Pet food recall: A letter to readers from the Pet Food Institute

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Pet food recall: A letter to readers from the Pet Food Institute

By Gina Spadafori

April 5, 2007

If you have a sick pet or a question on your pet’s health, call your veterinarian.
If you’re new to the site, please check out our general information page (includes links to recalled foods).
If you’d like suggestions on what to feed, click here.
If you want to report a sick or deceased pet, click here.
If you want to know what you can do, please read our call to action
If you want to read all our recall-related blog posts, click here.

About three hours ago (10 a.m. PT), the Pet Food Institute called our newspaper syndicate editor at Universal Press to discuss issuing a statement. To be precise, “Pet Connection is receiving this statement exclusively, and we look forward to seeing it on the site soon,” according to Kurt Gallagher, Director, Communications and Export Development of the Pet Food Institute, who e-mailed the statement to our editor at Universal, who then forwarded to us.

I’m guessing PFI wished to have it out before CNN and AP broke the news of the most recent recalls. Alas, the day-shift blogger (me) was asleep, tired-sick, too exhausted to move, her editor too kind to wake her. (Speaking of more recalls, itchmo has put together an alert system, so you can get the news sent to you instead of constantly checking. Here’s a link.)

So … here it is now. We’ll start it, and the rest will be after the jump:

Dear Pet Connection readers:

As an animal lover who shares a home with a dog and a cat, I want you to know that the Pet Food Institute shares your concern over the recent recall. We understand that every pet is an important family member and we share the desire to ensure the continued well-being of our four-footed friends.

These recent weeks have been difficult ones for pet owners concerned and confused about the pet food recall. I’m writing to assure you that pet food manufacturers are working diligently with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to determine how a basic food ingredient was adulterated with a substance our industry has never seen.

My colleagues and I have been cooperating fully with the FDA since the very first evidence of possible contamination in pet foods. This partnership continues while federal investigators work to determine the exact cause of the adulteration and then to apply lessons learned to further strengthen industry procedures and safeguards. The investigation is deliberate and painstaking because we need to know exactly how melamine, the suspect substance identified by the FDA, made its way into the pet food supply. We will also cooperate fully with any other official investigations relating to this incident.

Melamine is not used in pet food manufacturing, and pet food makers have never seen it before. The substance is completely foreign to the process and quite simply should not have been present in wheat gluten. It’s important to note that the FDA says the substance came from one ingredient from one supplier over a fixed period of time.

The total number of pets that have been affected after eating contaminated food remains to be determined, but we know that even if just one pet is lost, it’s one loss too many. I realize the recall has been confusing and stressful for pet owners, but it’s important that you know you can rest assured that a wide variety of healthy choices for your pets remain available in stores. Because members of the pet food industry have acted responsibly and have participated voluntarily in the recall, you can continue to trust the brands you have always fed your pets.

Our hearts go out to those affected, and the nation’s pet food makers vow we will work tirelessly to continue our efforts to keep your pets safe and healthy.

Sincerely,

Duane Ekedahl
President, Pet Food Institute
The Pet Food Institute is the trade group representing companies that supply more than 98 percent of the pet food on store shelves today. To stay up to date on the recall and link to the web sites of companies that have been affected as well as information about wheat gluten please visit www.petfoodinstitute.org.

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Technorati Tags: pet food recall, dogs, cats,veterinarian, veterinary

Filed under: 2007 food recall,animals: pets,medical,news — Gina Spadafori @ 2:11 pm

Comments (271)

271 Comments »

I hope you feel better soon, Gina.

Comment by Georg — April 5, 2007 @ 2:14 pm
Those are the same people that wrote this:
http://www.itchmo.com/read/rid.....n_20070403
Snark alert…

Comment by itchmo — April 5, 2007 @ 2:15 pm
So, now that you haven’t succeeded in pushing all of this under the rug, NOW you suddenly care?

About what, besides your lost business and the FRAUD case that will hopefully bankrupt Menu Foods.

We need real information - if you can help us get it, a shred of your credibility will be restored.

Till then, keep your crocodile tears.

Comment by Empress60 — April 5, 2007 @ 2:17 pm
It does seem that they are dealing with something not known doesn’t it? Howl911 has an artical from Dr. Michael Fox that I posted on the other threads, but it is long so I wont cross post it here. It is a very interesting and insightful artical about what is happening.

LARGEST PET FOOD RECALL EVER
A Genetic Engineered Food Disaster?
By Dr. Michael W. Fox

Comment by Linda — April 5, 2007 @ 2:21 pm
G.E. Wheat in our pet food - wheat gluten but it wasn’t for human consumption so we should be comforted. Why is this so upsetting? I’m not comforted - pets are dying and products get mislabled - where does that leave us?

This minimally labled wheat - not for human consumption, for human consumption,,,,

Where’s the truth here?

Comment by Linda — April 5, 2007 @ 2:27 pm
The Pet Food Institute is lying, has lied and will continue to lie.
Sue me for libel, I dare you. I can’t wait to get every single one of you in court, under oath and facing perjury charges.
The Pet Food Institute has insulted me, helped the killers and been part of a cover up.
There are thousands of eyes on you now and you can’t run and you can’t hide.

Comment by E. Hamilton — April 5, 2007 @ 2:32 pm
Mr Ekedahl,

I sincerely hope you and the people you represent end up having to testify under oath before the U.S. Congress. The manner in which this has been handled by the The Pet Food Industry is deplorable. I have never before witnessed such gross negligence. And that is only the tip of the iceberg.

Sorry to ruffle your feathers sir. Obviously, you do not have clue as to what has been accomplished by pet owners and consumer rights activists sleuthing this case since March 16 around the clock non stop. Did you even compose this letter? Or just APPROVE IT?

Yes, Americans are angry, and tired of playing games with you.

HOW BOUT JUST GETTING TO THE TRUTH.

DON’T THINK AMERICA CAN HANDLE IT?

Comment by Steve — April 5, 2007 @ 2:33 pm
Quite a game these people are playing isn’t it?

Comment by Pet Owner — April 5, 2007 @ 2:39 pm
Linda, I’ll add to your note…..and the wet food is safe, oops, no the wet food isnt safe, oh now it is safe for sure…..ooops, no wait one more recall to report….and now the dry food that was safe isnt safe afterall and add to it those treats, but trust us all the food is now safe. And those petparents are hysterical…..gee I wonder why? What a crock!

I hope that everyone out there that verbally attacked upset pet parents are eating their words about now…

Comment by Sandi K — April 5, 2007 @ 2:43 pm
I will never never never buy Iams anything ever again. My animals are still alive and I’m certain it is just dumb luck that they are. I am also working very hard on getting all of the Procter and Gamble (owner of Iams) supplies out of my life. This fiasco has brought to my full attention all the food that my family eats, that my pets eat and the products I use in my home. It has taught me to stop living such an allegedly ‘convenient’ life and to go out of my way to buy non-gmo, organic, real foods that I prepare myself. This episode has been a very disturbing lesson that I will never forget. It has changed my life. I am a very different consumer these days.

Comment by Cynthia — April 5, 2007 @ 2:43 pm
My “favorite” bit from the press release: “Because members of the pet food industry have acted responsibly…”

Comment by Cathy — April 5, 2007 @ 2:45 pm
Ooops is right….if it wasn’t so sick it would be ……what? This is sick!

Comment by Linda — April 5, 2007 @ 2:45 pm
I wonder what Duane Ekedahl, President of Pet Food Institute, fed his dog and cat?

Comment by petlover — April 5, 2007 @ 2:51 pm
Another interesting statement from the release: “It’s important to note that the FDA says the substance came from one ingredient from one supplier over a fixed period of time.”

1. Yes, that’s what the FDA is saying at this point, and it may even turn out to be correct.

2. However, this incident has revealed a massive vulnerability in both the human and pet food supplies. So the final statement, “you can continue to trust the brands you have always fed your pets,” is absurd.

Comment by Cathy — April 5, 2007 @ 2:53 pm
Well gag me with poison pet food! Boy are they barking up the wrong tree by posting that letter HERE!
Nancy in Maine

Comment by nancy — April 5, 2007 @ 2:53 pm
This letter from the Pet Food Institute to the FDA lists the board of directors which includes Menu Foods, Iams and others who’s supply chain is toxic. So much for being responsible.

http://www.fda.gov/ohrms/docke.....-vol19.pdf

Comment by Cynthia — April 5, 2007 @ 2:54 pm
Steve,

If they know the truth, they are hiding most of it. It’s all P.R. and public image and not saying anything that might later be used against them. So our pets die and we scream and finally after so much pressure some of the truth dribbles out.

I shudder to think that’s next.

Comment by Linda — April 5, 2007 @ 2:54 pm
Ekedahl,

How does it feel to know that so many of us will never, ever be using your products again? Some of your dirty little secrets are out, and so many more on their way.

3,200 dead. Thousands more suffering, thousands more dead before any of their poor owners knew anything. Greed, incompetence, cover-up, and insult to injury.

What dry foods made by your pet-loving members are killing beloved pets even now while you and your members claim they are safe? Lets start there.

Comment by Rescue Mom — April 5, 2007 @ 2:56 pm
To Duane Ekedahl

Get a grip. We’re way ahead of you. You don’t have a clue.

Comment by Nadine Long — April 5, 2007 @ 2:57 pm
The supplies have been coming since January 2006. My dog was already sick in June. I already knew then that it was the food,and told the vet who had changed his diet. We know our pets like we know are kids.

I will pursue this until I know who and what killed Calvin.

Comment by Nadine Long — April 5, 2007 @ 3:02 pm
Nadine, did you find that info on the G.E. Wheat?

Comment by Linda — April 5, 2007 @ 3:03 pm
Linda, I’m looking now.

Comment by Nadine Long — April 5, 2007 @ 3:04 pm
Rescue Mom, You Rock!

Comment by Cynthia — April 5, 2007 @ 3:05 pm
I know it’s been hard to get the sunshine mills list so I am copying my comment from the post below here:

The sunshine mills website is down. For the list of foods, bar codes, etc., use the press release at the FDA.

You can find it here: http://www.fda.gov/oc/po/firmr.....04_07.html

Sunshine Mill Biscuit brands: Nurture Chicken & Rice, Nurture Lamb & Rice, Pet Life Large, Pet Life Extra Large, Pet Life Large Variety, Pet Life Large Peanut Butter, Lassie Lamb and Rice, and Pet Life People Pleasers Dog Treats

Private label: Companion’s Best Multi Flavor Biscuit, Stater Brothers Large Biscuit, Ol’Roy Peanut Butter Biscuit, Ol’Roy 4 Flavor Large Biscuit, Ol’Roy Puppy Biscuit, Champion Breed Peanut Butter Biscuit, Champion Breed Large Biscuit, Perfect Pals Large Biscuit, Stater Brothers Large Biscuit

Comment by modthinglet — April 5, 2007 @ 3:08 pm
Here’s a list of companies from China selling wheat gluten:

http://products.ec21.com/manuf.....luten.html

Comment by Linda — April 5, 2007 @ 3:09 pm
OK now I am beyond mad, I am shaking Im so upset. So we get this nice little letter from Pet Food Institute but looky what they have on their website on the home page:

Welcome to the Pet Food Institute
News from the American Veterinary Medical Association:
“the food’s been recalled and the foods that are still available at this point in time we can feel confident are safe.”
Dr. Roger Mahr, AVMA President [read full story…]

PFI shares the concerns of pet owners and consumers over the recent recall. We understand that every pet is an important family member and we share the desire to ensure the continued well being of our four-footed friends. Media coverage has been fast paced, making it a challenge for the media to get every story right. In some cases information has been reported that was exaggerated, taken out of context or simply not true. This makes it very difficult for pet owners to keep up with developments and to know what to do.

It is important to keep in mind that 99% of pet foods were not affected by the recall. PFI has prepared put together a list of information that pet owners and consumers will find both informative and reassuring. [read more…]

SOOO, do you now believe their letter??!!! This is disgusting and I think Pet Connection should take their letter off the site as its obvious they dont mean a word they say….

Comment by Sandi K — April 5, 2007 @ 3:12 pm
I would like to ask Pet Food Institute Board of Director Member Old Mother Hubbard four questions on behalf of American Pet Owners.

1. Who actually manufactures your product?
2. From who do you purchase your ingredients?
3. Where do these ingredients come from?
4. Why should we buy your pet food?

Comment by Steve — April 5, 2007 @ 3:13 pm
They all lied. Remember this?

Del Monte Foods has confirmed that the melamine-tainted wheat gluten used in several of its recalled pet food products was supplied as a “food grade” additive, raising the likelihood that contaminated wheat gluten might have entered the human food supply.

“Yes, it is food grade,” Del Monte spokesperson Melissa Murphy-Brown wrote in reply to an e-mail query. Del Monte issued a voluntary recall Saturday for several products under the Gravy Train, Jerky Treats, Pounce, Ol’ Roy, Dollar General and Happy Trails brands.

Wheat gluten is sold in both “food grade” and “feed grade” varieties. Either may be used in pet food, but only “food grade” gluten may be used in the manufacture of products meant for human consumption. Published reports have thus far focused on tainted pet food, but if the gluten in question entered the human food supply through a major food products supplier and processor, it could potentially contaminate thousands of products and hundreds of millions of units nationwide.

Stephen F. Sundlof, director of the Food and Drug Administration’s Center for Veterinary Medicine said the FDA is not aware of any contaminated gluten that went into human food but said he could not confirm this “with 100 percent certainty.” Wheat gluten is a common food additive used as a thickener, dough conditioner, and meat substitute. It is widely used as an additive in commercial bakery items and special purpose flours.

Comment by Nadine Long — April 5, 2007 @ 3:13 pm
A reminder to all of us…

We are the MAJORITY!

63% of U.S. households own a pet, which equates to 69.1 millions homes.

Keep plugging away, people. We can make changes now.

Comment by Nadine Long — April 5, 2007 @ 3:20 pm
Comment by Nadine Long — April 5, 2007 @ 3:13 pm

http://tinyurl.com/ygrpvw

Comment by Steve — April 5, 2007 @ 3:20 pm
Not only did they lie, they are still lying. Why can’t the scientists discover what is happening here? Maybe this is rocket science after all and we thought it was just pet food! Some horrible experiment gane amuck.

I will never trust pet food companys again. Never. All my dogs are alive, only by the grace of God as I did feed them Trader Joes wet last year, made by MENU, but stopped.

I can’t imagine if I had to bury any of them. I just can’t. God help you all - Menu and your buddies - I hope in the future you can do something to redeem yourself as I wouldn’t wish your eternal fate on my worst enemy.

Comment by Linda — April 5, 2007 @ 3:22 pm
Duane Ekedahl and the FDA should start telling the truth by admitting
that pet deaths have reached into the THOUSANDS now!! What do they think
they are accomplishing by STILL repeating that garbage about only 15,
THAT IS FIFTEEN, pets have died!!?????

Comment by Mary Smith — April 5, 2007 @ 3:23 pm
All OMH would tell me after asking the same question three times, was that their dry Wellness, was manufactured in a plant in Oklahoma. I asked where the dry was manufactured and by what company., and if Menu was involved.

Comment by Robin — April 5, 2007 @ 3:24 pm
The basis problem with the food industry ,pet or human foods is that the purchaser is always in the dark of where the ingredients came from,and their isn’t a TRACEBACK code on the back to the ingredients on the container. Pet food should be as safe as possible ,since little childern can eat pet food too by mistake. The pet industry needs to clean up its act and use responsible food sources with traceback records.

Comment by William Kanitz — April 5, 2007 @ 3:26 pm
I checked Menu Foods website & the one section of recalled cat food that I had been repeatedly checking not only looks like new dates have been added which is what was said happened, the recall dates expanded but I dont remember seeing one flavor of food listed there before & it is now…..I wish I had printed out their recall list before so I could know for sure when they sneakily add things to it.

Comment by Sandi K — April 5, 2007 @ 3:28 pm
I appreciate the letter. In situations like this, it is so hard to know if people are withholding information, or if the information is just not there yet, and has to be investigated. I for one would rather have accurate information than tabloid journalism. I am not feeding my cat any food that has wheat gluten at this point. However, I will try to be patient until all the facts come out. This is a very serious issue, and it brings out a lot of emotion. I expect to hear information in the coming weeks and months, and expect changes in regulations. I think at this point, the pet food industry, the FDA and our representatives know that we expect answers.

Comment by Melinda — April 5, 2007 @ 3:32 pm
Robin, see this site for Wellness - scroll down to the end:

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

Comment by Linda — April 5, 2007 @ 3:34 pm
There is a lot of correspondence between the Pet Food Institute and the FDA posted on the FDA website for anyone who’s interested. Unregulated as the pet food industry is, some of the documents might be fairly revealing.

Steve, Old Mother Hubbard wet food is made by Menu Foods… though as of yet, not recalled.

Comment by Cynthia — April 5, 2007 @ 3:35 pm
We’ve been lied to. Menu knew their test animals were dying and they still sold the food. Menu can’t come up with any explantion that will change this simple truth.

Comment by Linda — April 5, 2007 @ 3:37 pm
I would like to ask all these Brands who of you have been purchasing ingredients from this China-Vegas Connection in question and if so how long have you been putting these substances into your product. I would also like to know how many of you have been doing this. I would also like to know why the entire chain OF COMMAND FAILED TO INTERCEPT this poison upon arrival into the U.S. And why it wasn’t tested and approved upon delivery to your facilities where the food is produced.

Comment by Steve — April 5, 2007 @ 3:40 pm
Here’s an article on GM Wheat (Genetically Modified) in China:

http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/e.....519769.htm

Comment by Linda — April 5, 2007 @ 3:42 pm
Melinda, I would only ask where you think you are going to get accurate information from? Menu Foods & The Pet Food Institute? I would prefer to get my info from some other source besides them.

Speaking of which, the FDA site says in regard to disposal of tainted food:

“Q: How do you dispose of the wheat gluten and contaminated pet food?

With recalls, the firm will propose what to do with the product. Disposal options may include landfill, incineration or industrial uses.

So lets put the tainted wheat gluten & contaminated food in the land fill so the birds, ravens, starving animals, etc can eat it and die too. Isnt that great? And this from our own FDA website. And exactly what kind of industrial uses can tainted wheat gluten and contaminated pet food have?

Comment by Sandi K — April 5, 2007 @ 3:42 pm
Here’s an artical on GM wheat in China:

http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/e.....519769.htm

Comment by Linda — April 5, 2007 @ 3:44 pm
Linda,

I was aware of the pitsitusa site, but I asked them (OMH) a specific question as to where their Wellness dry cat and dog was made and by whom. All they told me is that the dry was manufactured in Oklahoma. At this point that is not good enough for me and I’ve changed over to Felidae/Canidae.

Comment by Robin — April 5, 2007 @ 3:46 pm
Comment from above; It is important to keep in mind that 99% of pet foods were not affected by the recall. PFI information .BullRoar!!, since WalMart is the Biggest Retailer than the 99% value is a lie, PetSmart stores had to sweep almost everything off the counter, Plenty of photo’s for proof, the statement,99% of pet foods were not affected by the recall, Is a LIE.

Comment by William Kanitz — April 5, 2007 @ 3:47 pm
Oh thanks Robin. Didn’t realize that. Why won’t they be specific? And here I was thinking of changing to Wellness. Guess I won’t do that!

Comment by Linda — April 5, 2007 @ 3:47 pm
Comment by Robin — April 5, 2007 @ 3:46 pm

It’s disturbing that Wellness is playing games and being evasive.

Very disturbing.

Comment by Steve — April 5, 2007 @ 3:48 pm
“Because members of the pet food industry have acted responsibly and have participated voluntarily in the recall, you can continue to trust the brands you have always fed your pets”

What are you smoking? One of your major members of your organization just extended the recall date. At this point I don’t believe anything you are saying. As far as I am concerned you and your members have lied to us and continue to change your story. The only reason why you feel the need to pull this PR stunt is because you have to at this point.

Good luck on your damage control, I hope you the FDA, Menu Foods, and the whole damn industry are crucified by Congress.

You should be ashamed!!!!!!! Damn you to hell.

Comment by MonkeyKitty — April 5, 2007 @ 3:49 pm
William - how did they come up with this 99%, probably just listed all the different main companies or brands - wonder how they did it? It is a lie.

Comment by Linda — April 5, 2007 @ 3:50 pm
Linda,

I like the Wellness dry and hope to go back to it. You should e-mail them and ask, maybe they will be more forthcoming. Wellness products do not have wheat gluten. I just want to know who owns and operates a plant prior to feeding the product.

In fact my cats are mad.

Comment by Robin — April 5, 2007 @ 3:51 pm
Poor kittys - they sure can have an attitude at times. I’m besides myself. I feed nothing with wheat or corn but still I’m bothered. Who makes the vitamins that are put in the pet food?

Comment by Linda — April 5, 2007 @ 3:52 pm
Comment by Steve — April 5, 2007 @ 3:20 pm

Clones safe? They don’t have the equipment to successfully test dog food, so how can the POSSIBLY make a responsible statement like this??? Unless, of course, someone has a friend in the White House. Lambs to the slaughter I tell you.

Comment by Nadine Long — April 5, 2007 @ 3:52 pm
“Media coverage has been fast paced, making it a challenge for the media to get every story right.”

WHAT PLANET IS HE ON???

“fast-paced” ????? It’s been soooooo slow one would hardly
know that a major recall was in effect!

I just watched my local ABC new channel for the early news and their was NO mention
of any new or old pet food recall!

Liars - All of them!!

Comment by Mary Smith — April 5, 2007 @ 3:54 pm
“Because members of the pet food industry have acted responsibly and have participated voluntarily in the recall, you can continue to trust the brands you have always fed your pets.”

My perception, with due respect, is just the opposite. I have purchased no new food - canned or dry - or treats for my 8 dogs since learning of the magnitude of this problem. I have no intention of doing so unless and until I see some radical changes have taken place within the pet food industry.

Comment by slt — April 5, 2007 @ 3:54 pm
“Because members of the pet food industry have acted responsibly and have participated voluntarily in the recall, you can continue to trust the brands you have always fed your pets.”

No, your industry has not acted responsibly. It has acted in secrecy and disregard for consumers, Sir. How can you possibly ask consumers to trust the brands they’ve always fed their pets when throughout this whole debacle, new recalls were announced? Even TODAY we learn further recalls have been added and given the secrecy you’ve been afforded by the FDA, consumers should avoid any and all foods produced by your members.

Comment by Sandro — April 5, 2007 @ 3:55 pm
ANOTHER RECALL, FOLKS

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
P07-58
April 5, 2007

Media Inquiries:
301-827-6242
Consumer Inquiries:
888-INFO-FDA

FDA Issues Health Hazard Alert for Pet Chews Due to Contamination with Salmonella

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) today warned consumers not to use American Bullie A.B. Bull Pizzle Puppy Chews and Dog Chews manufactured and distributed by T.W. Enterprises, Ferndale, WA, because they have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella, which can cause serious infections in dogs and cats, and, if there is cross contamination, in people, especially children, the aged, and people with compromised immune systems. Consumers who have the pet treats manufactured or distributed by T.W. Enterprises listed below should not feed them to their pets, but instead dispose of them in a safe manner (e.g., in a securely covered trash receptacle).

Salmonella can potentially be transferred to people handling these pet treats, especially if they have not thoroughly washed their hands after having contact with the products or any surfaces exposed to these products. Healthy people infected with Salmonella should monitor themselves for some or all of the following symptoms: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramping and fever. Rarely, Salmonella can result in more serious ailments, including arterial infections, endocarditis, arthritis, muscle pain, eye irritation, and urinary tract symptoms. Consumers exhibiting these signs after having contact with this product should contact their healthcare providers.

Pets with Salmonella infections may be lethargic and have diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever, and vomiting. Some pets will have only decreased appetite, fever and abdominal pain. Well animals can be carriers and infect other animals or humans. If your pet has consumed the recalled product and has these symptoms, please contact your veterinarian.

The products covered by this alert include all sizes and lots of:

American Bullie A.B. Bull Pizzle Puppy Chew and Dog Chew (made from all American beef pizzle)

Following is a list of the affected products:

* A.B. Small Chew, small, 3-4 inch
* A.B. Puppy Chew, 4-6 inch
* A.B. Dog Chew Medium, 6 inch
* A.B. Dog Chew Large, 10 inch
* A.B. Dog Chew XL, 13 inch
* A.B. Dog Chew Mega, 16 inch
* A.B. Dog Chew Jumbo, 26 inch

FDA collected samples of packages of three different sizes of bull pizzle (beef) dog chews manufactured by T.W. Enterprises and, after analysis, found Salmonella in one of them. FDA is including in its alert all sizes and all lots of bull pizzle chews manufactured by T. W. Enterprises because pizzles used in manufacturing the chews are processed at the same time, cut into chews of the desired sizes, and then packaged for sale. Differently sized chews are thus obtained from the same batch or lot of pizzles and manufactured under conditions that facilitate cross-contamination within batches or lots. It is impossible to differentiate chews manufactured by T. W. Enterprises by lot or batch numbers or dates of manufacture because packages of the firm’s chews are not coded with batch or lot numbers, and do not specify the dates of manufacture or bear expiration dates.

FDA is actively investigating this matter to determine the source of this problem, and will issue future updates as appropriate.

Comment by Nadine Long — April 5, 2007 @ 3:57 pm
If this problem was in the people food supply (and it might be) half the population would be ill and dying before the bottom line would be announced. Pathetic.

Comment by Linda — April 5, 2007 @ 3:57 pm
I wonder if they were made in CHINA?

Comment by Linda — April 5, 2007 @ 4:00 pm
Melinda says:

And I’d like to ask you if this is your first visit?

Please read the past threads and you will have a change of mind.

Comment by Mary Smith — April 5, 2007 @ 4:00 pm
From the newly-recalled Sunshine Treats’ website (via archives) - a coloring book page straight from “Spot’s Backyard.”

Pup-corn!
I’m not sure whether to laugh or cry.

http://tinyurl.com/2xbfvp

Boy, a creative type could do a lot with this. Not that I’m condoning copyright infringement, of course…

Comment by Laura — April 5, 2007 @ 4:00 pm
The damage the Pet Food Industry has done here is incalculable. The Pet Food Institute is grasping at straws.

Comment by Steve — April 5, 2007 @ 4:02 pm
They are trying to keep up a good front and it isn’t working.

Comment by Linda — April 5, 2007 @ 4:03 pm
I would also avoid bulk dog and cat treats.

Thats problalby a no brainer for most.

Sorry to be rude in the last post, I am just really frustrated and upset.

I have seen several news articles about pet owners being paranoid and full of panic. Since Menu Foods and other companies have changed their stories so much I don’t know what to believe. I do know whatever they say is not credible at this point. If I pulled the same thing with my customers I know I would expect to be out of business.

Comment by MonkeyKitty — April 5, 2007 @ 4:09 pm
I wonder what Duane Ekedahl, President of Pet Food Institute, fed his dog and cat?

I would bet you anything that he doesn’t even have a cat or dog.

Comment by MonkeyKitty — April 5, 2007 @ 4:12 pm
I just received an e:mail from friend who says her parents just got back from a trip & had bought a bunch of pet treats and had fed them to their dog. They found out those are now on the recall list so they then threw them out & stopped using them. I advised her to have her parents retrieve the packages from the garbage so they have proof, & call the vet & make an appointment and save the vet bill receipts. They had assumed because he is “OK” right now that there were no problems. I told them they need to get him checked because even if hes acting OK, his kidney readings might not show that & it could be that later he wont be OK. Its best to play it safe & get him checked. So I wonder how many other stories there are out there like this one…..

Why didnt that treat company know they were selling products with the tainted wheat gluten, where are their records, dont they have any knowledge of that they are using? This is crazy! And how many other companies out there are still selling things with tainted wheat gluten?

Comment by Sandi K — April 5, 2007 @ 4:14 pm
Shall we talk about the human toll. People are getting sick, LITERALLY from the stresses of this situation as well.

Will Menu pick up the Doctor Bills as well?

Comment by Steve — April 5, 2007 @ 4:15 pm
Comment by Mary Smith — April 5, 2007 @ 4:17 pm
Ok, I haven’t been online in 24 hrs, too busy - but whoever wrote this letter is an idiot. I can’t believe he would say
“Because members of the pet food industry have acted responsibly and have participated voluntarily in the recall, you can continue to trust the brands you have always fed your pets.”
The whoel letter is BS -but because of that one line, I nor anyone, should ever believe a word out of his mouth.

Comment by Doug — April 5, 2007 @ 4:22 pm
Don’t apologise MonkeyKitty. If Mr. Duane Ekedahl cared for Pet Connection consumers, he would of posted his letter as a blog entry and stuck around for some rear end probing.

Comment by Sandro — April 5, 2007 @ 4:23 pm
Genetically Modified - much info, many sites

http://tinyurl.com/2z265j

Comment by Nadine Long — April 5, 2007 @ 4:30 pm
I think it pretty obvious what they think of us by what that letter says…..Dumb consumers who will listen to everything they are fed.

I can’t wait to see what Congress has to say about that. I would say a high percentage are pet owners. You have to have a pet to be in public office nearly it seems.

Comment by MonkeyKitty — April 5, 2007 @ 4:30 pm
I must say as far as blog posts go the people the ones that post here are normal everyday people.

Lou Dobbs is covering the whole pet food fiasco on CNN in a few.

He called it a “scandal” this time.

Thanks Lou!

Comment by MonkeyKitty — April 5, 2007 @ 4:33 pm
Thank you all for finding all the different information and posting it here. Thanks to CNN and other news media for covering the story, also. That said, I remained puzzled by the apathy shown overall by most media to this. The scale of the recall, the heartbreak suffered by pets and their owners, the government’s inability to deal with the crisis, and the ramifications of that inability should be throwing red flags up all over Washington.

Please write your congressmen and senators.

I work for the federal government, and trust me, the way to get some response is to get in touch with your representatives. If a citizen has a problem with a government agency, that is the most direct way to solve the problem. Federal agencies will jump when representatives request answers.

I don’t necessarily blame the FDA for their response time to the crisis. Reality is that federal agencies have been cut to virtual extinction by the budget. There are not enough people in place to do the job that needs doing. Instead of staffing to handle a crisis, staffing is pared down less than enough to handle normal day to day work. Things just don’t get done.

Comment by Shirley — April 5, 2007 @ 4:33 pm
Nadine, looked at the site and the I called the Mill in Indiana where I ordered the U.S. grown wheat flour from and verified that they use no GM wheat. Can’t keep up with all the questions one needs to ask these days.

Comment by Linda — April 5, 2007 @ 4:35 pm
If you can I suggest this;

Go to your local grocery store(s) and provide them with the updated list of recalled foods for the people that don’t have access to the internet or cable TV.

If you ask nice enough they will let you hang it up in the pet food section.

They don’t want to kill your pet, they just aren’t getting the information in a timely manner.

Too bad the Menu Foods website doesn’t make a printer friendly version (hint).

Comment by MonkeyKitty — April 5, 2007 @ 4:37 pm
Linda - who’s the mill in Indiana

Comment by Kathi — April 5, 2007 @ 4:41 pm
Comment by Shirley: “I don’t necessarily blame the FDA for their response time to the crisis. Reality is that federal agencies have been cut to virtual extinction by the budget.”

Shirley, I don’t think anyone doubts that. For those of us who’ve been following this with a passion, we know the FDA had the names of distributors and which manufacturers the toxic material was delivered to long ago. In light of the FDA allowing industry to do voluntary recalls (many of which were extremely late in the timeline), consumers could of taken precautionary measures on their own had they been given a list of manufacturers.

Comment by Sandro — April 5, 2007 @ 4:42 pm
Greenfield Mills:

http://tinyurl.com/3e5hwd

Comment by Linda — April 5, 2007 @ 4:43 pm
Which also brings up a good point why does the FDA instruct people to go to the Menu Foods site? Why is this a voluntary recall? Can’t the FDA pull the products without it being voluntary?

Who are they protecting here?

Comment by MonkeyKitty — April 5, 2007 @ 4:44 pm
Big Business - corporations - their buddies!

Comment by Linda — April 5, 2007 @ 4:46 pm
This is for Steve. Could you please drop me an email? I have a question for you.

LLAP,
Spocko

spockosemail at gmail.com

Comment by spocko — April 5, 2007 @ 4:48 pm
Comment by Shirley: “I don’t necessarily blame the FDA for their response time to the crisis. Reality is that federal agencies have been cut to virtual extinction by the budget.”

Yes they have had cuts in their budget in the last 3 years. Accountability needs to be put somewhere, self regulating corporations isn’t the answer. Just stating the obvious.

I am concerned that FEMA has been given a larger budget but is still dysfuctional. This is deja vu all over again.

Comment by MonkeyKitty — April 5, 2007 @ 4:48 pm
Not sure CNN should be posting what is safe(as per Lou Dobbs) A little concerning since they obvoiusly don’t know what IS safe.

Comment by MonkeyKitty — April 5, 2007 @ 4:51 pm
All you PR specialists, spin doctors and lobbyists representing the pet food industry can just spare the American public the spin and bullsh*t. It’s not working.

You must be truly clueless about the damage to the public trust YOU CREATED.

Comment by Steve — April 5, 2007 @ 4:54 pm
Lou Dobbs did say he wishes he could test it to be certain

Comment by Kathi — April 5, 2007 @ 4:56 pm
Nothing is sacred anymore!! I can’t trust this goverment to protect my family and pets anymore!!! So many jobs cut in the FDA, ceo’s taking home millions!!!!!!! China literally owns us since bush came into office!!

Comment by ann gates — April 5, 2007 @ 4:56 pm
comment from senator Durbins press conference today:
During a press conference today in Wicker Park, Durbin (D-Ill.) said the role of the Food and Drug Administration needs to be expanded to prevent future threats to humans and animals, and to penalize companies that delay reporting health issues.

“The FDA is like a fire department that is only called after the house is burned down,” Durbin said. “We have to change that system.”

Durbin added that the FDA needs to establish a standardized set of regulations and inspection requirements to replace the patchwork of state inspection systems currently in place.

Durbin also said a centralized Web site needs to be created to allow better communication between consumers, veterinarians and the federal government.

Comment by ken — April 5, 2007 @ 4:58 pm
Linda thanks for Mills address

Comment by Kathi — April 5, 2007 @ 4:58 pm
Did you see the headlines how much the Ford CEO made for 4 months - 28 million I believe. Now what could that man possibly do in four months worth that price. His words must be “gold”. And one wonders why they outsource to China and cut health care benefits - unbelievable!

Comment by Linda — April 5, 2007 @ 5:00 pm
Comment by spocko — April 5, 2007 @ 4:48 pm

Spocko I am going to set up a secure alternative place for e-mail regarding this event but I don’t know if that will be today. I will copy your request and and post you as soon as I do. As I would like to correspond with others here also at some point.

Comment by Steve — April 5, 2007 @ 5:01 pm
He is closing plants in order to stem losses. Why not start with his salary?

Comment by Linda — April 5, 2007 @ 5:02 pm
Congressional Hearing Announced by Senator Durbin on Pet Food Deaths
April 5th, 2007

Senator Durbin (D-IL) announced that he will “hold an oversight hearing on the investigation and regulatory mechanisms that govern the pet food industry” at the Wicker Park press conference in Chicago.

More from the Chicago Tribune article:

During a press conference today in Wicker Park, Durbin (D-Ill.) said the role of the Food and Drug Administration needs to be expanded to prevent future threats to humans and animals, and to penalize companies that delay reporting health issues.

“The FDA is like a fire department that is only called after the house is burned down,” Durbin said. “We have to change that system.”

Durbin added that the FDA needs to establish a standardized set of regulations and inspection requirements to replace the patchwork of state inspection systems currently in place.

Durbin also said a centralized Web site needs to be created to allow better communication between consumers, veterinarians and the federal government.

“To wait for this information to make it back to Washington and back to consumers is unacceptable,” he said. He said the Senate hearing will be held shortly after the body returns from recess next week.

Thanks paulbos.

http://www.itchmo.com/

Comment by Steve — April 5, 2007 @ 5:04 pm
Good for Sen Durbin. Hope he keeps at it. I agree with itchmo on press release. Well said. Thanks to all who have posted. G-o-o-d s-t-u-f-f. Although some of it makes me feel very ill. I think I need to take a 2nd blood pressure pill. This is more frightening than the Sci-fi’s and Horror films.

Comment by Kathi — April 5, 2007 @ 5:06 pm
He’s trying to stop the FDA from closing down offices but the FDA doesn’t care what Congress wants right now!

This is all Bush’s doing - wanna bet?

Comment by Linda — April 5, 2007 @ 5:07 pm
http://www.lvrj.com/news/6859667.html Some current info on ChemNutra. “On Tuesday evening, a locked mirrored door guarded the business, in a small office park on Durango Drive, just north of Charleston Boulevard. The door bears no sign announcing the company’s name or the nature of its business, only an address.” “We purchase our inventory from quality-assured manufacturers in China, with whome we have strong relationships over the past 12 years” “California listed ChemNutras’s incorporation status” filed for on Aug. 1, 2005 as “surrender” It’s Delaware status shows it as incorporated on Oct. 27, 2003. It has not filed as a Nevada corporation but “ChemNutra has an active business license in Las Vegas”. Xuzhou Anying claims it has been in business for 12 years according to the CNN video information. “ChemNutra said it has recalled 873 tons of wheat gluten that it shipped to three pet food makers and a single distributor who supplies the pet food industry. The company said the recall applied only to wheat gluten from Xuzhou Anying, one of its three Chinese suppliers of the ingredient.” So, of the 873 tons of wheat gluten shipped out, only the portion from Xuzhou Anying is being considered in the recall. What about the rest of the 873 tons? It is from another questionable Chinese exporter that Xuzhou Anying has diverted wheat gluton to? “The company added that it will be conducting tests on wheat gluten from all of its suppliers, and on Monday, it sent recall notices to all four of its direct customers, the release said.” Report dated Apr. 04, 2007.

Comment by Sue Dunn — April 5, 2007 @ 5:09 pm
Comment by Kathi — April 5, 2007 @ 5:06 pm

We’ve been fighting as if our pets lives depend on it. Because they do. All across the country. And let’s not forget our own food. Enough is enough.

Comment by Steve — April 5, 2007 @ 5:10 pm
Hey guys. Remember, tomorrow is Friday and also the beginning of a long holiday weekend. What and who will drop the next bomb.

Comment by Valarie — April 5, 2007 @ 5:12 pm
This is all Bush’s doing - wanna bet?
Comment by Linda — April 5, 2007 @ 5:07 pm

No I don’t. Lets not drag Bush into this. As much as some of us might be tempted. He’s a distraction from what we need to do to hold the Pet Food Industry Accountable.

Comment by Steve — April 5, 2007 @ 5:12 pm
Our lives depend upon it. The FDA is out to lunch. Why are they closing testing facilities? It’s the war costs - and here at home our pets are dying and our food supply may be in danger. I wonder how the White House little pups are doing?

Comment by Linda — April 5, 2007 @ 5:14 pm
Have you seen this one about the largest pet food recall ever by Dr. Michael Fox?
tedeboy.tripod.com/drmichaelwfox/id74.html
You probably need to put in http:// first.

Comment by Lauren — April 5, 2007 @ 5:16 pm
I’m not arguing politics here. But the FDA reports to the President and not to Congress. So it must be by order of the President. The FDA closing facillities effects us all - and if we want to complain we need to go to the top. Congress won’t help right now. Truth!

Comment by Linda — April 5, 2007 @ 5:16 pm
I don’t wish to hound on this, but we do have three branches of government - and the FDA already snubbed Congress. For Congress to pass another budget we have to wait quite awhile before it could even offer changes that might effect the FDA.

Comment by Linda — April 5, 2007 @ 5:18 pm
Like I said on another thread even Norway doesn’t want our GMO wheat That’s why I asked Linda for address of Greenfield Mills. I cringe whenever I need to feed my babies and myself. When Peter Pan and Great American had recall I called my daughter. She had a jar with the lot #2111. And yeah she didn’t know about the recall, nor did she know about the petfood recall and neither did my friends.

Comment by Kathi — April 5, 2007 @ 5:19 pm
On Chem Nutra - look at the owners, and the job description for the lady who is co-owner — wouldn’t bet the farm on it, but she might have family in China…..

Comment by GingerTom — April 5, 2007 @ 5:20 pm
Greenfield Mills also offers certified Organic and I may order that next time. This time I ordered the Bread Flour 25 lbs. Nothing is added - it’s just the wheat.

Comment by Linda — April 5, 2007 @ 5:21 pm
The PFI acted responsibly, timely..not!
Since you are obviously too stupid to know what responsible behavior is - let me spell it out for you.

Menu foods received reports that animals were dying as early as December 2006. They can’t definitively tie these deaths to the food. A responsible company asks the USDA and private labs to see if anything has contaminated it. Menu Foods on the other hand does nothing.

More reports come in to Menu Foods and pet food manufacturers in January and February - and the food industry does nothing.

March- a very limited recall is issued. Responsible companies would get all items made with the suspect ingredient or made on the same equipment as the suspenct food off the shelves. Menu Foods and the pet food manufacturers pull the minimum.

More animals dying through March - A responsible company publicizes the deaths to get maximum coverage to get possible poisoned product out of consumers hands. Where were your full page news ads warning consumers? Menu Foods, and the Food industry cover up, have news releases on Friday after the markets close, have recall notices released at 3 AM on a Saturday, keep repeating the ridiculous figure of 16 confirmed deaths (murders actually), and do their best to spin the story in a positive light.

More deaths reported and the recall list is widened, dates are changed, etc. Hey if you are so concerned about the consumer where are your full page ads in the Washington Post, The New York Times, The Chicago Tribune detailing the extent of the recall? Where are the companies stepping up and saying “hey I have the wheat gluten in my food. Maybe no one has reported any sick animals connected with my food, but I’M GOING TO DO THE RIGHT THING AND RECALL IT, BECAUSE I REALLY CARE ABOUT MY CUSTOMERS”!!!! Nowhere to be found from what I can see. You’ve made the FDA come to you and beg “pretty please pull your food with tainted food off the market.”

Any idiot with an MBA can tell you that Tylenol only exists today because of the openness of their communications, the completeness of their recall and their candor about the tainted medicine.

You, Menu Foods and the PFI are going to take a dive - we will bring you down. That includes Iams, Nutro, Alpo Science Diet, and all of you who lied either by commission or ommission, who put profit ahead of morality, who washed your hands in the blood of our pets while you preseved the price of your stock options.

Good job PFI!

Comment by Andrea — April 5, 2007 @ 5:24 pm
The President also wants to sign a new trade agreement with China and even more of its precious wonderful toxic delight will be coming to our local stores…….

I can hardly wait!

Comment by Linda — April 5, 2007 @ 5:25 pm
So who else thought good ole Peter Pan had their own factory? Just wondering if I’m the only dummy.

Comment by Kathi — April 5, 2007 @ 5:26 pm
I am not dissing the President. It’s just the way it is. Also, I love America and I don’t want to be poisoned either and I don’t want my pets poisoned.

Comment by Linda — April 5, 2007 @ 5:26 pm
Re: Comment by Sue Dunn — April 5, 2007 @ 5:09 pm

Thanks for yesterday’s Las Vegas Review Journal article on ChemNutra, Sue. The following quote blows me away: it says that they knew about the problem on March 8th yet only sent recall notices to their 4 customers yesterday, April 4th! If you’re involved in a class action lawsuit, be sure and give this article to your lawyer.

http://www.lvrj.com/news/6859667.html

“A Tuesday release on the company’s Web site said that ChemNutra’s principals learned on March 8 that the wheat gluten it had sold a pet food manufacturer was suspected in a nationwide rash of animal illnesses.

The release said ChemNutra immediately quarantined its entire inventory of wheat gluten and cooperated fully with an investigation by the federal Food and Drug Administration.

The company added that it will be conducting tests on wheat gluten from all of its suppliers, and on Monday, it sent recall notices to all four of its direct customers, the release said.”

Comment by Maureen — April 5, 2007 @ 5:27 pm
What? Does Peter Pan use a Menu plant too?

Comment by Linda — April 5, 2007 @ 5:27 pm
Comment by GingerTom — April 5, 2007 @ 5:20 pm

Exactly. And two people. I see no indication of a U.S. Based Staff. Her name is Sally Qing Miller.

The information I was able to find on their China base was this.

Chemnutra imports high-quality nutritional and pharmaceutical chemicals from china to the us. We purchase our inventory from over 200 quality-assured manufacturers in china, with whom we have strong relationships over the past twelve years.

Company Name: Chemnutra Llc(China Office)
Country/Territory: China (Mainland)
Address: Hangzhou, hz, Zhejiang, China (Mainland)
Products/Services We Offer: Amino acids, vitamins preservatives, antioxidants sweeteners, acidulants proteins minerals thickeners, emulsifiers
Business Type: Trading Company
Industry Focus: Food Additives ,
Geographic Markets: South America
No. of Employees: 11 - 50 People
Annual Sales Range (USD): US$50 Million - US$100 Million
Year Established: 0

Comment by Steve — April 5, 2007 @ 5:29 pm
Well said Andrea. Did anyone see the headline the other day Proctor-Gamble takes out full page ad in 56 newspapers. I didn’t read their ad, I stopped buying (paying) for newspapers over 30 yrs ago. Sometimes I pick up a discarded one. I do check out the online news but I need to read a whole bunch of them to figure out what might be the truth somewhere in between the lines.

Comment by Kathi — April 5, 2007 @ 5:36 pm
Monkeykitty - Print friendly versions of recalled foods are available at http://www.petfoodtracker.com

There are 2 lists - one a master list with the names of all brands recalled, including store brands.

The 2nd (original list) has details including flavors/sizes for the top 10 Major national brands. (Iams, Nutro, Eukanuba, etc.)

quick links are in the upper right corner of the page… :-)

Comment by Kim — April 5, 2007 @ 5:36 pm
Comment by Linda:
But the FDA reports to the President and not to Congress.

Linda,
They may report to the President, but Congress holds the purse strings. If the budget doesn’t fund at a level that allows the agency to perform their mission, then it doesn’t happen. Hence the need for different parties controlling different branches. Checks and balances.
——————————————————————

Comment by Sandro:
For those of us who’ve been following this with a passion, we know the FDA had the names of distributors and which manufacturers the toxic material was delivered to long ago. In light of the FDA allowing industry to do voluntary recalls (many of which were extremely late in the timeline), consumers could of taken precautionary measures on their own had they been given a list of manufacturers.

Sandro:
I agree that the FDA hasn’t done what they need to do. But back to what I said before, the staffing levels and budgets for the various agencies often creates an untrained workforce. Employees probably don’t even know what can be released and what can’t.

Comment by Shirley — April 5, 2007 @ 5:36 pm
P.S. An updated version with today’s additions will be available later tonight or early tomorrow.

Comment by Kim — April 5, 2007 @ 5:37 pm
Chemnutra imports high-quality nutritional and pharmaceutical chemicals from china to the us. We purchase our inventory from over 200 quality-assured manufacturers in china, with whom we have strong relationships over the past twelve years.

A poster from another board covering this topic.

‘Let me help with some translation here. First “quality-assured manufacturers” means that when asked they say ‘sure we have a Quality Control Program that meets requirements for safety and quality product’. That’s what ‘assured’ refers to in Quality Control speak, my chosen profession. In other words nobody checks on them, they just take their word for it. Self certified.

The minority, woman owned part means they probably have significant monies from the federal government propping up their organization.

There you have it - the rest of the story.’

Comment by Steve — April 5, 2007 @ 5:39 pm
Peter Pan is made by ConAgra who also produces Great American retailed at Walmart. ConAgra=Menu Foods same difference I guess.

Comment by Kathi — April 5, 2007 @ 5:41 pm
Comment by Steve — April 5, 2007 @ 5:01 pm

Steve, Gina has my email if you’ll like to contact me.

Comment by Nadine Long — April 5, 2007 @ 5:43 pm
and therefore ChemNutra=Xuzhou Anying or if it doesn’t, it’s someone’s brother, uncle, cousin…which would make investigations of their own rather, shall we say self-limiting?

Comment by GingerTom — April 5, 2007 @ 5:44 pm
Comment by Nadine Long — April 5, 2007 @ 5:43 pm

Sounds good.

Comment by Steve — April 5, 2007 @ 5:44 pm
CNN - 8pm EST program - OUT IN THE OPEN (pets) be sure to watch

Comment by Kathi — April 5, 2007 @ 5:45 pm
Hey guys. Just checking in to see if there’s any new info and I have to ask…any chance a “bull pizzle” is what it sounds like?

Comment by Eva — April 5, 2007 @ 5:48 pm
Sue may be right.

“At first I was confused since I got used to hearing only hearing about recalls on Friday, and today is Thursday. Then I remembered, tomorrow is Good Friday and the stock market is closed.
I’ll wager a bet that there will be more recalls and press releases throughout the rest of the today and tonight.”

Comment by Steve — April 5, 2007 @ 5:50 pm
Just saw the recall list; the expanded date range of the recall is now reaching back into early November. At least the Nutro Natural Choice dog pouches I checked now go back into November. For the past 3 weeks they’ve been saying the China wheat gluten supplier was immediately suspect since it was a new supplier whose first shipment arrived Menu Foods plants in late Nov. If that was true, then WHY ROLL THE RECALL DATES BACK INTO EARLY NOVEMBER???? This is finally proof they received and manufactured with poisoned wheat gluten supply earlier than they first admitted (Dec 3rd - March 15).

Comment by Eva B. — April 5, 2007 @ 5:50 pm
Re: Huge discrepancies over pet deaths: Pet owners believe more animals sickened
by Anonymous on Wednesday, April 04 @ 18:27:12 PDT
who cares? you really think the company’s wanted
these animals to die? yea, that’s exactly what
you probably think. what a good way to increase
business! kill your customers.
to many morons on this thread with way to much time on their hands.

Comment by dilligaff420 — April 5, 2007 @ 5:50 pm
Just a heads up that the list published earlier by Menu has changed. Iams and Eukanuba were not on the updated list, but now they are. And to top it off, they don’t even indicate on the Iams food what changed. I just happened to remember the original starting recall number and now it has been changed.

Apparently checking it when the release came out wasn’t sufficient - guess I’ll have to check it all weekend just in case.

Comment by Carole — April 5, 2007 @ 5:52 pm
Just a heads up that the list published earlier by Menu has changed. Iams and Eukanuba were not on the updated list, but now they are. And to top it off, they don’t even indicate on the Iams food what changed. I just happened to remember the original starting recall number and now it has been changed.

Apparently checking it when the release came out wasn’t sufficient - guess I’ll have to check it all weekend just in case.

Comment by Carole — April 5, 2007 @ 5:52 pm
Video On Durbin CBS2 Chicago

http://cbs2chicago.com/video/?.....ayport.com

Comment by Steve — April 5, 2007 @ 5:53 pm
One word:
BULL….!

Comment by Pamela J. Betz-Baron — April 5, 2007 @ 5:53 pm
BTW, I am referring to the release of earlier today, not the original release on March 17.

Comment by Carole — April 5, 2007 @ 5:53 pm
“Hey guys. Just checking in to see if there’s any new info and I have to ask…any chance a “bull pizzle” is what it sounds like?

Comment by Eva — April 5, 2007 @ 5:48 pm”

It’s exactly what it sounds like.

Comment by Pamela J. Betz-Baron — April 5, 2007 @ 5:55 pm
Comment by Carole — April 5, 2007 @ 5:52 pm

You got to be kidding me. Why aren’t these guys in custody? Unbelievable.

Comment by Steve — April 5, 2007 @ 5:55 pm
I said on an earlier thread yesterday. ChemNutra CEO is a NY LAWYER. Need I say more about him or the Mrs.

Comment by Kathi — April 5, 2007 @ 5:55 pm
I believe that on CNN, there will be something on the Paula Zahn Now show… begins at 5pm PT Not sure if this has been announced on here yet. If not about the pet food recall, then about ‘animals being property’?

Comment by Pat — April 5, 2007 @ 5:58 pm
WATCH CNN 8pm EST

Comment by Kathi — April 5, 2007 @ 5:58 pm
Pamela, thanks. That’s gotta be a resume standout.

Comment by Eva — April 5, 2007 @ 5:59 pm
Politics can indeed play a role in what has happened here. Bush’s priorities have been tax cuts for the rich who don’t need them, budget cuts on the government agencies who provide very important services to the American people, fighting the Iraq war( rather than finishing the Afghanistan war first), and lastly but not insignificant is Bush’s priority of funding NASA’s return to the moon and Mars.

Bush is supposedly a Republican yet he took our nice budget surplus handed to him by Clinton and spent gads of it in record time.
Bush (and the administartion he has around him) has made Clinton look like a conservative.

The money spent/lost on the tax cuts for the wealthy (which never trickled down to the unwealthy), the Iraq war, and NASA’s Moon & Mars missions could have funded things like rebuilding NOLA and the other areas hit by Katrina, more funding for the FDA, more funding for social services our most vulnerable folks (including our veteran’s )really need.All that money could have funded quite a few important services easily for years.

Politics do affect our lives all the time; the bad or ill thought decisions of our nations politicians can have profound effects on us all, including our pets.

Our pets might well be proverbial canaries in the mine, alerting us once again that our nations food supply (for both people and animals) needs to be regulated by independent government inspectors who have “no dog in the fight”.

As for the tainted dog and cat food food; it can indeed enter the human food chain. My coworker at an animal shelter used the cheaper donated foods like Ol’ Roy to feed the swine/hogs that ended up at the shelter (the cheap foods weren’t fed to the kenneled dogs as it caused too much diarrea, and in a large kennel that means a huge mess).

Those swine/hogs got auctioned off to buyers, who I am sure didn’t keep them as life long pets once they hit a good slaughter weight. And I am sure this fellow isn’t the only person feeding cheap dog food to “food animals”.

*Keep in mind that many toxins like PCBs are stored in the fat of animals for years and the animals at the upper end of the food chain accumulate the most toxins over their lifetimes. People who eat meat, fish and poultry are at the upper end of the food chain, so we who don’t want to or cannot be vegetarians really do have to worry about what the animals that we consume could have taken into their bodies when they were fattened up.

As for the FDA to allow this suspect food stuff to be put into landfills where small animals eat it; the animals that eat those animals down the road also will be eating poisons/toxins stored in the carcasses.

The world as a whole has much to worry about as far as the safety of our food supply. Too many countries are too lax about regulating food safety, and humans and animals have to pay the price for it.

Comment by Grace — April 5, 2007 @ 6:03 pm
Dear Ekedahl-
Good job, being so up front with all of us grieving, and scared crapless pet parents. So, what you’re saying is, you feel our pain, and that we can feel confident feeding the pet food we’ve always fed? In that case, I’d like to invite you and all the other jackasses that have big offices in your ivory tower somewhere in Neverland to dinner at my house. On the Menu, Alpo Prime Cuts in Gravy. That is, what’s left over from my poor little Schnauzer, Kiwi, because she died before she could eat it all. Isn’t that amazing!~ How confident would feel about that. All of us REAL Pet Lovers are watching you very close, and can’t wait for your next big serving of bullshit. How long are you going to wait this time, and how many MORE of our Beloved family members have to die before YOU TELL THE TRUTH???????????????
You money hungry murderers took the Best Friend I’ve ever had away from me on March 23, and for that I hope you rot in Hell. Trust me, there are alot more people out there hoping for the same! Thanks for nothing.

Comment by Donna — April 5, 2007 @ 6:05 pm
Mr. Pet Food Institute, I appreciate that your members were taken by surprise that someone would poison a raw ingredient. But those same members should have had procedures in place to prevent such an occurence. I understand that melamine doesn’t belong in the wheat gluten, but your members should have been be looking for anything that did not belong in the raw ingredients that make up our pets food. And they shouldn’t have delayed telling us that something was wrong. Your members should know their suppliers, and the suppliers supplier and they should examine their ingredients before they are put into products that we trusted would keep our pets alive. And certainly, your members should have had even more stringent quality controls in place when suppliers were new. And I suspect that your members should have put more stock in the consumer complaints that they were receiving early on about sick and dying pets as a result of the food that they were eating. You ask us to trust you again? Just like that? Not until you tell me that you are taking steps to know your suppliers and that you will not buy dangerous crap from China or anybody else. And finally, I would like to know Mr. Pet Food Institute what else your members bought from ChemNutra that might be tainting our pet food? Did you look at what ChemNutra is selling beside wheat gluten? Is any of it in your pets’ food, mine? Have your members checked? And lastly, while I hope I have your attention, I would like your members to label each of their products so that I as a consumer know who actually put the food in the can or bag and where. As it turns out Made in the USA doesn’t mean *****. From now on I am going to read labels and research whatever I put into my pets tummy and do my best to ignore your absolutely amazing marketing. And Mr. Pet Food Institute, I was lucky, my pet is healthy so far.

Comment by Shawn — April 5, 2007 @ 6:07 pm
Carole - I’ll be checking the list too. Do you have the original lists printed out? (see what I’ve got so far at petfoodtracker.com)

Comment by Kim — April 5, 2007 @ 6:12 pm
Well said, Donna. Everytime one of these morons puts out a statement they just dig themselves in deeper. If they get to be CEOs of major companies, I should be the goddess of the universe.

Comment by Andrea — April 5, 2007 @ 6:12 pm
Grace,

Well said!

Comment by Shirley — April 5, 2007 @ 6:13 pm
Donna-i am so sorry for the loss of your baby.

Comment by Shawn — April 5, 2007 @ 6:14 pm
They rolled the recall dates back through November. Which means their initial statement of the first shipment of wheat gluten from a new supplier arriving at Menu Foods plants in early December no longer is valid. This proves they received poisoned wheat gluten (and/or something else??!!) earlier than the original Dec.3 - March 15 date code range. They rolled back to November. I specifically checked and printed out the spreadsheet for Nutro Natural Choice pouch date codes for dogs March 17th. Before today’s update, no November lot or batch date codes were there before - now they added November d/c today. This proves Menu Foods knows they manufactured the poisoned stuff an entire month earlier than previously admitted (Dec 3 - March 15).

Comment by Eva B. — April 5, 2007 @ 6:19 pm
Thank you Grace. The current administration needs money to fight a war. It’s the truth. The Democrats want to win and oust the Republicans and this too can be in our favor if they push for reform within the FDA and insist on better laws to protect us and our pets - I don’t care if this issue is a political tool or not. I just don’t want my pets poisoned or my children and in some day, my grandchildren.

Comment by Linda — April 5, 2007 @ 6:20 pm
Regarding the purse strings - I know who holds the purse strings and that’s why this is happening when Congress is leaving and before a new budget can be passed.

The FDA can close office and snub Congress and this President can leave a mess for the next President to clean up - when and if there is money to do so!

Comment by Linda — April 5, 2007 @ 6:26 pm
Just watched Paula Zahn on CNN

I sure hope our babies can at least gain some basic rights. like LIFE, NON-TOXIC FOOD
Do pets have value? You’re darn skippy they do. Ask my adult kids. It’s true, sometimes I do care more for my furry kids. They don’t argue with me nor do they care what I look like. They just plain love us. That’s why this whole thing is so darn frustrating.

Comment by Kathi — April 5, 2007 @ 6:27 pm
Duane,
I am not a “confused” pet owner. I am a MAD AS HELL OWNER of TWO CORPSES, and the dying may not be done in my house.
I have seen your act before, it did not impress me then because I knew you were lying and this lie is even less impressive.
Is your shiny face on the news telling the reporters to STOP calling pet owners hysterical?
Well, is it?
Is your shiny face right out front telling the reporters that, sad as it is, the truth IS THAT THOUSANDS of pets died?
Did I miss that part?
You KNEW what blog to post the news on didn’t you? Did you share that hot info with CNN or the other reporters?
You KNEW how to reach out to us and , until it suited YOUR ends, you left us hanging in the wind!!!
Duane, you hold a special place in my heart, just above a child molester and right below the vomit I cleaned up from my dying cat.
This is criminal now, maybe it always was, the INTENTIONAL infliction of pain to ME, a human, goes far beyond what was done to my pets.
I serve public notice that if ONE MORE REPORTER , ANYWHERE, quotes a death tool of 16 or calls me a HYSTERICAL pet owner and I have a stroke, then I am asking for a charge of murder of a HUMAN to be filed.
Got that?
If this mess drives my blood pressure to stroke city then YOU. DUANE, are first in the arrest list, you are not the last but I want you first up.
The willful infliction of pain is considered a criminal matter and either you can get your shiny face out there and start making this right or you and all your buddies can pay the price.
A far better public relation move would be to start telling the truth , the whole truth and NOTHING BUT THE TRUTH before a court compels you. And just QUIT insulting me and the other pet owners before it puts you behind bars.

Comment by E. Hamilton — April 5, 2007 @ 6:27 pm
Meanwhile we are left vulnerable and there’s not anything Congress can do about it - except use it as a campaign issue and I hope they do.

Comment by Linda — April 5, 2007 @ 6:28 pm
Menu foods is making Peter Pan Peanut Butter - who would have thought!

Comment by Linda — April 5, 2007 @ 6:30 pm
March 06, 2007
Volume 7, Number 5
Petfood Industry Electronic Newsletter is sponsored by AFB International, maker of Optimizor® and BioFlavor® brand palatants.

Payne leaving PFI
Steve Payne, vice president of communications, is leaving the US Pet Food Institute (PFI) to become the vice president of corporate communications for Feld Entertainment, which manages Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus and other entertainment events, and is headquartered in the Washington, DC area. Kurt Gallagher will now become PFI’s new director of Communications and export development. He will be responsible for PFI’s public affairs program. Gallagher was with PFI previously in an administrative role. He returns to PFI after handling communications and other projects for a large member association and an online company.

http://tinyurl.com/2gyppf

Comment by Steve — April 5, 2007 @ 6:32 pm
Just something to think about. Menu Foods stock dropped dramatically last October, and earnings were down. But by the end of November, earnings had gone up quite a bit, and have stayed up.

Could it be because they made a conscience decision to change to super-cheap, crappy ingredients to push up their earnings?

Comment by carly — April 5, 2007 @ 6:34 pm
And this hit me right after I entered:

If Menu Foods changed supplier for their wheat gluten 1st of November for money reasons, did they also change supplier for any other ingredients at the same time????

Comment by carly — April 5, 2007 @ 6:36 pm
I actually am shocked that people here are putting politics ahead of pets. These Bush rants are going to do absolutely nothing but turn away any conservative that comes to this site.

I know. . .you don’t need us dumb ole conservatives anyway.

Comment by Jackie — April 5, 2007 @ 6:36 pm
Could it be because they made a conscience decision to change to super-cheap, crappy ingredients to push up their earnings?
Comment by carly — April 5, 2007 @ 6:34 pm

Menu Foods
2005 net LOSS of CAD 55 million.
2006 net income of CAD 6.4 million

Comment by Steve — April 5, 2007 @ 6:39 pm
Not feeling your best, but not really sick———yet. The animals have been sick but can’t tell us.
This junk has been sneaking into our food/pet food supply. “Roundup” brand herbicide, would you spray your tomato or bread with this and then eat it.
Immediate symptoms of ingestion & unintentional contact exposure(for humans)
The toxicity of Roundup has been questioned, in addition to its active agent (glyphosate), because of several of the inactive ingredients, including the surfactant polyoxy-ethyleneamine (POEA).[20] These components may be responsible for some of the “acute” toxicity to humans such as eye irritation up to death. Ingestion of Roundup has been proven to cause many symptoms including diarrhea, vomitting, excess fluid in lungs, pneumonia, confusion, lung dysfunction, erosion of the intestinal tract, kidney damage, damage to the larynx, destruction of blood cells, and other symptoms, with 200ml (less than a cup) typically leading to death and human fatality, yet cases of only 100ml (a little over 1/3 cup) of ingested glyphosate product have been fatal. Unintentional low exposures cause symptoms such as, eye irritation (pain, burning, blurred vision), swollen face & eyes & joints, blisters, skin rash, rapid heartbeat & palpitations, elevated blood pressure, chest pain, congestion, coughing, headache, dizziness, fever, nausea, facial numbness, burning & itchy skin, & recurrent eczema. (From Wikipedia)
“Genetically modified soy, corn, canola, and cottonseed oil are being consumed daily by a significant proportion of our population. We need rigorous, independent and long-term studies to evaluate if these foods put the population at risk.”—————————————————-
http://www.drpitcairn.com/nutrition/gm_foods.html

Its DNA has bacterial genes added that allow the soy plant to survive applications of Monsanto’s “Roundup” brand herbicide. About 85% of the soy gown in the US is Roundup Ready. Since soy derivatives, including oil, flour and lecithin, are found in the majority of processed foods sold in the US, many Americans eat ingredients derived from Roundup Ready soy everyday.

The FDA does not require any safety tests on genetically modified foods. If Monsanto or other biotech companies declare their foods safe, the agency has no further questions. The rationale for this hands-off position is a sentence in the FDA’s 1992 policy that states, “The agency is not aware of any information showing that foods derived by these new methods differ from other foods in any meaningful or uniform way.”[1] The statement, it turns out, was deceptive. Documents made public from a lawsuit years later revealed that the FDA’s own experts agreed that GM foods are different and might lead to hard-to-detect allergens, toxins, new diseases or nutritional problems. They had urged their superiors to require long-term safety studies, but were ignored. The person in charge of FDA policy was, conveniently, Monsanto’s former attorney (and later their vice president).

For example, animals fed GM crops developed potentially precancerous cell growth, smaller brains, livers and testicles, damaged immune systems, bigger livers, partial atrophy of the liver, lesions in the livers, stomachs, and kidneys, inflammation of the kidneys, problems with their blood cells, higher blood sugar levels, and unexplained increases in the death rate. (See Spilling the Beans, August 2004.) None have been adequately followed-up or accounted for.

….nearly 25 farmers in the US and Canada say that certain GM corn varieties caused their pigs to become sterile, have false pregnancies, or give birth to bags of water” ———————————————————————————————————-

http://www.organicconsumers.or.....fungus.cfm

Monsanto’s Roundup Herbicide May Be Spreading Deadly Fungus

GM Crop Weed Killer Linked to Powerful Fungus

Scientists are expressing alarm about the relationship between the application of a common weed killer to food crops and the resultant proliferation of potentially toxic fungal moulds in the harvest.

“Glyphosate-treated wheat appeared to have higher levels of Fusarium head blight (a toxic fungal disease) than wheat fields where no glyphosate had been applied.”

…over the last two decades, several scientists from New Zealand to Africa have noticed and investigated the glyphosate-fusarium relationship through small-scale experiments in the relative obscurity of their labs and reporting the results of their work through the hidden world of academic journals. The result of all of this work, is “just under 50 scientific papers,” says Robert Kremer PhD., a soil scientist at the University of Missouri. This body work shows an increase in Fusarium or other microbes after the application of glyphosate.

Comment by DeeAnn — April 5, 2007 @ 6:39 pm
Comment by Donna — April 5, 2007 @ 6:05 pm

Donna, my heart is breaking for you right now on your loss of Kiwi. Schnauzers are very special. Years ago I had two—-Liesl and Lustig. Know that you have many who care here. I, too, recently lost my best friend ever.

Comment by Nadine Long — April 5, 2007 @ 6:39 pm
Well if Bush isn’t taking charge and making changes then who is. I am not anti Republican but it’s the truth about these cuts and I don’t want the FDA offices closed down.

Comment by Linda — April 5, 2007 @ 6:41 pm
And I have always been a conservative - so I know conservatives aren’t dumb but some of these decisions to open up China sure are!

Comment by Linda — April 5, 2007 @ 6:45 pm
Comment by Jackie — April 5, 2007 @ 6:36 pm

I have to agree I hope we can stay away from that we’ve done pretty well here dropping our differences to unite as people regardless of political affiliation. Last thing we need now is to start dividing ourselves over politics.

Comment by Steve — April 5, 2007 @ 6:46 pm
Re: Comment by Steve - Senator Durbin

Notice there isn’t a peep out of the Senator concerning the fact raw materials for food are imported from one of the world’s most polluted countries? China, a country where regulations and standards are practically non existent as the CNN video clearly showed. Where chemicals banned in the U.S. are sprayed on produce and toxic rivers used to irrigate crops.

American corporations will never allow politicians to threaten there source of cheap raw materials, count on it.

Comment by Sandro — April 5, 2007 @ 6:47 pm
Linda

Peter Pan is NOT made by Menu Foods. It’s made by ConAgra. I used the equal sign (=) to indicate that Peter Pan and Walmart’s Great American Peanutbutter are made by ConAgra just like our petfoods are commonly made at the MenuFoods plant. But they may as well all be made by one plant since they have similar grouped Brands all mixed in one general plant instead of each having their own plants like we once believed. Sorry if anyone misunderstood my sarcasm equating ConAgra=MenuFoods.

Comment by Kathi — April 5, 2007 @ 6:48 pm
PHEW!!!!! almost had an OPRAH boo=boo lawsuit.

Comment by Kathi — April 5, 2007 @ 6:49 pm
Evidently, you misunderstood mine!

Comment by Linda — April 5, 2007 @ 6:51 pm
Pet Food Insitute is a lobbying and trade organization pure and simple- headquartered in Washington D.C. Be assured they are currently working all hours to counterbalance against us with our congressmen and senators who count on lobbyists for “insight” and campaign financing. And don’t delude yourselves—it’s lawmakers and their staffs from both parties being bought and sold (or educated if you prefer) every day by lobby firms such as this. If our lawmakers in congress don’t come through for us and the pets of America it will not be that they didn’t hear us…. it will be that they chose to listen to “someone” else more. I agree with an earlier commenter; my life also has been changed forever because of this.

Don’t think for a second that behind the scenes the media is not getting this same soft kid glove “information assistance” from PFI and others, also. The pet food industry seems to have convinced a lot of reporters and editors that this was a little fluky problem being overreacted to by a few crazy pet lovers. Nothing to see here, move along, move along.

Thank goodness Sen. Durbin is trying to do something. If you saw his press conference he clarified that the FDA does not currently have the authority to issue recalls. Congress should at least be able to fix that soon.

Comment by elizabeth — April 5, 2007 @ 6:51 pm
Linda

I kinda thought you were being sarcastic, too, but just in case somebody didn’t catch it LIKE THE CEO’s I didn’t want to risk a lawsuit like Oprah.

Comment by Kathi — April 5, 2007 @ 6:57 pm
Comment by Sandro — April 5, 2007 @ 6:47 pm

Well see what happens when Congress resumes and the issue is brought to the floor by Durbin. I do know what your saying though.

Comment by Steve — April 5, 2007 @ 6:58 pm
This was the letter from ;
Welcome to the Pet Food Institute
News from the American Veterinary Medical Association:
“the food’s been recalled and the foods that are still available at this point in time we can feel confident are safe.”
Dr. Roger Mahr, AVMA President [read full story…]

PFI shares the concerns of pet owners and consumers over the recent recall. We understand that every pet is an important family member and we share the desire to ensure the continued well being of our four-footed friends. Media coverage has been fast paced, making it a challenge for the media to get every story right. In some cases information has been reported that was exaggerated, taken out of context or simply not true. This makes it very difficult for pet owners to keep up with developments and to know what to do.

{((It is important to keep in mind that 99% of pet foods were not affected by the recall.))} PFI has prepared put together a list of information that pet owners and consumers will find both informative and reassuring. [read more…]
Deceptive Reading from PFI

Comment by William Kanitz — April 5, 2007 @ 6:59 pm
Good question Linda,

I wish we could answer that. At this point I don’t think anyone in Government can.

The onluy thing I can say is that the changes were made after 911.

FEMA, DHS, and possibly the FDA suddenly had a new job to do without any real plan in place it was all ad hoc.

I can say that because I can claim to know more than most just because of what I do.

Not going into detail.

As a pet person this concerns me, as an American it concerns me even more.

We have a long road ahead of us to make up for the mistakes that were made in the last 5 years. Too bad all our intel resources are focused on a far off war.

I am sure someone is taking notes on this as a playbook.

Perhaps this is another reason why its hush hush.

Comment by MonkeyKitty — April 5, 2007 @ 7:02 pm
After re-reading this patronizing letter filled with lies, I paid a visit to the PFI website. I have now decided to stop buying Merrick and any other manufacturer that is a member of this organization. I urge other outraged pet parents to do the same until PFI comes clean, stops lying, and starts admitting the true numbers and scope of this tragedy.

http://www.petfoodinstitute.or.....rch=Active

If any pet food manufacturers that havent been part of the whole scandal thus far are still reading here, I urge you to resign from and distance yourselves from PFI.

If you have the likes of Duane Ekedahl speaking for and lobbying for you, how can we trust anything else you say?

Comment by Empress 60 — April 5, 2007 @ 7:03 pm
Whoa y’all….calm everyone…..take that deep breath and count to ten…..
Write everyone … Write them nicely!
No food fighting….
We need Congressmen and Senators to write new legislation, and a President to sign it into law. Congress on its own can hold hearings, embarass people, get people to purger themselves and resign. Presidents on their own can make hiring and firing decisions at the top of departments.
Write everyone … Write them all nicely.

Comment by mike — April 5, 2007 @ 7:05 pm
How can we find out more about all the vitamins and additives in the petfood and exactly where they come from. Even DVP’s Natural Balance and the others that we think might not be affected by this?

Comment by Kathi — April 5, 2007 @ 7:06 pm
I really wasn’t trying to divide us over the political issues, but I think some of these problems are politically oriented and I don’t mean to offend anyone. And as I say, we might make some progress with this issue just because it is a campaign year -

Thank you monkeykitty for your insights.

Comment by Linda — April 5, 2007 @ 7:10 pm
All I ask is for people to wake up and vote your heart in a 18 months. I wouldn’t put my priority on the amount of taxes you pay, not that you did in the first place.

Next time you get promises of tax cuts, know there is a price one way or another.

This is not to take away from how the poor poor pet food industry is regulated or self governed. You have your own issues and your day will come soon enough.

Comment by MonkeyKitty — April 5, 2007 @ 7:13 pm
Linda, unfortunately the chit chat has been drowning out some valuable pieces of information. In case you missed them, here are links I posted a few blog posts back that shows both the Clinton and Bush Administrations tried, in their own ways, to stem the surge of wheat gluten imports. Political polarization shouldn’t be brought into this, both conservatives and liberals love their pets equally I’m sure.

Comment by Sandro — April 5, 2007 @ 7:16 pm
I write nice polite letters and when I’m not blogging I also send nice polite letters.

Comment by Linda — April 5, 2007 @ 7:16 pm
Comment by Linda — April 5, 2007 @ 7:10 pm

Yes the campaign season is underway and you bet we will be looking at the Candidates on this issue.

Comment by Steve — April 5, 2007 @ 7:16 pm
Hey can we make an effort to send our concerns to NPR? I do know Frontline is looking into this, but we can rely on them to help us get the word out.

Got to the NPR site and send them your feelings, they have been covering this but it can’t hurt to tell them how you feel and express your loss or concern.

Comment by MonkeyKitty — April 5, 2007 @ 7:17 pm
Tell me the time you posted it Sandro so I can read it. Yes, it did get lost.

Comment by Linda — April 5, 2007 @ 7:18 pm
Empress 60

Holy crap!!! very interesting list. Definite BUTT-COVERING going on here. Guess I better call Mr. Dick vanPatten and ask some serious questions since he’s a member along with the Nasty Culprits we’ve been discussing. DVP might be clean but I think I’ll ask him to stand apart from PFI until we get the REAL TRUTH out of these MORONS. I would suggest phone calls to others on this list are in order. They’ll ignore us until we make them listen.

Comment by Kathi — April 5, 2007 @ 7:19 pm
Good idea Mike.

Understandably we’re upset. And pet owners who’ve lost loved ones are more upset.

PFI seems to have lost sight of their target audience. A tremendous number of pet owners consider their pets as family. PFI comes across as if the want to pacify us. As if the loss of a pet due to negligence by one or more of its members is not a big deal. They need to go back and regroup. Acknowledging the mistake and doing all they can to correct the problem so that it wont happen again is the correct response. Not a letter saying “It’s okay now, don’t worry anymore.”

Comment by Shirley — April 5, 2007 @ 7:20 pm
Sorry, but anyone who thinks that the Bush Dark Ages had nothing to do with the ineptitude and callousness that fed this situation obviously learned NOTHING from the Katrina debacle.

A heck of a job, indeed.

Comment by Empress 60 — April 5, 2007 @ 7:22 pm
Sandro,

If the government wanted to stop it they could, but they too have sold their souls to special interest groups and the “devil” so to speak. Maybe too they are interested in the growth of their stock portfolios - I don’t know.

But it is obvious to me, and maybe to others, that we simply need to be very careful what we buy.

Ultimately, it is our lawmakers who are at fault - poor Politicians simply have to let that poison toxic waste wheat junk in this country because Greedy Corporations want it -

Wrong!

Comment by Linda — April 5, 2007 @ 7:23 pm
Well, our government has let us down. So I blame them first and then we buy the stuff so I blame us second.

Poor politicians just had to let the greedy corporations import this toxic waste junk wheat. Nothing else they could do.

Wrong!

Comment by Linda — April 5, 2007 @ 7:27 pm
Well,I don’t agree Sandro that our politicians hands were tied.

Comment by Linda — April 5, 2007 @ 7:29 pm
http://www.npr.org/about/pitch/

Go to: Where can I send an idea for a new NPR program?

I don’t want to put in her email address or she will get spam.

I do know they do a very good job at reporting the facts I donate as much as possible when I can.

Our media has so much to cover, just goes to show how much crap there is to be concerned about. The whole pet food thing got pushed off by several stories (e.g Iran captured UK sailors).

Perhaps we should do a headline that a celeb died by eating pet food.

That would go on for years I think (or so it seems).

(No names were mentioned in this to protect the not so innocent). The last name Hilton comes to mind.

Comment by MonkeyKitty — April 5, 2007 @ 7:29 pm
This site seems to be drifting into what I call “Bush Derangement Syndrome”, a malady which causes people to blame George w. Bush for everything bad that has happened. If you want pet owners to join together and try to do something constructive, please remember that these left-wing loony comments are driving people away in droves. Please, people, pet owners aren’t liberal or conservative — we all love our pets, so let’s stop the political cr*p and come together and accomplish something.

Comment by Pam — April 5, 2007 @ 7:33 pm
Nadine,

Did you ever find what you were looking for that we spoke about a few days ago? The GM wheat issue?

Comment by Linda — April 5, 2007 @ 7:33 pm
Sorry Linda, they were in the Pet-food recall: Where’s the wheat? blog and here are the links:

Clinton Administration: USTR STATEMENT ON WHEAT GLUTEN IMPORT QUOTAS

Bush Administration Helps Wheat Gluten Industry Restore Its Competitiveness

Comment by Sandro — April 5, 2007 @ 7:34 pm
Linda, I posted them but I guess the links need to be approved and will show up shortly…

Comment by Sandro — April 5, 2007 @ 7:36 pm
Comment by Pam — April 5, 2007 @ 7:33 pm

Actually George has come up mostly on this thread.

This site has been excellent if you look through the archives in staying away from that.

Obviously tensions are approaching the danger level since this “letter” from the PFI.

I hope people will practice some self control and remain focused on the job hand and put their full power into it.

Comment by Steve — April 5, 2007 @ 7:41 pm
I’m dating myself again but every administration has led up to this since the McCarthy-era hearings. By the way I always believed McCarthy was onto something. America has changed since IKE. All this touchy-feely can’t we all get along polically correct let’s include Third World Countries join the market place has gotten us to poisoning are pets and us. I liked it better when I was a kid. Secure borders and American grown food. So bashing current and near current doesn’t help much. Demanding change right now and I mean right now is the only thing we can do. We need to demand these Morons hear what we have to say and DAMMED WELL DO IT NOW. No more FLUFFY PR Newsletters about it’s safe to eat these questionable foods again. I’m not convinced and neither are the rest of the pet parents. We don’t want soothing words. We want ACTION and we want the TRUTH.

Comment by Kathi — April 5, 2007 @ 7:42 pm
I meant job at hand. I also think I need a short break to clear the head.

Comment by Steve — April 5, 2007 @ 7:43 pm
For one of my class projects when I returned to college as a working adult, I conducted research about the FDA. There was discussion earlier in this thread about who the FDA reports to. It has been about a year since I completed the project, so, I didn’t remember. So, I went back and looked at my project. I found that the FDA reports directly to the Secretary of Health and Human Services.

I want to point out is that a voluntary recall is an option that a manufacturer has if the product is found to be harmful. Voluntary can simply mean that the FDA advised a company of a problem and correction needs to take place. The company can A) Recall or B) Resist recall and the FDA enforces a recall. Ultimately, a recall is a recall…if the voluntary recalls did not take place, these companies knew that they would be mandated to recall.

In summary, enforcement of FDA regs are as follows:

If issues are discovered with existing products, depending upon the severity, the FDA may issue a warning letter to the manufacturer for corrective action.

The FDA can work with the manufacturer to develop a corrective action plan to correct the problem such as labeling changes or submission of warning letters to health care providers identifying the newly discovered issue.

The manufacturer may voluntarily recall a product from the market until it can correct the problem.

If the manufacturer does not cooperate in correcting a problem or if there is a serious violation, the FDA can take legal measures against the manufacturer.

The FDA can have the product recalled and if the manufacturer resists recall, the FDA can have federal marshals seize the product. Imported items that do not meet regulatory standards may be detained at the port of entry until the issue is corrected.

Comment by Lisa — April 5, 2007 @ 7:43 pm
If you really want to get sick to your stomach take a look at some of the PFI affiliate ingredient suppliers listed on their site and in particular the National Rendering Association. You may want to go get a paper bag for the vomit. This is where the by-products in your pet’s food comes from. The National Rendering Association, in addition to supplying such disgusting products as spray on blood, sells chicken meal. Since they deal only in waste I have to assume that even chicken meal is produced from waste and garbage. They are selling us landfill remnants. They call themselves the original recyclers. Sick. Our beloved pets deserve better and the PFI can go to h*(.

Comment by Garyn — April 5, 2007 @ 7:45 pm
I apologize for the repeated comments - they got hijacked or something and I thought lost. I don’t mean to create political difficulty here - sorry I ever mentioned it. I agree to just focus on new laws and making changes to help our pets.

Comment by Linda — April 5, 2007 @ 7:45 pm
We are feeding our pets toxic waste garbage and wonder why they get cancer before they are one year old -

tragic!

Comment by Linda — April 5, 2007 @ 7:48 pm
I want to add a note… This is how the FDA is suppose to work. I think that they have been extremely slow in responding. Why, why, why did they not take action sooner and why are other recalls just now happening??? They should know where every ounce of the wheat gluton is and enforced recalls weeks ago! So, I what I provided above was just to provide some info about what the processes are suppose to be. Also to emphasize the use of the word “voluntary”…a recall is a recall and the FDA has most likely warned them and it was either you do it volunarily or we do it for you.

Comment by Lisa — April 5, 2007 @ 7:50 pm
Ya the reason I stay on this blog is because the majority are normal people.

I am not putting blame on any party, but I call it as I see it. Once we did the restructure after 911 thats when our federal government was ineffective to crisis.

I still am not putting it all on the federal government, at this point the private sector is being really….I am not so sure there is enough words but I will try;
Deceitful
Unresponsive
Inconsiderate
Incompetent

I am pretty sure I could come up with more, but everyone already gets the point.

I am sure someone within this whole “trade” has considered a “what if” right?

For example;
What if there was a common ingredient that was used throughout the whole industry that ended up to be a threat to our supply chain.

I am sure they had a solution to this….

Sorry I can’t type because I am laughing too hard. I have cried enough in the last few weeks that I can only laugh. Sorry if I offend any former cat or dog people.

And yes I do have other things to do, but this is important. If its not just eat some Iams wet food and see how that feels.

Comment by MonkeyKitty — April 5, 2007 @ 7:53 pm
Re “The FDA can have the product recalled and if the manufacturer resists recall, the FDA can have federal marshals seize the product”

Question: How will this apply to Chinese manufacturers?

Comment by Nadine Long — April 5, 2007 @ 7:54 pm
Garyn

I’m still looking for chicken beaks on the labels - haven’t found it in the ingredients list, but I know it’s in the can somewhere. Maybe because beaks are small they don’t have to list them or because they’re ground up in the toxic soup so if you can’t see it it’s okay not to list it!

Comment by Kathi — April 5, 2007 @ 7:54 pm
For Steve —I’ve read every post on every thread and also everything on Itchmo and Howl911. I have 3 dogs who, thankfully, are sitting right beside me now. My heart goes out to all who have lost their dear pets. My point simply is this: if the liberals and conservatives start fighting, our chances of achieving anything in the legislative or administrative arena are going to be greatly diminished. I had recommended this site to many pet parent friends, of both political persuasions, this week, but many of those who tend toward the right have told me they were offended by what they saw as a Bush-bashing mentality of many of the comments and have said they aren’t interested.

Comment by Pam — April 5, 2007 @ 7:55 pm
Well, I don’t know the history of the FDA even though, believe it or not, I do know alittle bit about politics. The wheels of change move slowly but this is perfect timing for monumental change - we have the FDA cutting offices and testing, we have a billowing toxic crisis in pet food/people food issue, and it’s coming up to an election. That spells only good stuff for our effort.

And even though I’m disgusted with certain proposed Free Trade with China issues, I will refrain from future political comments. So please don’t continue ragging on me about it okay?

Comment by Linda — April 5, 2007 @ 8:00 pm
OK I won’t bash Bush - it is always tempting. But please, will everyone please do me a favor? Please remember that the bad guys (the Pet Food Industry) aren’t the only ones pushing an agenda here.
Some AR people would like us all to be even more hysterical, and therefore get rid of all pet food entirely (one step towards getting rid of all pets)
Some people will use google based science and explain the potential horrors of GM wheat and molecular biology - but no, it really isn’t about the pet food at all.

And some people want to just be famous..

It’s spin season out here folks. Just keep an open mind, work towards a solution and don’t let any one idea lead the way right now.
Keep an open mind.
Sue J
oh, I almost forgot, PFI go to Hell. (love and kisses from my dead dog, Otis)

Comment by Sue J — April 5, 2007 @ 8:03 pm
Comment by Pam — April 5, 2007 @ 7:55 pm

Did these friends have something to offer in terms of a resolution to the problems?

Comment by Nadine Long — April 5, 2007 @ 8:03 pm
Good point Nadine - “Re “The FDA can have the product recalled and if the manufacturer resists recall, the FDA can have federal marshals seize the product”

Question: How will this apply to Chinese manufacturers?”

You have made an excellent point. This holds true for all foriegn manufacturers for that matter. Detain at the port of entry if there is a known problem. That’s the key…known problem…how do we know what we are importing??? Like in this situation…too late, the stuff is out there. Now the recall is after the loss of so many lives.

The FDA process all sounded good on paper a year ago when I did my research…today not so good.

Comment by Lisa — April 5, 2007 @ 8:05 pm
Ya bashing bush is too easy. To find change we need to get to the root of the problem.

Nice to see 360 doing more. Wow the FDA is actually showing their face.

Comment by MonkeyKitty — April 5, 2007 @ 8:06 pm
Look China blocked our meat because of one mad cow incident - turn about is fair play.

Comment by Linda — April 5, 2007 @ 8:06 pm
Comment by Pam — April 5, 2007 @ 7:55 pm

I agree. It is very important to drop our differences and work toward addressing the problem. I myself have browsed some web sites that lean specifically to the right but discovered they are just as concerned and in many cases angry as everyone not only about the pet food fiasco but the import issue as well. And equally aware of the spin and distortions the industry is tossing out at everyone. You can’t please everyone but I think we really need to think bipartisan.

There are places to ‘let it fly ’ at the politicians elsewhere on the net. It’s also going to be a drain on energy that can best be put to a more productive and effective effort.

Comment by Steve — April 5, 2007 @ 8:07 pm
I agree.

Comment by Linda — April 5, 2007 @ 8:08 pm
Hey FDA!! why can’t you just give us status everyday via. press conference.

Thats all we want is answers and accountability!!

Comment by MonkeyKitty — April 5, 2007 @ 8:10 pm
To Nadine: I’ve just been trying to educate pet parent friends about the scope of this issue, especially those who don’t surf the net regularly as I do. I am apolitical and hate left-right political spats. Several people just said that they didn’t want to be involved in an organized effort if it was going to be dominated by left-wing politics. At least I’ve gotten them to read some articles and start reading labels. I’ve encouraged them to write to their congresscritters and demand improvements — which I thought was the goal of every responsible pet parent.

Comment by Pam — April 5, 2007 @ 8:11 pm
Steve, I agree with you 100%. If we can push this to Congress as a bipartisan issue, it will be much easier to get them to pass some stand-alone legislation that isn’t tied to some divisive bill on the war or some pork-laden junk. Legislation with broad bi-partisan support would sail through. That’s what I’ve urged my senators & congressmen to do and I implore everyone to do the same. Surely our beloved pets can bring us together at least on this one issue.

Comment by Pam — April 5, 2007 @ 8:15 pm
To Linda’d comments;

Well at least you know that congress (and our other government officials) has too eat too.

So if anything there is the whole self preservation factor. Last time I checked they shop at the same place we do.

Comment by MonkeyKitty — April 5, 2007 @ 8:15 pm
Comment by Linda — April 5, 2007 @ 8:08 pm

Well all the elements of a geopolitical chess game are definitely in place in this thing. But we are going to have to be seriously practical and EFFECTIVE in our efforts towards this. The bottom line is what we put in our pets and our mouths.

Comment by Steve — April 5, 2007 @ 8:16 pm
This should hit home hard I would expect.

Comment by MonkeyKitty — April 5, 2007 @ 8:19 pm
Once they have their own grocery stores is the same time I need to move to another country.

I think they just need proper education and the facts. This one should hit them in the face pretty hard. I know it hit me pretty well. I look at everything with a new pair of eyes. So much for snapping into a slim jum…ha

Comment by MonkeyKitty — April 5, 2007 @ 8:22 pm
In the ongoing spirit of bi-partisanship on this site, I noticed that in yesterday’s Wall Street Journal print edition there was a lengthy article titled “Pelosi Places Big Bet on Trade.” It was about pending new US trade deals with Asia and South America and how Speaker Pelosi is working and negotiating with the White House and members of her own party to help get them passed. The article says that she expects at least half of the 233 Democrats in the House of Representatives will back these liberalized trade pacts (in addition to an unknown number of Republican congresspeople.)

I mention this only to point out that there are lawmakers and leaders in both parties who do not necessarily appear to understand the idiocy of allowing more potentially dangerous foreign junk into our country’s ecosystem. I agree heartily with other recent comments on this site that suggest we need to honor our deceased pets, and each other, not by engaging in sometimes ill-informed political flame throwing, but rather by working together for a common cause. That goal should be to achieve justice, respect, and safe food for our animal friends. There is plenty of blame to spread around for questionable political decisions and initiatives over the past couple of decades that have contributed directly or indirectly to this fine mess. At the top of my personal list are the priorities/reaction to homeland security after September 11 by the current administration, and Nafta, which was the Clinton trade initiative that opened us up to China and the World Trade Organization.

However, the bottom line really is that the greedy lying pet food manufacturers, the corrupt and dishonest Chinese exporters and the lax importers/brokers of foreign grain are the true killers of our pets and we should try not to loose sight of that in all our frustration. This tragedy must not ever be allowed to become a Democrat vs. Republican issue or we will fail our pets and possibly our children.

Thank you. I will put my soap box back in the garage now. :)

Comment by elizabeth — April 5, 2007 @ 8:23 pm
My first post here and first of all, condolences to all the bereaved pet owners and those who are taking care of sick pets tonight.

I cant understand the “let’s not talk badly about Bush or Republicans” discussion. of course some pet owners are liberal and some conservative - both viewpoints are represented, so why shouldn’t commentary from all viewpoints be welcome here?

Unless I have misread many of these threads, part of the horrible problem we are here blogging about is the slow reaction of the current government agency in charge (FDA), right? So how does saying that endanger the solving of the problem?

I would be very open to hearing from any Bush supporters or conservatives how the current government has helped solve the problem at hand.

Comment by Johnny D — April 5, 2007 @ 8:23 pm
I may as well be eating dog food in the slim-jim case. Let me know if anyone needs an address to send lawsuits, just don’t threaten petconnection please.

Comment by MonkeyKitty — April 5, 2007 @ 8:23 pm
Comment by Pam — April 5, 2007 @ 8:11 pm
Pam, I too am apolitical, and personally don’t feel this blog is one way or another. The only ones on here are very passionate about their pets and what’s going on a global basis. Apathy is what keeps anything from going forward for the benefit all. I just wondered if they had anything to say that could have been worthwhile. We are here to listen to good input. The goal is a common one for everyone. Thanks for planting the seeds…I’m doing the same.

Comment by Nadine Long — April 5, 2007 @ 8:23 pm
Remember the Barney cam and website? Well, there ain’t more conservative than his Companion in Chief and I’m sure he loves him dearly :)

Comment by Sandro — April 5, 2007 @ 8:24 pm
Maybe this will help with the bashing of either administration. The man who opened the door to China back in early 1972 and for good reason back then is now dead. With the cold war still possible all other Admins had to keep the door open. China has some catching up to do and ChemNutra CEO Lawyer knew that going in. This starts with him. If he was some high school drop-out enterp I might let him off the hook. But I’m sure he has made at least one trip to China or at least read it’s history. And for sure the little wife was there and had to know the conditions. But the real game play now is to get these companies like P-G, Nutro, etc. to get their dumb butts in gear and make the changes we demand.

Comment by Kathi — April 5, 2007 @ 8:27 pm
Why can’t we just start our own damn company?

Hey thats a thought….We could even make money and be safe. Not sure if you could talk me into wet foos seems risky.

Oh ya I refuse to be part of the “trade”.

Comment by MonkeyKitty — April 5, 2007 @ 8:28 pm
More about the Pet Food Institute and their Members (on my blog last week) http://tinyurl.com/22q976

Comment by Kim — April 5, 2007 @ 8:29 pm
Comment by E. Hamilton — April 5, 2007 @ 6:27 pm

I hear you and second everything you said. I only have one dead pet but this scum can slide back under the rock he came out from!
Your members killed my cat…period.

Comment by Lil Bear's Momma — April 5, 2007 @ 8:30 pm
Comment by elizabeth — April 5, 2007 @ 8:23 pm

I am in total agreement with you on all points. You’ve expressed it very well for me.

Comment by Nadine Long — April 5, 2007 @ 8:31 pm
Thats the reason I stared my own company in the first place. I got sick of the BS. This BS is much higher and very smelly. Makes me hurl.

Comment by MonkeyKitty — April 5, 2007 @ 8:32 pm
OK, this is a popular place right now. I want to ask - what do we WANT? Some things I would like to see are new, clearer labelling of pet food ingredients (ie rendered meat vs rendered DDD meat) better tracing of manufacturers (like Manufactured by : X Corp, X city, X state and Date) A national tracking system for animal Morbidity and mortality (a CDC for animals), a better way to issue a recall - since the press doesn’t pick it up like a human food recall, there must be a better way than these hush-hush Friday night press releases
so, what other ideas are out there?

Comment by Sue J — April 5, 2007 @ 8:34 pm
Mark my words - years from now this debacle will be the text book case for how not to handle a consumer crisis. Lying, stalling, prevaricating, spin-doctoring, everything but the truth.

PFI what we want is the truth, the whole truth, so help you G-d. Stop your BS…NOW! Come out and issue an uniquivocal apology for your mistakes. Set the record straight. No more spin. Release the names of any manufacturers who are still selling products with tainted wheat gluten product in it. Work with the FDA to get it off the shelf and out of consumers homes. Your actions will either redeem you or damn you. Right now, things aren’t looking so good….in fact I believe that Dante is constructing a special circle in hell for you.

Comment by Andrea — April 5, 2007 @ 8:39 pm
Comment by Sue J: what do we WANT

Just a few off the top of my head…

- labeling foreign countries of origin for ingredients (they do it for cars for crying out loud)
- FDA listing all manufacturers having received suspect ingredients so consumers can take their own precautions

Comment by Sandro — April 5, 2007 @ 8:40 pm
What I want is knowing what I am getting, people and pet food. I want to know where I am getting it from.

If congress doesn’t pull through to say where the ingredients come from I will put some money into my own damn product that will.

I will check with the ENTIRE supply chain and ensure there is no shady vendors for source ingredients. After the last few weeks I have learned this business and got a good feel for the industry.

I bet it will be successfull too. Still I will refuse to be part of the 99% that this horse s### trade claims to represent.

I still find it funny that IAMS wet or dry cant honestly say they are “safe”.

I am the worst customer you can have P&G. All of my P&G products are gone now.

Comment by MonkeyKitty — April 5, 2007 @ 8:43 pm
I just want to add that since my post, chicken meal and spray on blood has been removed from The National Rendering Associations product key. Someone is out there paying very close attention.

Comment by Garyn — April 5, 2007 @ 8:45 pm
You ever get the isea that you are just posting for them, rather to help them market the same s### with a new label.

This is a marketing persons wet dream.

Comment by MonkeyKitty — April 5, 2007 @ 8:46 pm
Comment by Sue J: what do we WANT

Self regulation and voluntary recalls abolished, they obviously don’t work and corporations cannot be trusted. Mandatory recalls should of been issued from the start.

Comment by Sandro — April 5, 2007 @ 8:48 pm
Sue J - click on “Call to Action” for a succinct expression of what we want. I am in full agreement with this site’s sponsors and have written to my legislators asking them to sponsor a bipartisan bill to get this done. We need to act now, while this issue is getting news coverage. There will be hearings next week in the Senate. Please take the time to read the call to action and write to your legislators as soon as you possibly can.

Comment by Pam — April 5, 2007 @ 8:48 pm
If possible, please send your letters to congress via US mail. They are much more likely to pay attention to it than e-mail. And if you have a local office nearby, hand-deliver it. I was able to do that for both of my senators and one congressman.

Comment by Pam — April 5, 2007 @ 8:50 pm
Sorry, PFI. You have awakened the masses and your same old PR tactics no longer work. We are now more informed consumers. We know of the lies we have believed before this happened. I for one am insulted that you think you can just keep giving us the same old crock and bull stories. The pet food on the shelves is safe? You mean this minute, or this hour, or this day…which is it? We will spread the news to any who will listen. The Pet Food Industry will have to make changes to even attempt to regain trust. Total disclosure would be in their best interest right now. And even then they would be lucky to gain back a fraction of the sells they had before. I for one will not buy commercial pet food again. I suffer from the “Fool me once” syndrome. There is no “Fool me twice”.

Comment by Sandy — April 5, 2007 @ 8:53 pm
Johnny D:

Opening up more trade avenues with China, no matter who does it, eats away at the foundation of our nation - it should not be allowed.

We simply must protect our citizens, our food supply, our children, and our beloved pets. A global economy is killing us in more ways than one, and on another note, it is not good for the developing countries either -

And I am not uninformed and I have logged plenty of hours studying political theory in graduate school.

Comment by Linda — April 5, 2007 @ 8:56 pm
What I want for right now is just one shiny face, Duane will do, could be any of the pet food company spokesmen, OUT there on the news saying the words.
To CNN, to my local news, to anyone who will listen.
These words, the truth.

Yes, there are hundreds, if not thousands of dead pets and many more ill. Many more may be expected. The “official” toll of 16 that has been used, is not correct.
It was a mistake to say that pet owners are hysterical and we sincerely regret that mistake. Pet owners have every right to be concerned and the repeated incorrect information about what food is safe have added to a painful time.

That is what I want for this weekend. There are other things I want but for now, for the next few days I want to know that there is ONE person of honor left in the pet food industry.
Just one, who will get up on the news and say what they all know, they done us wrong.
If the pet food industry can’t find one, just one to stand up and say the right thing, then I say they all deserve to go down in flames.
Holiday weekend or not, if the pet food industry can’t find that one, then what do they have that I would ever want?

Comment by E. Hamilton — April 5, 2007 @ 8:59 pm
I will second that E. Hamilton! And just in case the definition of Honor escapes them it means:

Principled uprightness of character; personal integrity

We haven’t seen much of this as of late.

Comment by Sandy — April 5, 2007 @ 9:10 pm
Self regulation and voluntary recalls abolished, they obviously don’t work and corporations cannot be trusted. Mandatory recalls should of been issued from the start.
Comment by Sandro — April 5, 2007 @ 8:48 pm

Also, we want to know where everything came from, if they don’t have room on an average 20’ bag then they shouldn’t be able to produce it.

In addition, any ingredient that is in ANY UN/or a country that is within the UN as a banned ingredient for human food should not be part of the list.

In addition, the raw food should have a USDA certification and should have ONSITE inspectors from the USDA. If it is from another country then I would require an equivalent stamp (sorry China doesn’t fly).

FDA should be required to visit (on snap inspection) every 6 weeks (sorry taxes will go up but the time I took off to help my pet would have paid for it). Hate to be a micro manager, but your reap what you sow.

Just a request I want to see every CEO eat their companies own food every year. I still want to feed them what my cats ate. We can then do a study for what humans can expect from eating the same poison.

In addition, any ingredient that is in ANY UN/or a country that is within the UN as a banned ingredient for human food should not be part of the list.

In addition, the raw food should be have a USDA certification and should have ONSITE inspectors from the USDA. If its from another country then I would require an equivelent stamp (sorry China doesn’t fly).

FDA should be required to visit (on snap inspection) every 6 weeks (sorry taxes will go up but the time I took off to help my pet would have paid for it).

Just a request I want to see every CEO eat their own food every year. I still want to feed them what my cats ate. Ya I am still pretty mad at you. I don’t foresee getting over it.

Comment by MonkeyKitty — April 5, 2007 @ 9:11 pm
Hey FDA I will be willing to draft the new food law. Let me know, I will get on it.

I will quit my current 6 figure job and get on it. Let me know.

Comment by MonkeyKitty — April 5, 2007 @ 9:13 pm
Garyn

A lot of previously posted URL’s are missing pages. Did anyone happen to copy or save the pages. The media and the Senators need to know that info is disappearing. I thought I heard shredder buzzing before the March 16 recall. I’m sure Mr. Lawyer (the CEO) shredded quite a few and doctored up some others to cover his big butt.

Comment by Kathi — April 5, 2007 @ 9:21 pm
Ichmo did for the Menu Foods.

Comment by MonkeyKitty — April 5, 2007 @ 9:28 pm
Ya I am sure they are covering tracks. I can’t wait for the Jury Trial(s).

Comment by MonkeyKitty — April 5, 2007 @ 9:29 pm
Cheers to E. Hamilton!!

At least tonight we got a flash of the FDA director, I still don’t see why they don’t do more updates.

Look at how FDR handled the great depression with fireside chats. Just trying to help you out here.

Comment by MonkeyKitty — April 5, 2007 @ 9:34 pm
Kathi, I will swear under the penalties of perjury that I saw what I saw and when i went to look again to check whatever other meals they made it was gone. I had focussed on the chicken meal and almost fainted because i pictured thatI was feeding my dog actual real whole live healthy chickens not restaurant/factory waste and garbage. There are many people on the PFI borad that are “premium” brands (Natura, Merrick, OMH) that use chicken meal as if they have them in their back yard awaiting to slaughter. I was pointing out this may not be so because these rendering plants sell this and if they do it is waste. It isn’t Perdue. I swear on my life it was there and now it is not. This isn’t really on the topic of wheat gluten but if we are going to have change, I think we also shouldn’t be feeding out dogs garbage from rendering plants either. And some of the other affiliate ingredient suppliers proudly exclaim how they are global sources. In fact one, Pet Food Enterprises, proudly boasts of its ability to foreign source and lists China as the first country in a list of countries. They say they can discreetly evaluate sources regarding ingredients in foreign countries due to their global positioning. I have saved this one in case it disappears. I haven’t even looked at most of the suppliers.

Comment by Garyn — April 5, 2007 @ 10:03 pm
I’ve lurked here since the beginning, and I want to thank all of you dedicated folks for the information and investigation you’ve provided - it’s been shocking. I knew a lot about the junk in cat food, since I only had kitties, but never knew the half of what I’ve learned here. I’ve passed it on to friends and family who have cats. (or dogs of course, but none do) I have cried with so many of you over your losses, and thanked God every day that I didn’t lose my baby. I have one kitty left, she’s almost 15 and has been in early Chronic Renal Failure for a long time. Phelicity is inappetent, so I’ve strayed in the past year from the so-called “premium” foods she ate all her life, and I had given her some of the Iams cuts in gravy that was in the earliest recalls. She didn’t eat it. My vet said if she had, she would have died. Her bloodwork numbers have only crept up a little; I consider us blessed.

I’m having a terrible time finding something safe to feed her that she will eat. One after another - Eagle Pac, Wellness, I’ve learned where they were made and taken them back to the petfood store. I’m very unpopular there, as I’d already given them a hard time about what was still on their shelves the first week. I tried Felidae, wonderful stuff, but she won’t eat it. Kitties who are older or already have compromised kidneys are going to be like this, and constant switching of food makes it worse. I know I’m not alone, but I have the added necessity of needing low phosphorus food for her. So I just wanted to mention that I have my baby partially on assisted feeding by syringe, and that baby foods are a good, safe (we hope!) alternative for inappetant or ill kitties, with two caveats: Do NOT feed them any that contain onion powder, and if they eat mostly baby food for over a day, you MUST add taurine powder to it from human-grade capsules. Up to 250 mg per day in the food for a small cat. I add other things she needs, but I do not presume to give advice on this stuff, and won’t.

Yes, I bought her some ground turkey and tried to make my own. She tried to bury it. So much for my cooking. I’m pretty old and not much use otherwise, but I did want to suggest baby food to help smaller kitties get over the hump. They usually love it. Prayers for all with sickened cats and dogs because of this.

Comment by Sharon — April 5, 2007 @ 10:13 pm
Archive anything you find from now on, save the whole page.
Others are archiving too.
Save everything you have at this point and do NOT turn off your computer if you can help it.
I will find a way tomorrow for those with questions on this to reach me by PM on a site.
Those that “disappear” pages must not be aware that the mere fact they did that can be used in court as proof of guilty knowledge.
Where are they getting their legal advice, Enron?
Good news for us.
Next we will find that they use the “Leavenworth” accounting system! LOL!

Comment by E. Hamilton — April 5, 2007 @ 10:22 pm
Internet law is big into chain of custody. I hope the folks that are leading the class action have already collected this.

Comment by MonkeyKitty — April 5, 2007 @ 11:07 pm
Also Pet Connection please do a FULL backup of your databases nightly and keep them. If you need to let me know and I will provide you with some info into how to do this. You have my secondary email I assume.

Comment by MonkeyKitty — April 5, 2007 @ 11:10 pm
Sharon,

I had the same issue my cats were used to IAMS dry. I just recently stopped that cold turkey. What has helped is to mix the “good” food with water and nuke it (microwave it) for 15-30 seconds. Give it a bit to cool stir and they like it like any wet food. Eventually they will get used to it. Cats are pretty picky to any changes in diet. I hope this helps you because it has been a challenge since we changed diets from junk food to health food.

They want their junk food back:)

Too bad Dad is more educated now, they are looking for more junk food, high grain diet for cats.

The bait and switch has worked for me.

Comment by MonkeyKitty — April 5, 2007 @ 11:17 pm
also if you add water don’t leave it around, wouldn’t want anyone reading this to think we are bad parents…LOL

Comment by MonkeyKitty — April 5, 2007 @ 11:19 pm
Changing their diets has definitely been a challenge…but mine are now starting to get used to it, and like it!

I think the important thing is that we all have learned something through this…

What’s that saying? “Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me!”

What we have learned is not to go through life with “blinders” on…walking around like cattle, following the herd (sometimes off the cliff).

We must be aware, and not trust so blindly.

It has been proven to us that all the “players” in this fiasco can never be trusted again.

They follow the beat of a different drummer…and that drummer is “greed.”

Comment by Marcy — April 5, 2007 @ 11:56 pm
Regarding the Free Trade with China etc. issue:

This is part of the article, but you get the idea that this free trade movement has opened up our country to many problems, the least of which is unregulated edible imports of questionable quality for our pets and for us. I would think it important to deal with this issue and create laws and put pressure on Congress to stop the influx of these unsafe and unhealthy goods.

“Federal government trade policies have very seriously undermined the American Middle Class, weakened our economy, threatened our national security, crippled our self-reliance in war preparation, distorted our foreign policies and created social tensions between our economic classes.

The “so-called free trade,” ideology-driven, policy has been a radical experiment that fails the tests of being fair and balanced. While the alleged “free traders” use economic theories taught at American universities to justify these policies, the real force behind the “so-called free trade” agenda seems to be monetary greed by the largest corporations in the world including some formerly American ones. These corporations are loyal only to the power of international wealth. They are absolutely not acting in American national interests or as loyal American citizens. They are being motivated solely by greed instead of American patriotism.

Since the current Bush was established in the White House, America lost 3 million manufacturing jobs. Our yearly trade deficit to foreign nations has exploded. It currently stands at around $800 billion a year and with Communist China alone at $233 billion!

We export $55 billion a year to Communist China mostly in raw materials, machine tools and similar products designed to help them grow their export industries and become stronger economic competitors. In return, we import $288 billion mostly in finished consumer goods. This trade has financed the rapid military growth of the Communist Chinese military. It has costs astronomical numbers of good paying American jobs. American trade policies toward Communist China have weakened the export position of American manufactured good in other nations around the world.

The Chinese market was going to be a huge consumer of American manufacturers when the policy was first designed or so the American people were told. It has instead been only a cheap pool of labor for American corporations seeking ever larger profits by fleeing the American nation with their factories.

…. The number of shipping containers rolling into the United States without proper inspection is a serious threat to national security. The “so-called free traders” ignore the national security threat posed by runaway, largely unregulated foreign trade.

… Communist China is not a free nation. It is not a democracy. It still has a closed and regulated economy. Japan is a democracy but still does not truly have an economy open freely to imports. Kaptur explained on the floor of Congress examples of trade barriers imposed by the auto industry in Japan that keeps American goods out of the country. She discussed the negative impact of “so-called free trade” on the Mexican peasants. Congresswoman Kaptur explained how labor union organizers and workers are killed in South American nations that Bush wants to include in new “so-called free trade agreements.”

President Bush has been pushing “so-called free trade deals” with nations that kill labor union leaders and organizers, have almost no excess income to buy American goods and no desire to have imported American manufactured products compete with their domestic producers. Nations agreeing to these deals offer only low, low wages along with lax or non-existent environmental and worker safety laws to large corporations. They are ideal locations to locate factories that exploit and abuse workers. Child labor and prison labor are often readily available. There is zero benefit to American workers in these deals. America should not permit imports from these nations much less give them favorable access to our markets.

The federal government needs to change our trade and tax policies to punish corporations (and their officers) who export manufacturing facilities. We need more protection from unfair trade. Our trade policies and tariffs should be changed to bring imports and exports into a rough balance. Trade policies should be designed to maintain or improve the living standards and economic security of American workers. Selling foreign goods in America should be a privilege given only as a reward to our closest allies and when it serves our national interest. Free trade between other developed nations, who are democracies that return the privilege equally, is fine. In all other cases, it should be rather rare. It is time to demand our elected officeholders hold these views or be replaced.

-###-

March 29, 2007 Written by Stephen Crockett (co-host of Democratic Talk Radio . Feel free to publish without prior approval as a Democratic Voices column, Letter to the Editor, Guest Editorial or OpEd.
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Also, President bushed signed a free trade poliy with Korea (Congress says it will not pass). This was a monumnental event occuring just a few days ago.

Corporate American Greed is going to be our downfall and evidently is already killing our pets.

Comment by Linda — April 6, 2007 @ 6:45 am
Class Action Lawsuit. April 6

Representing pet owners nationwide, Sacramento law firms Kershaw Cutter & Ratinoff, LLP and Wexler Toriseva Wallace, LLP, have filed the first Class Action lawsuit against Del Monte Foods (U.S. District Court, Central District of California, CV 07-1958-GHK AJWx).

CONTACTS:
Stuart C. Talley
KERSHAW, CUTTER, & RATINOFF, LLP
980 9th Street, Suite 1900
Sacramento, CA 95814
916-448-9800
http://www.kcrlegal.com

Mark J. Tamblyn
WEXLER TORISEVA WALLACE LLP
Sacramento Office
1610 Arden Way, Suite 290
Sacramento, CA 95815
916-568-1100
http://www.wtwlaw.us

Comment by Steve — April 6, 2007 @ 6:53 am
Think PFI regrets this letter yet? ;-)

Comment by Kim — April 6, 2007 @ 8:10 am
Good post by Sue J: OK, this is a popular place right now. I want to ask - what do we WANT? Some things I would like to see are new, clearer labelling of pet food ingredients (ie rendered meat vs rendered DDD meat) better tracing of manufacturers (like Manufactured by : X Corp, X city, X state and Date) A national tracking system for animal Morbidity and mortality (a CDC for animals), a better way to issue a recall - since the press doesn’t pick it up like a human food recall, there must be a better way than these hush-hush Friday night press releases
so, what other ideas are out there?

Comment by Sue J — April 5, 2007

Comment by cats4ever — April 6, 2007 @ 11:44 am
Good post by Sue J: OK, this is a popular place right now. I want to ask - what do we WANT? Some things I would like to see are new, clearer labelling of pet food ingredients (ie rendered meat vs rendered DDD meat) better tracing of manufacturers (like Manufactured by : X Corp, X city, X state and Date) A national tracking system for animal Morbidity and mortality (a CDC for animals), a better way to issue a recall - since the press doesn’t pick it up like a human food recall, there must be a better way than these hush-hush Friday night press releases
so, what other ideas are out there?

Comment by 4lgdfriend — April 6, 2007 @ 11:44 am
Investing my time/energy where it can make a real difference: sick animals and pet owners who are “fed up” with sick animals and the things in the current pet care system that produce. Too bad it took an avalanche of suffering animals to get some attention to the issues. But at least the disasaer may change a few minds and leave lasting memory.
PFI? a joke to begin with.

Comment by 4lgdfriend — April 6, 2007 @ 11:52 am
Contact CNN & FoxNews and Senator Durbin’s office and request they do live feed during the congressional investigation.

Comment by Valarie — April 6, 2007 @ 11:54 am
I don’t think PFI can do anything for me just because I don’t trust the entire industry.

I would rather focus on what our congress can FORCE them to do.

Comment by MonkeyKitty — April 6, 2007 @ 1:29 pm
Steve,

At first I was encouraged that some big law firms are filing class actions suits…then I went to the websites you provided. It would seem that the second firm has an affiliation with a big Chinese law firm. Hhmmm…If I were a really cynical type, I might begin to wonder about a lot of things, like whether there are as-yet-unidentified players who stand to profit handsomely from this horror.

Comment by Dee — April 6, 2007 @ 3:13 pm
Just observing the conversation about the accountability of the FDA.
This is from the government website foodsafety.gov
The FDA reports to all branches of government. So lets lay off the Bush bashing shall we ?

E. System Accountability

U.S. food agencies are highly accountable to government’s three branches and to the people:

* U.S. food agencies are accountable to the President B the chief executive B who has constitutional responsibility to assure that laws are faithfully executed; who appoints senior officials, and whose Office of Management and Budget clears significant regulations.

* U.S. food agencies are accountable to the Congress, the legislative branch of the U.S. government, which provides the food agencies their authority and budget; whole committees hold frequent oversight hearings; and the Senate must confirm the nomination of cabinet officers and senior officials.

* U.S. food agencies are accountable to the courts, the judicial branch of the U.S. government, which review food agency regulations and enforcement actions.

Comment by Garf Ent — April 6, 2007 @ 6:09 pm
Hey look, its another recall update from Del Monte. And wow, it was released at 5:07 PM on Good Friday (they’re so ignorant that they didn’t realize that the markets are closed today and they could have released it sooner). Do you see why your statements are so outrageous? Just how long to do think the public is going to tolerate the Pet Food Industry p***ing in our faces and calling it rain?

Comment by Andrea — April 6, 2007 @ 7:48 pm
It’s officially the Season of “We need to cover our as*es now”. Forget the Easter Bunny. MONEY. MONEY. MONEY. Isn’t this the bottom line? Let’s use by-products, fillers, wheat gluten, corn, soy, etc… Why aren’t every batch of every cat/dog food tested? I always thought, stupidly, that they were, at least, safe, even though I knew some brands were not of the best qualities. Now, I know, none are safe. We have to interrogate these companies, by e-mail,phone, whatever. WE have to raise our voices LOUD. We have to be in their faces (they don’t much like it). I believe some companies know what crap may go in these products, but again, the bottom line is profit. Let’s all look at ourselves,too, in ways we contribute to this mentality. Let’s put people and animals and ways of being good before cash and greed and profits.

Comment by Nancy — April 6, 2007 @ 8:09 pm
Did you see the headlines? FDA snubs congress or something like that - there’s nice pretty laws in place and then there’s the real way things work, in corporations, in government etc.

Gads, one would think we were in highschool again.

Comment by Linda — April 6, 2007 @ 8:40 pm
I need to know if there is a class action lawsuit filed in North Carolina and any one that can help me get information out to the public because I am finding the foods on the grocery store and Walmart shelves right now. I know they are bad because Purinia started out recalling the Might Dog Pouches and then they recalled their cans but the cans of meat and gravy are still being sold. If you have any suggestions that can help save someone’s baby (I lost mine) please send me an email.
nancy_howell11@yahoo.com
Thanks Nancy

Comment by Nancy — April 18, 2007 @ 9:08 pm
Mr. Ekedahl:

Your words are kind…but not comforting.

I lost my cat because her food was substandard nutritionally, and then outright poison.

Never in a million years did I guess that her food was making her ill. It was shocking, to say the least.

I will never trust “big business” pet food companies again. They have lost my trust forever.

“Fool me once, shame on you…fool me twice, shame on me.”

My surviving kitties are now getting the best, certified organic food that I could find. I am sick and tired of playing “Russian Roulette” with their lives, because big business wants to make more profit, at the expense of my animal’s health.

Where are the assurances that the big pet food companies will no longer buy from China, to stop the risk to our pet’s lives? I have heard of none personally.

I thank you for your words…but they are falling on deaf ears here.

Too little, too late.

Comment by Marcy — May 11, 2007 @ 7:12 pm

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