evangers, Felidae (Canidae), Merrick, California Natural, Flint River Ranch (though mail order only), Fromm Family Foods. From what I have found, these companies DO NOT DO BUSINESS in any way, shape, or form with Menu Foods. Keep in mind, none of these may fair well with your kitty, as all diets are different, but hopefully something will work.

    I hope what you get ends up working well for you cat. I, too, had to switch from Innova because of their involvement with Menu Foods.

    Jaycee

    Comment by Jaycee — March 31, 2007 @ 11:36 am

33. Comment by Steve — March 31, 2007 @ 11:33 am

    For Dan, Wellness dry is not produced by Menu. They bake it themselves apparently.

    Comment by Nadine Long — March 31, 2007 @ 11:39 am

34. Steve, Natura had a video statement on their site that they are considering building their own wet canning plant. Perhaps wellness can do the same. Or perhaps since everyone seems to like sharing plants to begin with they can pick up the phone and chat and build one together, quickly.

    Comment by dan — March 31, 2007 @ 11:40 am

35. Yes, I read that it was only their canned that was produced by Menu. Thank you so much everyone for thie info, off to the store now.

    Comment by dan — March 31, 2007 @ 11:42 am

36. Comment by dan — March 31, 2007 @ 11:40 am

    Excellent idea. Send them the suggestion in a letter!

    Comment by Nadine Long — March 31, 2007 @ 11:43 am

37. This is an article from 2004 regarding a recall in Asia:

    “Pedigree brand dog food recalled in Asia after illnesses reported

    Find More Results for: “whiskas recall cat food “

    BANGKOK, March 12 Kyodo
    The makers of Pedigree brand dog food and Whiskas brand cat food have recalled products manufactured in Thailand and sold in Japan, South Korea and Southeast Asia after reports of increased renal illness among dogs in Taiwan, according to a company statement Friday.
    Effem Foods (Thailand) Co., a unit of food and confectionary giant Mars. Inc., said in a statement that it has recalled the dry dog and cat food ”because of concerns over raw material quality at a manufacturing plant in Thailand.”
    It said it had found mold in raw materials Wednesday at a pet food manufacturing plant in the Pakchong district of Nakhon Rachasima Province, 160 kilometers northeast of Bangkok, where operations have since been suspended.
    But the company said its investigation has not confirmed a direct link between the mold finding and an increase in reported cases of renal illness among dogs in Taiwan, Thailand and the Philippines.”

    http://www.findarticles.com/p/....._114410165

    Comment by Jamie — March 31, 2007 @ 11:44 am

38. this all gets sucky-er by the minute. what was the date on that article please.

    Comment by dan — March 31, 2007 @ 11:46 am

39. Yes, Jamie, this has been going on for a long time. Not new.

    Comment by Nadine Long — March 31, 2007 @ 11:47 am

40. Comment by dan — March 31, 2007 @ 11:40 am

    Dan Wellness did produce in house but in the past year to 18 months or so due to increasing demand and an outdated original facility (Old Mother Hubbard) they closed that. There were some serious shortages of Wellness during this time period as they retooled. It was hard to get our brand. Demand exceeded supply. At minimum I hope they are reconsidering seriously their decision to outsource some production to Menu in the future. And consider the long term benefit of a new facility where they can maintain absolute 100% control over quality.
    Easier said then done I know.

    Comment by Steve — March 31, 2007 @ 11:49 am

41. GO TO PETSIT USA.COM BLOG THEY HAVE A LIST OF FOOD NOT ON RECALL LIST AND ALL SO WHO MAKES THE FOOD ,BEWARE OF ANY CO. WHO MAKES FOOD FROM DIAMOND FOOD PLANT. GOOD LUCK

    Comment by MARY ANN — March 31, 2007 @ 11:50 am

42. http://crickler.com/crickler.html

    At least somebody is paying attention.

    Comment by Dee — March 31, 2007 @ 11:52 am

43. Comment by MARY ANN — March 31, 2007 @ 11:50 am

    Yes, last years Diamond Pet Food Aflatoxin recall.

    http://www.fda.gov/oc/po/firmr.....12_05.html

    Comment by Steve — March 31, 2007 @ 11:53 am

44. Nadine, I wasn’t aware that these companies have been sleazy for this long… I guess I’ve been blinded by the promises that they “care about our pets”.

    I got an email from a friend this morning with this message from Mars:

    The recent US pet food recall initiated by Menu Foods and other companies does not include any Mars Petcare pet food products. All of our brands, including PEDIGREE, CESAR and THE GOODLIFE RECIPE food for dogs, and WHISKAS, SHEBA, TEMPTATIONS, and THE GOODLIFE RECIPE food for cats, are safe for pets to enjoy.

    The safety of products not involved in the recall was validated by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on March 23. According to the FDA, pet owners should feel confident feeding unrecalled products to their pets.

    The safety and nutritional quality of our pet food is our top priority because for many people, their pets are their top priorities.”

    So, I did some checking and found the above-referenced old article from 2004.

    Comment by Jamie — March 31, 2007 @ 11:54 am

45. To Dan ~

    What city/state do you live in??

    Comment by Tracy — March 31, 2007 @ 11:55 am

46. If you really want this issue to get more attention, please CALL OR EMAIL your local news outlets!! Many of us reporters are pet lovers, and I know I’m not the only one who’s been trying to convince our editors we ought to be doing more coverage of this story. Pressure from the public WILL help us make our case.

    And no, at least in my station’s case, it’s NOT about the advertising - it’s just a thirty-year-old perception that pet stories aren’t real news, that people don’t want to hear about it. We *all* know that isn’t true - hell, the food recall story is at the top of CNN’s “most popular” list at the moment. But it’s an old myth in the news industry.

    So if you want action, ask for it from your local media. More public outcry will give those of us who want to cover this story more leverage to do it. And once the real story starts showing up on front pages and broadcasts across the country, and putting these companies’ bottom lines at risk, you can bet the corporate folks will start paying attention.

    Comment by Laura — March 31, 2007 @ 11:56 am

47. Comment by Jamie — March 31, 2007 @ 11:54 am

    Greed and the smell of money can corrupt even the most well intentioned. What is disturbing is seeing some companies who should know better taking those first baby steps leading into that abyss.

    Comment by Steve — March 31, 2007 @ 11:58 am

48. Comment by Steve — March 31, 2007 @ 11:58 am

    Money addiction.

    Comment by Nadine Long — March 31, 2007 @ 12:02 pm

49. gerry m

    The bee industry is devastated, about wiped out. They don’t know exactly the cause but suspect genitically modified plants and/or pesticides.

    I’ve always said, everything corrupt man touches, he destroys.

    Gary

    Comment by Gary — March 31, 2007 @ 12:07 pm

50. Comment by Laura — March 31, 2007 @ 11:56 am

    Your station is way behind the times. I’d gather some data for them to bring them into 2007. How many pet companions in the U.S. per household? How much $$$ spent in the U.S. on pet products? And so forth…

    Comment by Nadine Long — March 31, 2007 @ 12:07 pm

51. LAURA,i have been e mailing, cnn,fox msnbc,plus my local media and newspapers and in the e mail i email pet connection web page and tell them look at the NUMBERS i put the dogs on wellness they refused it,my friend has her dog INVOVA ERO BY NATURA PET AND SHE SWEARS BY IT. I SPENT 30.00 ON CHICKEN TODAY ,I’M SCARED TO FEED THEM PET FOOD I’M SURE NEXT FRI. THEIR WILL BE MORE RECALL’S

    Comment by MARY ANN — March 31, 2007 @ 12:13 pm

52. One month before the recall, Nestlé Purina opened a pet food factory in China!

    At the end of the Year of the Dog pet food manufacturer Nestlé Purina has expanded its China interests opening its first pet food processing factory on the Chinese mainland, in the Tianjin Economic Development Area.

    Purina had been exporting to China since 2003. Pet ownership in China is on the increase and attitudes towards pets are changing, with Chinese people demonstrating greater love and care towards their pets, according to market analyst Euromonitor. Up to 2005, China’s pet population grew by a remarkable 20% in five years.

    Pet food, especially dog and cat food, are expected to develop as foreign major players. Investors see China as a lucrative pet food market, says Euromonitor. http://www.euromonitor.com/

    Nestle to produce pet food in China
    February 03, 2007

    Swiss-based Nestle S.A’s pet food plant in Tianjin Municipality in north China began operating on Friday.

    Nestle invested 80 million yuan (10.26 million U.S. dollars) in the plant and it has an annual production ability of 20,000 tons. It is the company’s first pet food plant in China.

    The plant will use local-purchased raw materials including bean, corn and wheat. Its products will be sold in supermarkets, pet clinics and pet shops.

    According to statistics with the China Food Association, the value of pet-food sale in China is expected to reach six billion yuan (769 million U.S. dollars) in 2008 and the figure will top 15 billion yuan (1.92 billion U.S. dollars) in five years.

    Source: Xinhua

    About Nestle Purina
    The North American headquarters for Nestle Purina PetCare Company is located at Checkerboard Square in St. Louis, Missouri, where Ralston Purina Company was founded more than a century ago. Nestle Purina PetCare promotes responsible pet care, humane education, community involvement and the positive bond between people and their pets. One of the leading global players in the pet food industry, Nestle Purina PetCare is part of Swiss-based Nestle S.A. — the world’s largest food company.

    Nestlé (China) Ltd.
    Building No 3 Universal Plaza
    Commercial Center
    10 Jiu Xian Qiao Lu
    Chaoyang District
    Beijing 100016 PRC
    People’s Republic of China
    + 86-10-8434 7888
    + 86-10-6438 9330
    http://www.nestle.com.cn/
    http://english.people.com.cn/2.....47213.html

    Comment by Mike — March 31, 2007 @ 12:13 pm

53. Comment by Nadine Long — March 31, 2007 @ 12:02 pm

    It’s a shame so many large scale employers and corporations have disintegrated from serving communities and people to becoming tools for global exploitation and the personal profit and gain of a small handful of men. Maybe it was inevitable that this kind of rampant capitalism has run it’s course. Wealth without Ethics. Nasty Stuff. I am not anti large scale. But the current course has us heading straight for the rocks.

    Comment by Steve — March 31, 2007 @ 12:16 pm

54. My station is, unfortunately, very much in the majority on this. Why do you think this has gotten so little coverage? I have to fight for every pet story we do - and it’s still more than any other outlet in our large media market!

    News editors know all the figures. They get stats thrown at them all the time. But stats don’t make a story - real people do.

    There’s just an outdated perception that dogs and cats don’t compete well against human news for ratings. I’ve worked at many place that have this attitude. It’s based on very old numbers, but it’s still accepted as fact in many newsrooms.

    Again - if you want more attention paid to this, don’t blame the media - call them, then tell all your friends to call them, too. Even the most hard-headed assignment editor can’t ignore the critical mass of an overflowing inbox and dozens of voicemails.

    Comment by Laura — March 31, 2007 @ 12:17 pm

55. Mary Ann, you’re doing the right thing. Keep plugging, and get anyone you can to do the same thing. Your local folks will be more responsive than the nationals.

    If you’re willing to tell them your story, say you are. And offer them your vet’s name and number to back you up.

    Comment by Laura — March 31, 2007 @ 12:21 pm

56. Nadine and anyone else who is interested,

    You can find stats on pet ownership and $$$ spent on appma.org.

    They do a pet owner’s survey every year.

    Here are stats from 2005/2006
    http://www.appma.org/press_industrytrends.asp

    Comment by Robin — March 31, 2007 @ 12:22 pm

57. Comment by Laura — March 31, 2007 @ 12:17 pm

    Media Consolidation is a big problem. We have to few people calling the shots on what gets seen, heard, or viewed.

    Comment by Steve — March 31, 2007 @ 12:22 pm

58. Comment by Laura — March 31, 2007 @ 12:17 pm

    Unfortunately they just continue to contribute to the money madness. They do have an audience out there that they haven’t found yet. Their unwillingness to look deeper will eventually erode their business. It’s just a matter of time everyone. This story is not only about pets, it’s about people. It’s about bigger issues, like overall food supply. You are right about contacting the local media. I did and it worked. Perhaps because of the subject “pets” this will have to be a grass roots effort. It may take longer, but it’s not impossible. Word of mouth, networking, is an incredible tool. And the best, I might mention!

    Comment by Nadine Long — March 31, 2007 @ 12:27 pm

59. RICK SANCHEZ @CNN.COM HAS BEEN ON TOP OF THIS,LAURA INGELAS, SHE’S ON GERALDO AT LARGE 8 PM EST ON FOX NEWS CHANNEL SHE’S BEEN GREAT COVERING THIS HORRIBLE NIGHTMARE

    Comment by MARY ANN — March 31, 2007 @ 12:27 pm

60. Comment by Robin — March 31, 2007 @ 12:22 pm

    Wow, Robin, thanks for that great information. $40 billion??? And this is NOT news? C’mon people!!!

    Comment by Nadine Long — March 31, 2007 @ 12:30 pm

61. Comment by MARY ANN — March 31, 2007 @ 12:27 pm

    Does she have a segment time where the public can be directed to watch for those not online? That would be helpful.

    Comment by Nadine Long — March 31, 2007 @ 12:32 pm

62. In addition to political action, please don’t forget our local animal shelters, many of whom rely purely on food donations and have been hit hard by the food recall. We have been working very hard to ensure that all of the animals in our care are eating the safest food possible, with what little, inadequate information we are getting from the FDA and manufacturers. We have been extremely scrupulous in removing recalled and even suspect food from our supplies, and have put certain other foods in a secure “hold” section until we have adequate information to make good decisions…and these actions have left us low on usable pet food. I find that I have had to temper my anger somewhat so that I can think clearly and help these animals get the safest food possible, because that is my current priority. I am saving that rage for a time when I can use it appropriately and effectively.

    So please, don’t forget your local shelter animals, it’s another way to help make a small difference for animals who are too often given the cheapest food people can donate.

    I’d like to thank PetConnection for this blog; its updates have been invaluable in helping us determine what foods to pull…often long before it becomes widespread knowledge.

    Comment by Gudewife — March 31, 2007 @ 12:34 pm

63. This is my second go at trying to post this since mid morning. Could be I don’t know to type my email.
    Comments in parentheses are mine:

    http://www.cnn.com/2007/US/03/.....recall.ap/
    Experts at the University of Guelph in Canada detected aminopterin in some samples of the recalled pet food, but only in very small percentages.
    “Biologically, that means nothing. It wouldn’t do anything,” said Grant Maxie, a veterinary pathologist at the university. “This is a puzzle.” (Just how many labs are involved in the network set up to deal with a biological threat? Do they cross national boundaries? Are there enough? Obviously not or many more samples of pet urine, kidneys and food would have already been done. Then there’s the issue of working with “sticky substances” when testing, which apparently is a problem. Is there anyone that can step up and fix this problem?)

    The FDA was working to rule out the possibility that the contaminated wheat gluten could have made it into any human food. (Oh, yeah and THAT is why the pet food issue takes a back seat. Because there are NOT enough resources to deal with this situation and first and foremost they want to protect human food sources.)
    [..]
    About 70 percent of the wheat gluten used in the United States for human and pet food is imported from the European Union and Asia, according to the Pet Food Institute, an industry group.

    One veterinarian suggested the international sourcing of ingredients would force the U.S. “to come to grips with a reality we had not appreciated.”

    “When you change from getting an ingredient from the supplier down the road to a supplier from around the globe, maybe the methods and practices that were effective in one situation need to be changed,” said Tony Buffington, a professor of veterinary clinical sciences at Ohio State University. (Gee, ya think that’s the problem? Sigh…at least someone’s saying it out loud on mainstream press.)

    Oh and I might add that it wouldn’t hurt to also send letters to county officials. Here in Floriduh we are sick of unfunded mandates from state govt. and I’m sure county officials would like nothing better than to tell the state officials they’ve not done their job. Plus it helps to start at the local level to insure good communication. Then, no matter what the big boys do, the word will get out locally.
    And don’t forget to include copies of your letters to Durbin, et. al. just in case your representatives are more worried about the horrible horrible AG scandal.

    My dogs hate me - the second day in a row they’ve been nowhere. I just tell them to pretend I’m on vacation….not!

    Comment by Cathy — March 31, 2007 @ 12:36 pm

64. Mary Ann, is that tonight(Geraldo?)Thanks for the info!
    Nadine- glad that site helped - I am amazed, too that this story isn’t bigger - I guess I try not to be too cynical because that leads to inaction, IMO

    Comment by Robin — March 31, 2007 @ 12:37 pm

65. Yet another news/blog article:

    http://lucianne.com/threads2.asp?artnum=331992

    Gary

    Comment by Gary — March 31, 2007 @ 12:38 pm

66. Comment by Cathy — March 31, 2007 @ 12:36 pm

    Grass roots, Cathy. That’s why we are here. Thanks for that input. We should cheer on Tony Buffington.

    Comment by Nadine Long — March 31, 2007 @ 12:42 pm

67. Comment by Robin — March 31, 2007 @ 12:37 pm

    We are all furious but using our energy positively will be the greatest power of them all. We have voices and choices.

    Comment by Nadine Long — March 31, 2007 @ 12:47 pm

68. Maybe someone in the shipping container and cargo ship industry can let us know WHO the protected American wheat distributor is.

    Gary

    Comment by Gary — March 31, 2007 @ 12:50 pm

69. The safest thing to do would be to stay away from any food made at the MF plants. That being said, there have been NO reports of animals getting sick from eating wet Wellness, Innova, Newman’s Own. I hope these companys pull their business from Menu Foods. Unfortunately, they too are influenced by the almighty dollar - I wish just one company would step up and say “We don’t just say we value your pets health, we mean it. Until we can find another place to have our food manufactured, the food won’t be available”. Yeah, I know, only in fantasy land.

    Buffalo Blue manufactures their own wet and dry food - and their food contains no wheat gluten. They do have grain in their food - whole grain oats, barley - so I don’t think this is a problem. They state that their food is made from food OK’d for human consumption (not their fault, but I’m not so comforted by this anymore).

    I think dry foods from Wellness and Innova are fine. Their ingredients don’t include the following things to be avoided: MEAT by-products (can be any kind of meat, including euthanized cats and dogs), other by-products (this generally refers to food that did not pass inspection for human consumption), fillers like corn or wheat as one of the first ingredients, wheat gluten. Meal is OK as long as its made from the ingredients being used. That’s the one tough part - most of the web sites for natural/holistic/human grade pet foods don’t say whether they make their own meal or buy it from someone else (like menu foods maybe).

    Comment by Andrea — March 31, 2007 @ 12:52 pm

70. Comment by Robin — March 31, 2007 @ 12:37 pm

    Like you, I’m amazed this hasn’t blown up into headlines. Like many reporters, I’ve been trying so hard to pitch stories about this. But part of the problem is that the “official” (FDA) numbers are still so small, and it’s hard to find anyone to counter them, because there’s no regulatory structure in place to track them. It’s just immensely frustrating.

    And you’re right about cynicism, too. Never ascribe to malevolence that which can be adequately explained by ignorance. :) God knows I’m no Pollyanna about my industry, but I really believe there’s no conspiracy to keep this quiet. Just an overall lack of understanding about how big and horrible and hurtful and expensive this story really is.

    I usually cover politics, not pets. But to me, this *is* a political story, as far as the FDA’s bewildering refusal to do its stated job. Is it coincidence that there’s no oversight of a multi-billion dollar industry that gives a great deal of money to politicians?

    Comment by Laura — March 31, 2007 @ 12:55 pm

71. Comment by Laura — March 31, 2007 @ 12:55 pm

    For Laura, Steve, and all of you…are you familiar with the Senegalese environmentalist?

    “In the end we will conserve only what we love. We will love only what we understand. We will understand only what we are taught.”—-Baba Dioum

    Media needs to teach.

    Comment by Nadine Long — March 31, 2007 @ 1:00 pm

72. http://www.newsagepress.com/foodpetsdiefor.html

    That $20 billion industry is now $40 billion!

    Comment by Nadine Long — March 31, 2007 @ 1:03 pm

73. Andrea, thanks for the input on Blue Buffalo and the others. For now I’m going with home cooking for both my dogs and storing my dry Blue Buffalo. I agree; it’s sad but right now who can trust anybody in the business? My menu for them consists of chicken, brown rice, peas/carrots, beans and some pasta. I also tried making my own dog biscuits the other day. They came out pretty good. I used flour, oats and Quaker cornmeal, 1 beaten egg and a dash of garlic powder. Although some say to not give garlic powder, my dogs have been fine with the small amount I used. They’ve also been delighted with their new menu!

    Comment by Mary — March 31, 2007 @ 1:06 pm

74. Gina, everyone…

    “A network is nonhierarchical. It is a web of connections among equals. What holds it together is not force, obligation, material incentive, or social contract, but rather shared values and the understanding that some tasks can be accomplished together that could never be accomplished separately. One of the important purposes of a network is simply to remind its members that they are not alone.”

    - Donella H. Meadows (1941-2001)

    Comment by Nadine Long — March 31, 2007 @ 1:08 pm

75. Okay, how about the “animal rescue” folks like the HSUS and ASPCA? I haven’t been to their websites, but what are they doing to inform us about the contaminated foods and the horrendous things that are happening in the pet food industry? They, too, should, IMHO, be on the front lines of information giving and lobbying for animal health and well-being. I think I will check them out so the next time they send me their “send money” literature I can respond with an informed decision.

    Comment by dottie — March 31, 2007 @ 1:25 pm

76. YES,GERALDO IS ON SAT NITE 8 PM EST. RICK IS ON CNN AT 10 PM SAT AND SUN.

    Comment by MARY ANN — March 31, 2007 @ 1:35 pm

77. I know it gets old and depressing, too, but along with the total dead reported, can you also report the reported injured. I say injured because the issue is not a disease.

    Our cat lost a few more ounces of body weight so we stepped up our 8-week follow-up by 3 weeks… BUN is high 70’s and creatinine is in the high 7’s no real change or recovery now 10 weeks from the original diagnosis.

    After reading the description of the kind of kidney damage I wonder if some sort of ultrasound therapy might be used to unblock the tubules clogged with dead cells because of the organic solvent/poisen they were exposed to…

    Some of you might think it strange, but I don’t blame Menu for the contamination. Procedures that were in place were not adequate to discover this problem and no recommended test of product would reveal it…

    What I do blame them for is the delay in announcing a problem and initiating a recall, that was irresponsible to the customers, the company reputation, and the shareholders - it is not the problem that kills you, it is the hoping it will go away instead of standing up and dealing with it in a mature and responsible way. It is absolutely clear they did not move in a timely or public manner, and still do not do so…

    The blame for the contamination may not go to Menu, but it does go to the manufacturer. I don’t mean who Menu bought it from, the supplier who acquired the contaminated product and tested it to the level required, not until it is shown they knew something was wrong. I mean the people they got it from, the ones who out of ignorance or deliberation shipped toxic materials to their consumer…

    There is certainly more to it than the brief comments I have made can possibly cover, but when I read someone posting that the situation is out of control, I have to agree, it is out of control on both ends. When you are going to hang someone, make sure you know exactly who you are going to hang and exactly why.

    Make sure your rage is targeted at the right people and for the right reason, otherwise you are just part of a mob who wants to hang anyone at all no matter how minor or major their role was, so long as there is vengence…

    I’ll buy the rope…

    As for not revealing the companies in the supply chain. Understand that in this sort of matter the FDA wields enormous power, the rage of the mob… Remember a few days ago the blame was on aminopterin… but it could not be confirmed and now the suspect is an organic solvent used to make plastics… If the FDA released the wrong information then a company that did nothing wrong could be destroyed by the mob… They ablolutely have to release accurate and confirmed information or the results would be even more damaging than the facts at hand.

    Nobody wants the facts more than I, to know why my pet is so terribly sick, why my friends have sick or dead pets, and if there is anything at all which might restore even partial health to the survivors of this trajedy. I am just grateful that there are cooler heads in the places that matter.

    My prayers are for the pets and owners affected to be sure, but also for the mob to find clarity and that they do not also harm the innocent in their blood thirst justice…

    Comment by steve a — March 31, 2007 @ 1:38 pm

78. I believe the HSUS is involved in this tragic event. They state on their website their actions and intentions.

    http://www.hsus.org/

    I’m not sure about other organizations, but the ASPCA has been around for a long time and it’s my belief they’ve done wonders for animal welfare. I’m a member of both along with many others.

    Comment by Mary — March 31, 2007 @ 1:41 pm

79. Two things have been bothering me that I want to mention here. (No answers-just more questions.)
    1. Just cuz we have been successfully feeding a particular wet or dry food to our pet for years does not mean that we don’t have to be concerned. It is now obvious that pet food brands can, and do, occasionally change formulations, suppliers and manufacturers. It looks to me like every new bag or can must now be considered a potential minefield. How disheartening.

    2. What is happening to all the millions of cans and pouches of recalled food that was removed from store shelves, and returned to stores by worried pet owners? What about the recalled lots that were still sitting in warehouses? Is it possibly going into the garbage and local landfills where it can continue its deadly contamination in ways we can’t even begin to fathom? Regardless of what the actual taint ends up being, clearly it is poison and needs to be treated as such and disposed of as hazardous waste. What is to say this stuff won’t be reused or repackaged in some way? In my opinion it should all be under lock and key until it can be properly analyzed and then appropriately destroyed under strict supervision. If it IS being properly destroyed I need someone to verify that and tell me who is in charge. This concern also needs to be voiced to our government leaders.

    I have written to both my US Senators as of this morning.

    Comment by elizabeth — March 31, 2007 @ 1:41 pm

80. Why would any of you remain loyal to a brand that sourced from Menu Foods?

    The companies deceived you with their slick marketing about “natural”, “healthy” ingredients. All of those pleasant, high-priced ads were designed to add to their bottom line, not to keep your pets healthy. Reward the companies that were honest. Let the companies that used Menu Foods know that there is a price to pay for deception. If you lost a pet, like I did, I don’t think you would EVER do business with a company that used Menu Foods. If you had seen the agony my poor cat, my dear friend, was in from eating poison you might understand the sense of betrayal I feel toward Nutro.

    There is a lot of pain in the pet world - there needs to be more anger turned into positive actions such as promoting legislation to protect our pets from the companies that betrayed us. You can also vote with your wallets!

    Comment by MFEMFEM — March 31, 2007 @ 1:42 pm

81. clarification on my last comment; I should have written, the HSUS is trying to do something about this terrible tragedy and appears they are involved in a positive way.

    Comment by Mary — March 31, 2007 @ 1:45 pm

82. Comment by Mary — March 31, 2007 @ 1:45 pm

    Here is ASPCA’s update today:

    http://www.aspca.org/site/Page.....ess_033107

    Comment by Nadine Long — March 31, 2007 @ 1:47 pm

83. I just got back from the vet and testing my young dog who had Nutro Puppy Slow Growth Natures Choice - his blood kidney levels are fine but he has a fever and is on a special diet from the vet - no wheat or wheat gluten.

    He ate some of the recalled Traders Joes wet - but not much of it.

    I think he is fine. After he gets off his ID he will go on a fresh boiled hamburger and sweet potato diet (as well as all the added human grade bone meal - not from China - and other goodies).

    I can’t rant anymore here about this tragedy. Now I am writing letters and calling - No e-mails to all my state and Fed reps.

    My new vet pulled the Canine MD too, not just the kitty brand. Said it was all pulled. More later. Time to go to the health food co-op and buy food for the week - nothing with wheat or wheat gluten. Thanks for all your good work here. I’m telling people at about your site - and spoke to a woman at the vets who was returning her kitty food MD - her cat died last week.

    Comment by Linda — March 31, 2007 @ 1:47 pm

84. alot of dogs get the runs on blue bufflo

    Comment by MARY ANN — March 31, 2007 @ 1:53 pm

85. go to peta’s web site,they want all dry food yank !!!

    Comment by MARY ANN — March 31, 2007 @ 1:58 pm

86. FDA Finds Melamine in Wheat Gluten used by Hill’s Pet Nutrition
    eMaxHealth.com, NC - 1 hour ago

    The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) notified Hill’s Pet Nutrition, Inc., of Topeka, Kansas, that FDA testing has detected melamine and melamine byproducts in wheat gluten received by the company to make dry cat food.

    http://www.emaxhealth.com/116/10666.html

    Comment by Steve — March 31, 2007 @ 2:08 pm

87. eMaxHealth.com, NC - 1 hour ago

    The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) notified Hill’s Pet Nutrition, Inc., of Topeka, Kansas, that FDA testing has detected melamine and melamine byproducts in wheat gluten received by the company to make dry cat food. FDA is conducting an investigation into pet food products made with wheat gluten that contains melamine and their association with reports of injury and deaths in cats and dogs.

    http://www.emaxhealth.com/116/10666.html

    Comment by Steve — March 31, 2007 @ 2:10 pm

88. SENATOR DURBIN (D-IL) PRESS CONFERENCE ON SUNDAY 03/31/07
    Howl 911 received an email today alerting us of Sen. Dick Durbin’s plans to hold a press conference to discuss the pet food crisis. The press conference is scheduled for Sunday, 04/01/07, in Springfield, IL at 1:30 p.m. (CDT). We are asking anyone with video of this conference to please let Howl 911 and our readers know where and when this video can be accessed.

    Comment by Steve — March 31, 2007 @ 2:12 pm

89. My dogs never got the runs on Blue Buffalo but I’m not taking any chances. I’m lucky they’re small enough to eat lighter portions of home cooked foods so they don’t break my bank. I’m done with commercial dog food forever after this.

    I do plan on writing hand written letters to my local and state reps which I hope will help put my focus in a positive direction.

    Thanks to this wonderful website for such valuable, up to date info, and insight from other readers.

    Comment by Mary — March 31, 2007 @ 2:14 pm

90. PACKAGING

    Just an off-the-wall thought here. Packaging should be tested too. Melamine is involved in the production of polymers and polymer coatings. I just looked at the interior of my pet food bags. Some use an adhesive which also can involve melamine. I’m no chemist but I do know some plastics are not recommended for food storage. Am relying only on logic and common sense which often is overlooked in the haste!

    Comment by Nadine Long — March 31, 2007 @ 2:17 pm

91. The ASPCA has been involved in the recall situation, was out in front doubting the original aminopterin theory, and have offered information regarding melamine and its possible physiological actions (though not enough is known at this time). Please see the press releases on their website for further information.

    Comment by Gudewife — March 31, 2007 @ 2:20 pm

92. Comment by Steve — March 31, 2007 @ 2:12 pm

    Great! Thanks for being on top of everything.

    A suggestion for all of us:

    Most of our hometown newspapers now have an on-line comment site where other citizens may view your message.

    I encourage everyone who is reading these blogs to submit this information about Durbin’s press conference tomorrow, as well as any information about the recall, websites, trackers, web logs, addresses to send snail mail to government, etc.

    Comment by Nadine Long — March 31, 2007 @ 2:25 pm

93. Anyone having trouble posting? Seems to be a glitch.

    Comment by Steve — March 31, 2007 @ 2:26 pm

94. Can anyone recommend a kitten chow that does not contain wheat or wheat gluten? We lost our cat to tainted food and we went to the local animal shelter and brought home two 8 wk old kittens. I DO NOT want to harm them with the wrong food…

    Comment by Cindy — March 31, 2007 @ 2:26 pm

95. “The safest thing to do would be to stay away from any food made at the MF plants.”

    At this point, I would advise staying away from any food that contains wheat gluten since the FDA won’t report which companies received “adulterated” supplies.

    Comment by Dee — March 31, 2007 @ 2:29 pm

96. Maybe flood control is on. Wouldn’t surprise me if this site sees a pretty massive spike in traffic this weekend.

    Comment by Steve — March 31, 2007 @ 2:36 pm

97. Anyone having trouble posting? Seems to be a glitch.

    Steve, it’s probably because there are so many readers to the site. I had difficulty myself.

    Comment by Nadine Long — March 31, 2007 @ 2:36 pm

98. I quit using IAMS wet, however their dry kitten food does not contain wheat or wheat gluten. Which brings me back to my other question…if some dry foods do not contain wheat or wheat gluten, yet apparently many are having negative responses to it, how can anyone say with 100% certainty that their dry food is okay? I’m not being paranoid, I’m just trying to point out that wheat gluten doesn’t seem to be the answer to everything.

    Comment by Carole — March 31, 2007 @ 2:41 pm

99. Your blogging team needed a little break. :) First-time commenters are moderated. As for any additional slow response … well … we have had a lot of traffic.

    I just just cleared all the moderated comments, zapped all the spam. Everything seems to be coming though OK, now.

    Comment by Gina Spadafori — March 31, 2007 @ 2:41 pm

100. Comment by Gina Spadafori — March 31, 2007 @ 2:41 pm

     No need to explain! I just the upside spike on your sites traffic on Alexis web stats. Looks like your going to have a busy weekend. Hope you have some good coffee in stock.

     Comment by Steve — March 31, 2007 @ 2:47 pm

101. I’m sorry I have been so obcessed with all this.. My heart and soul really really really misses my cat miss Cuddles.. I can’t Breathe.. I have a hard time functioning.. I can’t beleive my hunny-pie is Gone.. Feb.17th.. The pain seems t o be getting Worser!! I Agree.. They hurt my Baby!! I miss and Love my Sweet Cat Miss Cuddles wit hAll my heart.. She’s in a Casket not buried yet.. My pain is Great! I feel So alone and HURT NOT FAIR!! NOT FAIR I miss my BABy so Much.. i’m Hurting, and CRYING HELP!!! Kelly B!!!

     Comment by kelly — March 31, 2007 @ 2:48 pm

102. steve contact fox news channel about press confernce

     Comment by MARY ANN — March 31, 2007 @ 2:49 pm

103. i google blue buffleo food and read the reviews on it. i;m thinking of going organic. i saw it on cnn.com

     Comment by MARY ANN — March 31, 2007 @ 2:52 pm

104. I currently have a dog at the vet going through a dialysis on her kidneys and she is in day 2 of the process and is responding well and has her levels going back down. We got her in pretty quickly after showing signs of constant dehydration. She hadnt started throwing up yet but was starting to become slightly lethargic. She had been eating the Mighty Dog pouches.

     I have seen many cases around of deceased pets, but how many pet owners going through this have had their pets survive?? How many were told their pet will make a full recovery and live normally?? Are there any survivors??

     Comment by Brannon — March 31, 2007 @ 2:57 pm

105. I might have found Paul Hendersons email address if you really want to tell him how you feel.

     phenderson@menufoods.com

     I hope he has a blackberry!!!!

     Comment by Hekilledmycat — March 31, 2007 @ 3:06 pm

106. My cat Molly died after eating Iams canned food and going into renal failure. Is anyone setting up a class action suit for the victims?

     Comment by Judy Chappel — March 31, 2007 @ 3:16 pm

107. Dear Kelly B,

     I am so sad for you too. It is so, so terrible what has happened. Those people are KILLERS! That is the only way I look at it—KILLERS!

     I feel your pain and cry over the thought of possibly losing my best friend too.

     I wish there was soemthing I could say to make you feel better, but I now there is nothing that will. Just know your baby is now your angel. She will always be in your heart, mind, and soul. She was an innocent creature who loved you. She still loves you. Its OK to cry and OK to feel the loss. But, please be strong and keep yourself healthy. Maybe there is another sweet baby in need of rescue. When the time is right, you will find her. Nothing can replace what you have lost, but there is always love out there waiting to be given.

     You are in my thoughts and prayers. Please take care of yourself.

     ~Jeanna

     PS…here is a GREAT cat forum that gives a lot of support to all cat lovers!

     http://www.cat-world.com.au/forums

     Comment by Jeanna — March 31, 2007 @ 3:18 pm

108. Kelly my heart goes out to you and everone else this has touched. When my baby boy only 3 1/2 died mysteriously the only thing i could come up with for the vet was a new bag of
     Science Diet Light Adult I had opened. At the urging of the vet I called Hill’s and they had me send the leftover food in for testing to them. My first question to the vet was if it was the food “WOULD THEY ADMIT IT”. Now my question is with all the flack they are all taking with the canned foods “HOW MUCH WILL THEY ADMIT TO WITH THE DRY FOOD”. I have tried to contact Hill’s since they have had “Puffs” dry food and no one calls me back. My vet was able to contact their vet and they told her that since all the canned scare “Puffs” case has been pushed back and
     we will pribably not know anything until late April at the earliest. I really feel that they are hoping that the dry food does not come into the spotlight and they can try to hide as much damage to their industry as possible. My stomach is still turning thinking that all this happened to my cat approx 2 weeks before all of this recall started and if I had only known then. Thanks again to everyone that is posting here to keep this issue alive.

     In loving memory of my baby boy “puff”

     Comment by Jackie — March 31, 2007 @ 3:22 pm

109. How many were told their pet will make a full recovery and live normally?? Are there any survivors?? Comment by Brannon — March 31, 2007 @ 2:57 pm

     No one in the professional circles and veterinary communities has commented yet on what the possible outcome of this or the long term effects are going to be. Your not alone in your concerns. And yes there are pets who have recovered. When your pet gets home from the Vet some TLC and patience is the order of the day. Recovery from even a nasty flu doesn’t happen instantaneously. Animals are very stoic and forgiving. So don’t let guilt get the best of you.

     Comment by Steve — March 31, 2007 @ 3:23 pm

110. Cindy-

     I recently switched my cats to Blue Buffalo foods and they seem to be very happy and don’t miss their old food (the Science Diet reommended by my vet) at all. Blue Buffalo makes both wet and dry kitten foods.

     Blue Buffalo has no wheat gluten in it and is not made by Menu.

     Hope that helps.

     Comment by Nicole — March 31, 2007 @ 3:30 pm

111. Please watch the dog food and treats advertised as natural and sold in health food stores too. I went to Pet Guard’s site and they say they are not affected by the recall but a Pet Guard International site written in Chinese also came up. Pedigree DentaStix are made in Thailand so maybe hold off on these until more info is known about their recall.

     Comment by Sue Dunn — March 31, 2007 @ 3:32 pm

112. Dear Brannon,
     I, too, have 2 dogs who were treated for constant dehydration at the vets. They are both home now eating prescription diets and will be retested next week to see if their kidneys are back to normal function. We are some of the lucky ones. However, I have already had someone from “Sedwick Claims” contact me wanting to “settle” without paying the total vet bills.

     Comment by Jody — March 31, 2007 @ 3:34 pm

113. Brannon,
     My dogs were also eating the Mighty Dog pouches.

     Comment by Jody — March 31, 2007 @ 3:36 pm

114. Thanks you guys are so helpful.. I went to my local media and the intenet news Made Fron tpage.. It at least raised Awareness.. We should All Contact the MEDIA Let the Public know !! Cotact the MEDIA ASAP .. Maybe more wil be Done .. God Bless you Everyone… Her Spirit Called me on this one I know ACTION has to BE TAKEN NOW.. TEST all Pet Food, and Go to the MEDIA!! God Bless.. Love Kelly B.

     Comment by kelly — March 31, 2007 @ 3:44 pm

115. sue dunn,my dogs got so sick from DENTA STIX and the jawbone. my dogs loved dingo bones and they also come from china NO MORE DINGO’S FOR MY 2 DIVAS.I DON’T KNOW WHAT TO FEED THEM.

     Comment by MARY ANN — March 31, 2007 @ 3:46 pm

116. AAFCO
     http://www.aafco.org/

     Who are these people? they are on every can of pet food and claim to be the authority on pet foods but I see nothing on their site about the recall.

     Gary

     Comment by Gary — March 31, 2007 @ 3:47 pm

117. There has been a lot of mention of Blue Buffalo. Folks, Blue Buffalo has good ingredients and they are not associated with Menu Foods. HOWEVER, they do outsource their food from other companies. In a business journal they are listed as “Wholesale pet food suppliers”. Someone else stated they make their own foods, so that is not entirely true. They do monitor the processing closely, according to sources, but please, it should be noted that they do not have 100% control. They are owned by the Green Group, a financial investment firm in New Jersey.

     I want to be sure the food I buy is from a company that is in the business of making pet food because they love pets. I’m not comfortable with buying my pet food from ANY company that relies on trusting someone else. That’s what got us in this mess in the first place.

     Please go to:http://petsitusa.com/blog/?p=210

     This site still has to be taken with a grain of salt, however, it seems to be the most complete and up-to-date in terms of who makes what and where.

     Comment by Jaycee — March 31, 2007 @ 3:50 pm

118. How about listing ingredients in order of mass, not weight? Check this out from What’s Really in Pet Food (http://www.api4animals.org/facts?p=359&more=1):

     Ingredients are listed on the label by weight, and raw chicken weighs a lot, since it contains a lot of water. If you look further down the list, you’re likely to see ingredients such as chicken or poultry by-product meal, meat-and-bone meal, corn gluten meal, soybean meal, or other high-protein meal. Meals have had the fat and water removed, and basically consist of a dry, lightweight protein powder. It doesn’t take much raw chicken to weigh more than a great big pile of this powder, so in reality the food is based on the protein meal, with very little “chicken” to be found. This has become a very popular marketing gimmick, even in premium and “health food” type brands.

     Also, not to freak people out further, but my cat developed tumors a couple of years ago and deteriorated rapidly and died (within one week). The tumor had been there a month or so while the vet tried to determine what it was (I thot it might be related to the rampant rumor about vaccines causing tumors, since it was in that spot where they give the shots). The vet sent me to a specialist outfit well known here in San Francisco and after tests/scans they found 2 more tumors one near the liver and one in the abdomen. From that date to death was one week, as the cat seemed to go further downhill every day. This was a young cat (10 years) and VERY healthy, rambunctious up to this point. The vet said cats are very good about hiding how sick they are, and that what seemed rapid to me was probably “coming due” for quite awhile. However, when I told a friend (we call her “the cat lady” since she takes care of wild cats near our office complex) what happened, she said it was the food. She told me another of our co-workers had a cat who had tumors and died a few years before that. The vet who found the tumors took her cat off Iams dry food, and my friend had “cat sat” for me over the years so she knew I fed that same food too. I sort of put it out of my mind, thinking it was too silly that it would be such a common food… wouldn’t you be hearing about it all over the place? Then just a few months ago (November), my next-door neighbor told me a condo board meeting that his cat (15 years) had developed tumors and died. And since I’ve cat sat for him, I knew he too fed the Iams dry cat food. At that point, I took my new cat off the Iams and haven’t used it since. It seems too much to be “coincidence.” Given all of this recent info surrounding this recall, here is what I have learned:
     1) No one tests ALL cat food before it is bagged/canned/pouched. In fact, apparently NONE of it is tested.
     2) No one tracks animal deaths on a national basis to determine if there are upticks in causes (tumors, renal failure, etc.).
     3) No one still knows for sure what is causing this recent problem, and already two possibly toxic substances have been found. How many more are there and how long have they been in the pet food supply (I still don’t trust that it’s just one “batch” of wheat glutin from a “new” supplier and not a standard industry practice since apparently they’ll buy anything if it’s the right price and we all know Asia has to be cheaper for everything, not just wheat glutin).
     4) It seems like there’s a potential for a lot of yo-yo in the ingredients used in the exact same pet food “recipe” over time, particularly if they contain by-products or meal. Again, see the Web site I gave. Given this, I’m still not sure my pet wasn’t poisoned by his food.

     Also, I know exactly when my cat got sick, as he started doing that thing where they lick the fur off their abdomen and hind legs. He was licking the exact spot where they found one of the tumors. I knew it wasn’t nerves, but rather pain, because he would bolt out of a dead sleep and lick that spot furiously. Took him to a vet, and they didn’t find anything. It wasn’t until a few months later that I saw a tumor develop on his back where they give the shots. Took him to UC Davis (famous vet hospital in these parts) and they said it was benign. Then a few months later, he went downhill in one week from first symptoms (runny eyes, lethargy, lack of appetite). All of this developed after I started regularly feeding this cat the Iams dry food (thinking a “premium” brand might stop the licking problem if it was some kind of food allergy).

     Of course, I know it could also have nothing to do with the food, but when you can’t verify it through testing and the authorities aren’t being very forthcoming, it makes one wonder…

     All I know is that I’m much more careful about checking out the ingredients and talking to the “pet experts” who have no financial ties to the food companies (ie, animal adoption and professional cat caretakers I know). I still think of my friend who said long ago “It’s the food.” Maybe she’s psychic :)

     Comment by Carolyn Constantino — March 31, 2007 @ 3:51 pm

119. AAFCO or the Association of American Feed Control Officials is a commercial enterprise which attempts to regulate the quality and safety of fodder and pet food in the United States.

     For what thats worth.

     Comment by Steve — March 31, 2007 @ 3:53 pm

120. Thank you for clarifying Blue Buffalo. In the past year I started to feed both my dogs that brand along with some home cooked foods. After all that’s been going on now, I’m never feeding my dogs anything but meals I prepare myself from my own kitchen. This sure is a horrible lesson to be learned. My heart goes out to all the lost pets and their owners.

     Comment by Mary — March 31, 2007 @ 3:58 pm

121. Thanks Steve. Going by their name, every word which sounds authoratative, seems they would be at the forefront of what’s going on, investigative wise.

     Gary

     Comment by Gary — March 31, 2007 @ 4:02 pm

122. Meanwhile, now they are blaming the cats for being “more sensitive” to chemicals. This article is the biggest tailspin yet:

     http://www.comcast.net/news/in.....24757.html

     I am getting really angry! We cannot let this go on!

     Menu Foods must be stopped!

     Comment by Jaycee — March 31, 2007 @ 4:09 pm

123. Steve—-

     Found this interesting piece—-particularly in light of the lack of veterinary collaboration in the current dilemma, i.e. one-medicine concept. More food for thought here:

     http://www.avma.org/onlnews/ja.....70401b.asp

     Comment by Nadine Long — March 31, 2007 @ 4:16 pm

124. Hi all. Just got back from the Health Food Co-op and I have had a big wake-up call.

     First of all, I spotted a gurney filled with bluk food containers - and I started looking at the country of origin. Bolivia on some, Mexico on some, and I asked the man filling the bulk containers, “How am I to know where this food is from.” And he said, “ask.” Ask, just list it why don’t ya. I won’t buy China. He told me the pumpkin seeds in bulk were from China. So I walked around the store, picking up various safe items and avoiding anything from a foreign country - my cart was virtually empty when I left.

     I filled out a form and mentioned that they needed to put more info. on their bulk foods. The only way to be sure of where the raw ingredients come from, is to call the 1-800 number and ask. The flour he said was from San Francisco. This is suspicious. It probably came over on a ship from China.

     Oh my. What a day. Wake up call #1,000 and counting.

     Comment by Linda — March 31, 2007 @ 4:28 pm

125. I am encouraging people to email the CEO of Menu Foods to express themselves and possibly send photos of thier pets.

     His email is:

     phenderson@menufoods.com

     Perhaps he won’t be as smug at the next Press Conference.

     Comment by Hekilledmycat — March 31, 2007 @ 4:28 pm

126. They don’t grow any Wheat in San Fransisco.

     I can tell you that much.

     Comment by Hekilledmycat — March 31, 2007 @ 4:38 pm

127. A great letter that certainly made me raise an eyebrow:

     MAD AS HELL YET?

     by Robert Jay Russell, Ph.D., President, Coton de Tulear Club of America
     CotonNews@aol.com
     http://www.CotonClub.com

     Presidential candidates throughout US history have reminded voters that as president, their first obligation is to protect the citizens of the US. George W certainly emphasized that fact after more than 3,000 citizens died in a terrorist attack under his watch.

     So what if I told you that recently, terrorists had poisoned a major portion of the US grain supply by dumping subtle poisons in imported wheat gluten. Tens of thousands of American pets, like canaries in a carbon monoxide-filled coal mine, had died. More were dying and suffering every day. Americans continued consuming these same low grade but deadly chemicals in their breads, pastas, fast foods, frozen diners and breakfast cereals.

     Now what if I further told you that the Executive branch agencies in charge of ostensibly protecting the U.S. food supply KNEW the country of origin, the grain, and the supplier’s brand product that contained the poison. And these agencies absolutely refused to divulge the name of the supplier of the poisoned grain to either food processors (who had potentially bought the grain) or to the American public who was consuming it. In short, these government officials stood by and watched pets die and watched people continue to get poisoned and they covered up these corporate felonies to protect the company profits involved. And a felony it surely is to knowingly sell a dangerously tainted product to food processors and the public.

     Every day, one company or another would voluntarily announce that they were recalling their product. None assumed any culpability for their crimes of omission. The crisis continued as long as corporate lawyers determined that recalling a poisoned product would cost a company more than selling the product and fielding an odd law suit from the families of victims. Obviously, when that cost/benefit tipping point was reached, the company — under the guidance of guileful attorneys — would reluctantly issue a recall.

     Finally, what if I told you that with the possible exception of the terrorist scenario, everything mentioned here is exactly what’s going on right now in the US of A. Mad as hell and not going to take it anymore, are you? Or are you and me like the majority of Americans today: sitting down, looking at your pets and family (who seem healthy), and saying once again, “Terrible, thing, really but, oh well, not in my backyard.”

     Maybe that’s the attitude all us unaffected Americans ought to take. After all, I lost no friends or relatives when the Twin Towers fell. No one I know has been maimed or killed in Iraq. My town was not destroyed by a hurricane and left to rot (heckuva’ job, Brownie). My pets are all fine and dandy. My little part of the homeland seems secure.

     Of course with that thinking, the next natural disaster, the next terrorist attack, the next poisoning or massive environmental contamination may affect me and my family. Then what?

     —————————————————————
     ** You may crosspost wherever you want. Please leave the attributions **
     (c)2007 Dr. R. J. Russell

     Comment by Jaycee — March 31, 2007 @ 4:48 pm

128. Oh my. What a day. Wake up call #1,000 and counting. Comment by Linda — March 31, 2007 @ 4:28 pm

     There is that and then other issues. Our local organic farmers co-op are getting concerned about issues like cross contamination from GM seed and Corporate farming methods. You have organics and then right down the road you have a farmer on the Monsanto feeding trough clueless as to the numerous issues and concerns of GM crops and seed other then it works, I make good money, and the Company says it’s safe. Money money money. It’s all about Money.

     Comment by Steve — March 31, 2007 @ 4:49 pm

129. Sorry, should have clarified. I fed my cat Iams dry food regularly before the licking problem started… just not consistently. About every 3 bags I would switch off the Purina/Chef’s Blend stuff and give him the “better” stuff. Then when he started licking his fur off while on the cheaper stuff, I decided to keep him on the “better” stuff consistently to see if that stopped the licking. Then the tumor showed up. Since one of the substances they identified in this problem apparently has caused tumors in mice and has not been extensively tested for effects on cats, I’m wondering if that might be a culprit. Does anyone know anything about this connection with tumors in mice and what that might mean for cats? Iams is (was?) a popular food, so it could truly just be a coincidence that all three of us were simply feeding our cats the same food and it had nothing to do with the fact that all three got tumors. It just would be nice to know. I’ve had many cats over the years, but this one had an extra special personality.

     Comment by Carolyn Constantino — March 31, 2007 @ 4:50 pm

130. Well, honestly, I hope that Sundlof said that stuff “yesterday” and not today.

     http://abcnews.go.com/Business.....id=2998132
     Testing by the FDA and Cornell University has found melamine in samples of recalled pet food as well as in crystal form in the urine and kidney tissue of dead cats. They’ve also found the chemical, in apparently raw form in concentrations as high as 6.6 percent, in wheat gluten used as ingredient of the recalled cat and dog foods, said Stephen Sundlof, the FDA’s chief veterinarian.

     “There was a sizable amount of melamine. You could see crystals in the wheat gluten,” Sundlof told The Associated Press.
     [..]
     Sundlof said the FDA hadn’t found any studies of melamine in cats, and the results of only a single 1945 study that tested it on dogs. That study suggested the chemical increased urine output when fed to dogs in large amounts.
     [..]
     The investigation has traced the melamine to wheat gluten that Menu Foods, Nestle Purina PetCare Co. and Hill’s Pet Nutrition bought from an unnamed U.S. supplier. The latter two companies have recalled a limited number of products since Friday. The wheat gluten, a protein source, was imported from China.

     Sundlof said the recall could expand further, depending whether other pet food manufacturers also bought wheat gluten from the same supplier.

     “We’re still in the process of tracing it at this point,” Sundlof said. There is no indication the wheat gluten entered the human food supply, he added.

     Comment by Cathy — March 31, 2007 @ 4:58 pm

131. “We’re still in the process of tracing it at this point,” Sundlof said. There is no indication the wheat gluten entered the human food supply, he added.

     Not yet. I believe that’s why there’s silence. They’re tracing it like mad. I keep thinking about the pasta imported from Italy sitting in my pantry. If the richest nation on earth can’t monitor or track tainted imports, what about Italy and others? This is not just a U.S. problem.

     Comment by Nadine Long — March 31, 2007 @ 5:07 pm

132. Oh wow. That really is a great letter. Really makes you think. I think all newspapers, websites, and news broadcast should be showing that letter. I beleive there is a lot of truth to it.

     Comment by Jeanna — March 31, 2007 @ 5:08 pm

133. Here is a copy I just cut/pasted from my comment I submitted this morning under a different post/comment section. I’m learning my way around this site. I think this is better suited over here.

     I don’t understand something here. I just read on ABC News that the CDC tracked down peanut butter contamination and that ConAgra foods plant IS SHUT DOWN! Why on earth can they not shut down Menu Foods??!! Are our beloved pets not important enough? They are our babies and deserve equal protection, just by the fact that they’re living beings and rely on PEOPLE to protect and watch out for them. Menu Foods is crossing a fine line here in my opinion; bordering on animal cruelty?!
     This madness must end!!!!! If they REALLY cared about animals they would’ve stopped ALL production until they traced back every single step to find the exact source and weeded it out. But, no. Instead they’re using poor, innocent pets as guinea pigs. I’d like to see them test the food themselves. If they’re still standing after eating it, then allow them to sell the crap!

     Comment by Mary — March 31, 2007 @ 6:16 am

     Comment by Mary — March 31, 2007 @ 5:09 pm

134. Don’t feed your pets any food with corn gluten or soy gluten either. Our cat died after eating Hill’s Prescription c/d Dry which has corn gluten. I think any product with any type of gluten should be tested for possible contamination. Don’t risk your pet’s life just because your vet says it is ok. He might not have sufficient information yet.

     Comment by Janice — March 31, 2007 @ 5:10 pm

135. Radio host going to talk about the hiding of where the poisoned wheat came from.

     KSFO 560 AM, SF Bay Area. 4 pm - Now local.

     I believe this is true, I caught the tailend of the talk show schedule.

     Gary

     Comment by Gary — March 31, 2007 @ 5:14 pm

136. First let me say how sorry I am for all who have lost pets to this catastrophe - I lost a greyhound last spring to kidney - not related to this recall . Maybe others have done this but google of wheat gluten produces a pointer to the International Wet Gluten Association - it has 4 US members - 2 which appear to be only US based (Manildra Milling and MGP Ingrediants (midwest grain) - the other 2 are Archer, Daniels Midland and US Energy Partners - from their web page, I can’t figure out how US Energy relates to wheat gluten - and while maybe these companies have nothing to do with the china import - maybe they do - anyone have related research?

     Comment by lorinda — March 31, 2007 @ 5:17 pm

137. Fox just mentioned that there were all of ‘16 deaths’. Get a clue! Why in the world is the media completely whitewashing this? Usually the media blows everything out of proportion, but on this issue it’s sweep it under the rug. Outrageous!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

     Comment by Ron — March 31, 2007 @ 5:19 pm

138. Comment by lorinda

     “I can’t figure out how US Energy relates to wheat gluten”

     Very possibly ETHANOL from corn, the next “hope of the world”?

     Gary

     Comment by Gary — March 31, 2007 @ 5:22 pm

139. Ive posted this before but considering the picture of the note on the shelf I thought it was appropriate to mention it again.

     I advised Mills Fleet Farm’s store manager in Manitowoc Wi. about the death of my old pal Brandy just before noon on Saturday the 17th and give him information about the recall and one of the remaining cans from the single case of Sprout dog food I bought there.

     The reaction of Fleet Farm corporate was to put their remaining stock ON SALE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

     At least your store thought better of doing yet more harm.

     By the following Tuesday I spoke to our vet who even in the face of symptoms consistent with the recall and unable to identify any alternative explanation for them said that she was “comfortable” with her original diagnosis of the symptoms being a “red herring” for bladder tumors citing only the fact that our particular lot was not on the list…

     I have since spoken the someone from the FDA who seemed astounded at that news.
     I was told to hold the remaining cans for pickup and testing.

     Question: Does your database tell us anything about suspicious deaths using food purchased after the recall began?

     Comment by Bernard J. (Bernie) Starzewski — March 31, 2007 @ 5:29 pm

140. This explains it better than I can:

     USEP was built in 2001 by Fagen Inc. and utilizes ICM Inc. process technology. The 40 MMgy facility takes in milo and wheat starch as feedstocks, is equipped with cogeneration capabilities that return excess electricity back to the grid of the local community, and has a wheat-gluten processing facility on-site. In addition, the Russell location served as an operators training facility for ICM, which had an ownership stake in the facility.

     “This isn’t just an ethanol plant,” said Kevin Kuykendall of White Energy Ltd. “It is a complex, and the integrated operations were very attractive. This is one of the most well-run 40 MMgy plants in the country operating an ethanol refinery, a feed mill and a wheat gluten facility.”

     Kuykendall said the management team provided by ICM will continue to operate the plant.

     The wheat-gluten plant adjacent to U.S. Energy Partners delivers about one-third of the ethanol plant’s feedstock in the form of emulsified slurry. Wheat gluten is a product sold into the baking industry throughout the country. Each of the products of USEP—ethanol, carbon dioxide, distillers wet and dried grains, and wheat gluten—are sold by third parties into respective markets.

     Comment by Carole — March 31, 2007 @ 5:37 pm