Pet-food recall: The Friday night news watch
By Gina Spadafori
April 20, 2007
-
If you have a sick pet or a question on your pet’s health, call your veterinarian.
- If you want your say on food-safety reform, Sen. Durbin’s office wants to hear from you.
- 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.
We’ll add to this thread to see what comes in tonight, especially those famous Friday-night media release drop-and-runs.
But first, this just in from Patricia Sullivan of the Washington Post (need a log-in?):
The Food and Drug Administration has opened a criminal investigation in the widening pet food contamination scandal, officials said yesterday, as it was confirmed that tainted pork might have made its way onto human dinner plates in California.
More than 100 hogs that ate contaminated food at a custom slaughterhouse in California’s Central Valley were sold to private individuals and to an unnamed licensed facility in Northern California during the past 2 1/2 weeks. The hogs consumed feed that contained rice protein tainted with melamine, the industrial chemical that has sickened and killed dogs and cats around the world.
Here’s the rest.
Update: I just got an e-mail that the night shift has clocked in. I’m off to bed. Christie … it’s all yours!
Go to the latest blog post | Go to the PetConnection home page
Well how you like that. Some encouraging Friday night news for once. Criminal Investigation. Sweet. Wonder if anyone will be “fleeing the country”?
Comment by Steve — April 20, 2007 @ 9:49 pm
I can just hear Homer Simpson now…
Mmmmm, melamine flavored bacon.
Comment by Carole — April 20, 2007 @ 9:56 pm
LOL, Carole! That provided a much needed laugh!
Comment by mountainkimmie — April 20, 2007 @ 10:01 pm
About freaking time.
Comment by E. Hamilton — April 20, 2007 @ 10:01 pm
Thanks Carole, I did so need to laugh my head off once this week….
Peg
Comment by Peg — April 20, 2007 @ 10:04 pm
FORGET THE D—N INVESTIGATIONS AND STOP IMPORTATION OF ALL AGRICULTURE PRODUCTS FROM CHINA. WRITE YOUR CONGRESSMEN.
Comment by Sue — April 20, 2007 @ 10:04 pm
Gee, it seems the trigger to make this a criminal investigation was the whole bit about melamine winding up on “human dinner plates.” Maybe now we will get some action that moves a little faster than the average glacier.
Comment by mountainkimmie — April 20, 2007 @ 10:04 pm
“FORGET THE D–N INVESTIGATIONS AND STOP IMPORTATION OF ALL AGRICULTURE PRODUCTS FROM CHINA. WRITE YOUR CONGRESSMEN.”
I wrote them. A month ago. And my senators. I haven’t received any reply. Isn’t it standard to at least receive a brush off reply, if not a real response? Isn’t that a valid use of the franking privelege? Have others had any indication that their representatives have listened to them?
Comment by Kat — April 20, 2007 @ 10:21 pm
For those who need a laugh. We were joking about what we can expect next. And I had some different ideas;
Fox TV will rewrite 24 so they can use this “ripped from the headlines” story. In it Jack Baur will demand the FDA tell him who bought the food before it is served to the president’s dog Barney. The FDA will refuse and explain they must notify the companies first. Jack screams at them, ‘There is no time! Tell me NOW!” They tell Jack.
Duane Ekedahl, Mr. Pet Food Institute, will be fired and replaced by the Taco Bell dog, who will do a better job for less money. Ekedahl will apply for a spot on Dancing with the Stars and be rejected.
Sen. Dick Durbin and another Senator will push through a bi-partisan bill that for once is NOT written by the lobbyists in the industry that is being regulated. It will pass with a huge majority, but not without the lobbyists spending millions illegally. They will be caught by pet owners and sent to jail with Jack Abramoff.
Sen. Bryd brings Trouble (which he calls Baby) to the food safety bill signing. Baby takes the prize for best in show.
LLAP,
Spocko
Comment by spocko — April 20, 2007 @ 10:22 pm
mountainkimmie,
i think most of us figured it would, but it’s still a *tad* insulting, frustrating, and . . . . GRRRRRRRR!
*that’s me growling and not my dog!*
Comment by straybaby — April 20, 2007 @ 10:23 pm
“Sen. Bryd brings Trouble (which he calls Baby) to the food safety bill signing. Baby takes the prize for best in show.”
LOL!~ I don’t think I’ll ever forget his appearance at the hearing. And his little dog Trouble . . . ;)
Comment by straybaby — April 20, 2007 @ 10:26 pm
Best folks to take on the this issue in a humorous way are Trey and Matt, writers of South Park.
No one can take on a current event and throw away political correctness like they can.
Comment by Carole — April 20, 2007 @ 10:29 pm
The contaminated food given to hogs in Central/Northern California has been ALL over the news here in the Sacramento, CA area. KCRA News reported on their evening news that about 100 hogs were sold for consumption to PRIVATE parties only, not for commercial purposes, and that the remaining hogs are under quarantine. Melamine, melamine crystals were found in the urine of the hogs. And they ate pet food contaminated with the melamine.
So perhaps more will pay a LITTLE bit of attention to this outrage now that HUMANS are eating this stuff, too.
Not sure how much the national or international news will pick up the story, but at least here in central California it’s big news.
For more details, I’m sure you’ll find plenty at http://kcra.com/ and our newspaper here, The Sacramento Bee - http://sacbee.com/
Thanks again for your fantastic coverage of everything. I don’t know what I’d do without your continual efforts. Thank you SO, SO much!
Comment by Shirley Kaiser — April 20, 2007 @ 10:44 pm
I wasn’t sure where to share this. Hope here is OK. I talked to somebody today at Triple Crown Dog Academy, the company that sells Everlasting Treat Balls. Ingredients include wheat gluten and corn gluten (I’m waiting for the other shoe to drop on corn gluten.) She told me that the product is made in China, that she doesn’t know the source of the wheat gluten, but knows it’s not from the recalled company (like she thinks all the tainted product is from one company.) And that they have a certificate from the government of China that the ingredients are all certified as having no additives. She said the product is safe. I’m not going to let my dog finish eating it. Personally, I don’t trust the Chinese government and the FDA has let us down. This whole mess is so frustrating. Thank you to petconnection and howl911 for keeping us informed!
Comment by Karyn — April 20, 2007 @ 11:38 pm
In light of the pork contamination in California I hope I’m not getting too paranoid.
——————
Why is this story on the national radio top of the hour news?
Why -discounting- kidney failure, when nobody had kidney failure?
Get ready folks……
Does E-Coli typically induce kidney failure?
————————————————-
HARRISBURG, Pa., April 20 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — The Pennsylvania Department of Health is investigating five cases of E. coli O157 reported in four counties that are believed to be linked to eating rare or medium-rare steak at different Hoss’s Steak and Sea House restaurants.
Four of the five cases were hospitalized; none developed kidney failure.
http://www.earthtimes.org/arti.....3293.shtml
Comment by Milwaukee_Guy — April 20, 2007 @ 11:39 pm
I’m working to line up and brief some human food safety experts for when the press notice the leap into the human food supply via pigs.
I want to make sure we get these experts in the mix and not just the usual suspects.
I’ve contacted three that have been recommended to me and I’m going to make sure they are up to speed on this and then they can point out the connections between what happened here first and into human food.
You know what pissed me off? The last story I read still quoted the 16 dead pets. They DID use two state numbers but the quoted metrics STILL make this seem small potatoes. I ask everyone I meet how many dead pets do they think this involves. Today the person I asked said, “A dozen?”
I’d like to think that when it comes to HUMAN food, they WILL sit up and take notice. But I don’t want to underestimate the power of corporate lobbying.
ConAgra convinced the USDA that the names of a company that had received BSE tainted food was proprietary. The USDA wouldn’t reveal the names of who the Mad Cow meat was shipped to until after the restaurant got it, cooked it and fed it to people. Sound familiar?
Wow. Losing it, off to bed.
Nite everyone.
Comment by spocko — April 20, 2007 @ 11:47 pm
Does E-Coli typically induce kidney failure?
Yes. That is how E. coli O157 kills… the bacteria itself doesn’t do that much damage, but when it dies off, it produces a toxin that causes kidney damage.
Comment by Christie Keith — April 21, 2007 @ 1:41 am
I understand the desire to “boycott China.” Please understand—this will NEVER happen, no matter how angry we are.
Why do I say this will never happen? Economics, trade, and politics.
China is not only a major supplier to corporations of thousands of cheap products (human food, animal feed, consumer electronics, clothing, purses, toys) , they are also a huge untapped market that corporations are salivating to get access to. Chinese consumers are starting to have disposable income, and China does not have the web of regulations and restrictions that the U.S., Canada and the E.U. have. Plus, corruption is a serious problem, so those regulations they do have are not always enforced. (Lack of enforcement has become a problem in the U.S. as well, due to underfunding and the appointment of industry insiders to agencies such as the FDA and EPA, and others. It’s just taken a while for the problems to start showing up.)
China is perfect to sell McDonald’s hamburgers, banned pesticides, tobacco, soft drinks, cars without emission controls, heavy machinery, and all the other things that are part of a “rising standard of living,” and the adaptation of Western customs.
Why such slow action from the FDA, USDA, US Dept. of Commerce? (After all, the Bioterrorism act gives the FDA a lot of latitude to seize tainted food imports.) Why are so few senators taking any real action on this, although it’s a sure-fire way to get publicity?
One reason: because all those corporations want those cheap imports to sell; and they want that huge market to sell to. Those corporations make HUGE donations to political campaigns—and money is the name of the game in politics.
A second reason: the U.S. debt has increased enormously because we are spending to fund the Iraq war and we haven’t raised taxes accordingly. Who do you think owns that debt? It’s not the US—it’s China, Japan, Saudi Arabia, etc. Anytime they want, they can crash our economy by selling off and devaluing the dollar.
There’s already tremendous internal pressure within China to improve food security and drug security as well. There have been four cases of mass food poisoning in the last MONTH. See:
http://preview.tinyurl.com/yvacwm
It makes much more sense to (1) push our senators and representatives to strengthen regulations and improve funding; (2) ask our politicians to apply pressure (via the FDA and U.S. Department of Commerce) for China to clean up its act, and (3) for the U.S. to actually enforce the regulations we do have and fund more inspectors.
If the pet food companies and the food industry were smart, THEY would be the ones pushing for this, since a lack of confidence discourages consumers. (I would bet they are counting on the short memory of the American public, and figuring we have no alternatives!)
But realistically, more regulations and more enforcement means one way or the other, consumers will have to start paying more. You get what you pay for. Producing quality food costs money and inspections take time and cost money.
Comment by Lola — April 21, 2007 @ 2:44 am
Maybe it is time for those that use people food to really look at the ing. I know that rice protein concentrate is used in health bars, gluten free products, and other. Just put rice protein used in food, and put that in search window, and read. We not only have our pets to worry about, now we can start wondering what is in the human foods. As for me, seems all I do on the pc is research lately. Back to cooking from scratch. So where is the fat that the hogs have going to be used? In your pie crust from the store? Some thing to think about.
Comment by darlene — April 21, 2007 @ 2:52 am
RE: Comment by Lola ? April 21, 2007 @ 2:44 am
EEK! Is the world coming to a CRASH or what!?
I can just see that this whole pet food recall issue is just the beginning
of the unravealing of our whole way of life in the USA. If I wanted to live
in China or India, I’d move there. Globlalization is NOT a good thing! When will
people wake up?
Comment by Mary Smith — April 21, 2007 @ 3:00 am
I nominate “Trouble” to take over running the PFI.
Spocko: Good idea on training reporters. A couple of us sent one reporter our comments regarding some statements and words she had used in a very recent articles about the toxins. It’s important that people understand what’s really happening.
What’s this news release slated for Monday? Or did I misread something somewhere?
Comment by Lynn — April 21, 2007 @ 3:53 am
So Steve Miller was an ex VP of EF Hutton. Hmmmmm.
Anyone know where his wife Sally went to school and when [the food engineering]?
Comment by Lynn — April 21, 2007 @ 3:54 am
From an article in Itchmo - it looks like Northern Californias could be eating contaminated pork (with the toxic waste junk pet food and/or the rice protein waste) - sold for the past 2.5 weeks.
Oh my…….
Linda MS
Comment by Linda — April 21, 2007 @ 6:31 am
Sorry that was in Pet Food Tracker posted by Kim:
By Patricia Sullivan
Washington Post Staff Writer
Saturday, April 21, 2007; Page A10
The Food and Drug Administration has opened a criminal investigation in the widening pet food contamination scandal, officials said yesterday, as it was confirmed that tainted pork might have made its way onto human dinner plates in California.
More than 100 hogs that ate contaminated food at a custom slaughterhouse in California’s Central Valley were sold to private individuals and to an unnamed licensed facility in Northern California during the past 2 1/2 weeks. The hogs consumed feed that contained rice protein tainted with melamine, the industrial chemical that has sickened and killed dogs and cats around the world.
Almost a dozen companies have found that they have used melamine-contaminated ingredients from China in their animal foods, either wheat gluten, corn gluten or rice protein concentrate. In the United States, more than 60 million containers of cat and dog food have been pulled from the market in the past five weeks.
People who bought pork from the American Hog Farm, a 1,500-animal facility in Ceres, Calif., between April 3 and April 18 are being advised not to eat the meat, California health officials said yesterday, although there have been no reports of illness in either people or the hogs. Authorities are tracking down all the purchasers.
“We are making the recommendation out of a preponderance of caution,” said Kevin Reilly of the California Department of Health Services. “The risk is minimal, but the investigation is very early on.”
Stephen Sundlof, director of the FDA’s Center for Veterinary Medicine, said criminal charges are a possibility, but he declined to say whether there is reason to believe any individual or organization intentionally adulterated pet food.
Late Thursday, Royal Canin USA became the most recent company to recall pet foods. Some of its brands were contaminated with rice protein concentrate. Its South African subsidiary said contaminated corn gluten had been linked to the deaths of 30 pets there.
Five companies received the contaminated Chinese rice protein concentrate. Three firms have identified themselves by announcing recalls; the other two are not publicly known because the FDA will not name them until the companies say they used contaminants in their products.
More than six other companies, some of which make pet food under a variety of labels, have announced recalls because melamine-contaminated wheat gluten was used in their products, starting with a March 16 recall. Wheat gluten is by far the larger ingredient in American pet food, the FDA said.
Linda MS
Comment by Linda — April 21, 2007 @ 6:34 am
What really worries me is the junk they sold to the rendering companies - or dumped at the rendering companies - I find that quite disturbing - what’s wrong with a landfill?
And now it’s in the food supply? And our pet food again - what genius thought of this new twist?
Linda MS
Comment by Linda — April 21, 2007 @ 6:43 am
The President of Natural Balance expressed their regrets on their recall web page - this was dated yesterday. Thank you Natural Balance. That’s a step in the right direction.
Linda MS
Comment by Linda — April 21, 2007 @ 7:07 am
RE: Comment by straybaby — April 20, 2007 @ 10:26 pm
I actually thought Sen. Byrd was great! He was meandering & lengthy with his stories, but never failed with a pointed, jabbing question.
Comment by Kat — April 21, 2007 @ 7:20 am
Comment by Linda — April 21, 2007 @ 7:07 am
Maybe it’s time for Dick to have closer look at all the shady people crawling around in the pet food business and then cut ties with them.
Expressing regrets isn’t going to win back my trust.
Comment by Steve — April 21, 2007 @ 7:21 am
RE: Comment by Carole — April 20, 2007 @ 10:29 pm
Jib-Jab too! They need to take aim at these murderer’s & thieves!
Comment by Kat — April 21, 2007 @ 7:23 am
I wasn’t going to comment about the conflict that suddenly arose over Evy. Last time I checked, we still have God-given free will. Maybe everyone is tired and certainly stressed from all that is ongoing but at least give the woman a chance. She does have some additional knowledge than many of us about the ingredients of pet food. If you are paying attention to the comments, many are just reflecting. I certainly wish I knew more about the chemical breakdowns of everything, but I don’t. Never will. If the person can shed some light on some information, what is wrong with that. I considered using her product but opted at this time not too. Why. Because it may be too rich for my kids. Because I don’t want to rely on having it shipped, especially if the kids don’t like it. Because I don’t know how often I’d have to order it. Would I like to have her spin on a question someone is not sure about. Perhaps. Then I, we, can make our own decision.
Comment by VJ — April 21, 2007 @ 7:29 am
Steve,
No it has to be more than regrets and it wasn’t Dick, it was the President. I think Mr. Van Patten allows his name to be used etc, and what extent he controls or approves the products I do not know.
But I appreciate the regrets and sincere heartfelt statement. I really do. We asked for an apology as a step in the right direction and it was given. I don’t expect miracles but Natural Balance is doing a heck of a lot more than Menu.
Don’t use products made in China and then be honest about all the products on the web pages too. If you want to be a company that is leagues above the others, then act like it.
People and companies can redeem themselves - they really can.
Linda MS
Comment by Linda — April 21, 2007 @ 7:29 am
Has anyone noticed that Diamond Foods has no apology or explanation what-so-ever. At least 2 nights ago they didn’t. All they had was a link to what great cross-contamination control they have — with some lame message to eat & enjoy.
http://www.diamondpet.com/vet_notes/dogs/95/
Here’s their statement about American Hog Farm:
Regarding the American Hog Farm Melamine Contamination Issue
http://www.diamondpet.com/
The salvage product provided to American Hog Farm in Ceres, Calif., by Diamond Pet Foods, was sold prior to Diamond Pet Foods being notified of the contamination in rice protein concentrate.
It is a common regulated practice for animal food facilities to provide salvage product to farms with non-ruminant animals. This regulated practice is mindful of the environment as it does not waste energy (food) and saves valuable landfill space.
We have been working closely with regulatory officials, and will continue to do so until this issue is resolved.
Comment by Kat — April 21, 2007 @ 7:32 am
Here are some other statistics to use with reporters and legislators:
If humans were killed at the same rate by a tainted food, about 6,000 humans would have died so far. (Assumes pet population of 142 million and 3k pets killed.)
The FDA inspects 1.3% of imported food. The average American eats 260 pounds of imported food/year. That’s 256 pounds of uninspected food per person.
We have to make sure everyone sees the big picture:
Basic ingredient used in lots of food + deliberate tampering + almost no safeguards + putting corporate interests first = widespread illness and death.
Comment by Cathy Moore — April 21, 2007 @ 7:39 am
Comment by VJ — April 21, 2007 @ 7:29 am
My issue is her Fire and Brimstone approach.
Which makes me now want to learn more about her and her company then she might prefer.
Comment by Steve — April 21, 2007 @ 7:44 am
Anyway. Back to the criminal investigation.
Follow the “money”
Comment by Steve — April 21, 2007 @ 7:45 am
Steve,
I think perhpas that she would have liked to have her product endorsed by Gina too - that’s just a guess and I could be wrong.
Linda MS
Comment by Linda — April 21, 2007 @ 7:47 am
I would like to see these monsters who are and have and continue to kill our pets prosecuted and sentenced.
But could we add the FDA and the AAFCO and maybe in the PFI to the group to be investigated for maybe - just to see if everything was aboveboard - were there kick-backs, bribes? self-interested tactics, neglect of duty, and anything else they might have done yet to be discovered.
Linda MS
Comment by Linda — April 21, 2007 @ 7:53 am
I Think Now The Reason They Will Open a Criminal Investgation Is Because W/The Hogs Eating It In Their Feed It Now Might Be In The Human Food Chain.
Comment by Marry ANN — April 21, 2007 @ 8:01 am
I was looking for a picture of melamine crystals so I could check my dogs urine. I work in genetics so I have access to microscopes. I googled melamine crystals and checked images. I clicked http://www.nipc.net and it seems that Iran may be selling melamine to China. This may be something. It’s early, I’ll check more later, but it may be something to look into.
Comment by Allison — April 21, 2007 @ 8:01 am
Comment by Linda — April 21, 2007 @ 7:53 am
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A.....egal_term)
Comment by Steve — April 21, 2007 @ 8:02 am
Comment by Marry ANN — April 21, 2007 @ 8:01 am
And what were the hogs eating?
Pet Food. Follow the trail and it all comes back to Pet Food.
Feb 20th - Menu Foods receives first reports of problems with pet food.
Feb 26th - Menu foods commence tests on 50 animals.
Feb 26th & 27th - Menus CFO sells half his shares for $102,900.
March 16th - Recall announced. Share price plunges
April 10th - CFO calls this a “horrible coincidence”
Comment by Steve — April 21, 2007 @ 8:06 am
I watched the ABC Earth Day special last night, and they talked about China a bit. Terrifying.
And as terrifying - Walmart has 20,000 suppliers from China! 20,000!
Comment by Kim — April 21, 2007 @ 8:18 am
Well cry me a river.
Menu Foods’ future clouded by recall.
Apr 21, 2007 04:30 AM
Dana Flavelle
business reporter
The value of Menu Foods Income Trust Fund units recovered slightly this week as short sellers reduced their positions in the belief the worst of the pet food recall might be coming to a close.
But problems at the underlying operating company, Menu Foods Inc., are far from over.
A month after issuing one of North America’s largest pet food recalls, the Mississauga-based company faces a slew of lawsuits from angry consumers and an uncertain future.
http://tinyurl.com/2lfap3
Comment by Steve — April 21, 2007 @ 8:20 am
Comment by Kim — April 21, 2007 @ 8:18 am
Look fear straight in the face. And you will cease to be terrified.
Comment by Steve — April 21, 2007 @ 8:21 am
I actually think some globalization is a good thing… if only everyone lives by the same regulations. I would rather support small communities than giant corporations, if that small community’s standards and products are good. Some globalization helps otherwise poor people make a living. Anyway, just two cents in answer to someone up above saying that globalization is a bad thing.
Comment by Elderta — April 21, 2007 @ 8:28 am
“Play it again Sam”
“While the recall has set the company back, analysts said, Menu Foods’ sheer size may be its saving grace.
The company dominates the $3.2 billion a year wet food segment. Its rivals are mainly local or regional players who can’t compete effectively for space on national retail shelves.
Menu Foods “continues to enjoy the confidence and support of its creditors and lenders,” said spokesperson Sam Bornstein.”
Comment by Steve — April 21, 2007 @ 8:30 am
Comment by Steve — April 21, 2007 @ 7:44 am
Ditto.
I tried very hard to be nice to Evy because she did not even seem to be aware of the ..er..sarcasm and eye rolling being directed to her and the disciples.
The Merrick brand also went off the deep end a while ago.
Comment by E. Hamilton — April 21, 2007 @ 8:31 am
I actually upset about this. So its OK for thousands of pets to die and become ill but the minute its on the plates of a human, its called a criminal investigation…..Hey FDA, where was that criminal investigation for my pet and others who have died? I think its about time that our pets get a better voice in our government than FDA, or PFI, etc. There was clear warning that the tainted product would at some point make its way into the human food supply but rather than take pro-active measures, FDA chose a wait and see policy. If any human becomes ill, our pets will once again be put on the back burner as the human element to the story will take over. It shows alot about our society and its a pretty ugly picture to me. Thank goodness for places like Pet Connection that show there are still people who care about beings other than themselves.
As a side-note, I hope one of those hogs wasnt bought by Mr. Pet Food Institute, excutive director. Mr Eckedahl, if its only 1% of the pet food affected then it should be even less than a trillionth of the human food affected, right? So I guess that should be no big deal too, right? So why now the criminal investigation and not before? This is absolutely crazy and where has good ol common sense gone to in this world.
Comment by Sandi K — April 21, 2007 @ 8:33 am
Steve, and yes all the other acessories wearing the gold bangled braclets of greed.
Linda MS
Comment by Linda — April 21, 2007 @ 8:36 am
Comment by E. Hamilton — April 21, 2007 @ 8:31 am
Could you explain what you mean about Merrick going “off the deep end”? I’m not following. I don’t remember ever trying their food but I’m interested to hear the experiences of others.
Comment by slt — April 21, 2007 @ 8:37 am
Oh Allison, if it is terror of the worst kind - it is just so frightful - that I won’t eat another bite and neither will my pets unless I am 100% certain, or 99.999% that nothing has migrated our way from China (Iran) or whatever.
Is there a possibility that all this is being investigated behind the scenes that we are not aware of so as to catch the thugs, criminals, and terrorists?
Linda MS
Comment by Linda — April 21, 2007 @ 8:40 am
Menu Foods “continues to enjoy the confidence and support of its creditors and lenders,” said spokesperson Sam Bornstein.”
Oh, pullllleeeezzzz, I think I’m going to be sick.
We can only hope that when we stop buying any pet food made in this place, that companies will start looking for another place to have their food made. As long as I know what foods are made there & at Diamond, I will never purchase them. Sure wish we could find a comprehensive list of who has their food made at MF & Diamond…..I know about the list at petfoodlist but most won’t tell…..just say “nothing made at MF”. Actually, I rarely use wet so I’m more concerned about where dry dog food is made…..anyone who I know for sure uses Diamond will never get my business…& in those few instances I do use wet, it’ll never be anyone who uses MF. I’d like to see them put out of business. I don’t want to sound mean & nasty but this is just too much & I can’t even imagine anyone wanting to allow their pets to eat anything out of that place.
A lot of you seem to know a lot more than I do about these glutens….I do have one question. Because it’s a powder, what do you think the chances are of cross contamination in dry food from Diamond? What if they didn’t clean their machinery & ran other food after NB venison dry? Also, with Diamond saying they didn’t use the rpc
Comment by Jan — April 21, 2007 @ 8:41 am
The FDA can do a wonderful press release.
Less than 50 of the people who ate the poisoned pigs have died. The small number of others sickened, an “unconfirmed number” are recovering, thanks to lifelong dialysis. All the pork in your supermarket is safe to eat. Not eating pork products can be very unhealthy and lead to an unbalanced diet, please consult at least 6 physicians before deciding to attempt this at home. Pay no attention to the man behind the curtain.
Comment by E. Hamilton — April 21, 2007 @ 8:42 am
Sorry, hit enter by mistake:
Allow me to finish: with Diamond saying they didn’t use rpc for any other food, are there any others who feel like this may be a coverup & they are lying through their teeth?
Comment by Jan — April 21, 2007 @ 8:43 am
Jan,
some of these companies are lying - and still are lying and who really knows the truth.
Linda MS
Comment by Linda — April 21, 2007 @ 8:43 am
Comment by Jan — April 21, 2007 @ 8:41 am
One thing I learned in the Senate hearing: manufacturers are not *required* to clean their machinery between runs except after processing medicated feed. So it’s possible that some manufacturers *do* clean their equipment between runs by their own choice but I don’t think it’s known who may or may not choose to clean.
Comment by slt — April 21, 2007 @ 8:44 am
About Merrick…yes, could someone please explain what they mean by Merrick going off the deep end? As someone who lost a cat to Iams recalled food and whose dog is now on Merrick pet food, I am concerned that there may be something I don’t know about Merrick foods.
Comment by Valerie — April 21, 2007 @ 8:46 am
Are there reports of dogs dying or becoming ill from Diamond’s food?
I think the public is becoming very aware as even on the blog we don’t hear too much new - do we?
Linda MS
Comment by Linda — April 21, 2007 @ 8:47 am
Comment by Jan — April 21, 2007 @ 8:43 am
Could be a case of a conspiracy to cover something up. You can’t count anything out at this point.
Comment by Steve — April 21, 2007 @ 8:51 am
I’m getting so confused as we all are….but I believe that Diamond was the one who added the tainted rpc to NB’s venison dry food….& dogs did die or get very sick…..at least I’m sure I heard that they got calls two days in a row about dogs getting really sick from the venison dry. They tested for melamine & found it & recalled both the cat & dog venison. Geez, maybe I’m losing it here but I believe that’s the way it went down.
Comment by Jan — April 21, 2007 @ 8:52 am
I just got home from my weekly food shopping. I was there 2 hours because I went to the pet food aisle first to check for recalled items and to search for some safe treats for my dogs. I am very pleased to report that the Kroger in Madison, Mississippi had no recalled items for sale. There were many new products available this week, including many previously unavailable gluten/vegetable protein-free foods and treats. I got my dogs a package of Newman’s Own Organics small-sized Chicken Treats (ingredients: barley flour, ground chicken, carrots, apples, canola oil, rolled oats). I talked to the store manager and thanked him for stocking these new items.
Comment by Pam — April 21, 2007 @ 8:57 am
Comment by slt — April 21, 2007 @ 8:44 am
At this time I basically think some of these plants are nothing more then glorified poison and disease factories. They may as well go into the business of producing toxic waste for animal and human consumption at this rate.
Comment by Steve — April 21, 2007 @ 8:59 am
Merrick has a rendering plant. I have no proof of a connection between that and their pet food but then I do not need any proof to simply not buy their product.
Merrick was unacceptable for other reasons.And I will not get into that here.
Comment by E. Hamilton — April 21, 2007 @ 9:00 am
I think what happened with Evy is that there is sort of an unwritten rule on the Internet not to continually plug yourself … or to at least seem like you’re not doing it all the time.
I’m not saying that she does this all time, and I really enjoy reading about her knowledge of the pet food industry. I think it was very insightful, and I appreciate it! I first read comments about her company during the initial wave of the recall and I checked them out, and I thought of purchasing the product, but then decided not to because it was dry food.
I think that first round of testimony about her product would have been enough… but through my perceptions of the incident, it just kept going on. I even expressed a bit of frustration regarding this on another pet list, one that I had already asked other’s opinions of on the food. So, really, when it blew up earlier this week, it was unfortunate, but I can’t say I didn’t see it coming.
I personally would like to hear more about Evy’s knowledge of the pet food industry and manufacturing and her thoughts on nutrition. But Internet culture and the semblance of the hard sell makes heads explode!
So, maybe when she signs posts, just a signature line with a simple, Evy! and a link to kumpikat.com is all she needs.
Anyway, I don’t want this point of view to make anyone upset. But I just thought I’d explain it as I saw it, and after years of Internet bulletin board ‘training.’ :)
Comment by Elderta — April 21, 2007 @ 9:00 am
Comment by Pam — April 21, 2007 @ 8:57 am
I hope Paul Newman realizes he can’t continue to use Menu Foods and expect to survive with his reputation in tact.
Comment by Steve — April 21, 2007 @ 9:02 am
How about Evy trying - this is what I’ve learned, a few paragraphs, and if you would like to learn more visit my site - link etc….
Linda MS
Comment by Linda — April 21, 2007 @ 9:12 am
So, the below article states FDA thinks they have traced all the melamine and part of that tracing is what was sold to rendering plants.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/200....._hogs_dc_3
Below is a link about rendering plants. The stuff they generate can go right back into making pet food. Its an evil cycle!
http://www.jivdaya.org/rendering_plants.htm
I don’t see how the FDA can claim they can account for ALL of the contaminated gluten and rice protein. Heck, they are still trying to find the meat from the slaughtered pigs that ate the feed. And the remains of the pigs would of probably gone to a rendering plant.
Makes me wonder what is actually being done with the recalled pet food by manufacturers…
Comment by Deanna — April 21, 2007 @ 9:14 am
Steve, you are right. I don’t intend to buy his food, but my babies hadn’t had any treats for over a week, because I threw out all the ones that contained wheat gluten. I didn’t want to wait for an internet order to arrive, so I picked his brand simply because the ingredients looked okay and there wasn’t a whole lot to choose from for little dogs. I’m going to learn to make them myself, but this weekend I’m cooking homemade dog food supplement, so the treat baking will have to wait for a little while.
Comment by Pam — April 21, 2007 @ 9:16 am
For those asking about Merrick, please see the next thread down - “guess who wont be invited…”
Read the post by Mike 4/20 at 8:50 PM.
If you are worried about your pets, I dont recall seeing any reports of illness from Merrick products during this recall period, but the other issues in that post are worrisome for several reasons, not all to do with safety.
Comment by Empress 60 — April 21, 2007 @ 9:17 am
Sorry, this link goes with my first paragraph.
Comment by Deanna — April 21, 2007 @ 9:18 am
This link goes with my second paragraph.
Comment by Deanna — April 21, 2007 @ 9:18 am
The way I see it the problem starts and ends with the US. Why is it that the US, regarded as the world’s only remaining super power (lol!?), is always on the defensive. We used to be ahead of the curve, not kicked in the rear at the end of the curve. Our government is now filled with megalomaniacal politicos who are lax, lazy, blind and greedy when it comes to the health and well being of its own people. Im not impressed that it took a human food disaster to get them going. What about all our precious babies!!
Comment by Joyce — April 21, 2007 @ 9:18 am
Comment by E. Hamilton — April 21, 2007 @ 9:00 am
Well one of my puppy people feeds Merrick and she just posted on our list about how much she likes it and recommended it to my other puppy people if they are looking for a good food. So if you have something to share about why it’s NOT a good food, I am unclear about why you aren’t doing so. It certainly is always helpful to hear different people’s experiences using different foods. It’s one way we can all learn.
Comment by slt — April 21, 2007 @ 9:20 am
It seems they are expendable doesn’t it?
Linda MS
Comment by Linda — April 21, 2007 @ 9:21 am
My take on Evy..she obviously believes that her product is the best that it can be. When you believe passionately about soemthing, you sometimes tend to “preach”. I don’t think she was so much trying to “sell” her product as trying to make people “see the light”. Regardless, at this point I am feeding my cat and dogs Kumpi because I do feel it is probably safe. That’s not something I feel about most pet foods right now and my goal is to get my animals thru this crisis alive and healthy. If they remain on this product is a decision I will make at sometime in the future when I feel there are other safe options. What I personally feel about Evy does not matter one iota…keeping my pets safe is what is important.
Comment by Sandy C — April 21, 2007 @ 9:22 am
My Paikea gets “Liv-A-Littles” treats. They are dehydrated meat products, pieces of whole chicken, beef, and I think, Salmon. I wash my hands before I feed them to her (because they are real meat, you wanna just keep it clean inside), but she loves them. Goes running after them like all get-up. It’s a bit expensive ($12.99 a tub in NYC), but they last a long time and she loves ‘em.
Comment by Elderta — April 21, 2007 @ 9:23 am
Questions…. if anyone knows the answer please help me out here.
If the suppiler and FDA cannot disclose which of this companies (factories) got tainted product from china shipments, couldn’t we see a pattern ourselves?
For example, those bars codes and used by dates, raised red flags when I called the company with my then ill dog, who 3 days later after treatment had to be put down.(kindey failure in a healthy young dog that had a phyiscal two weeks prior to his sudden illness, great health his vet said) They transferred me to corprate soon as I gave them those numbers.
I noticed the bar codes start with the same 5 numbers as the wet food that was recalled from the same company, as the bag of dry food I suspect is tainted.
It’s been over two weeks since the company “sent” me a packet to return to them 4 cups of this dry food. I have called twice this week to say, “I haven’t got that packet yet.”
Also if the U.S supplier can recall a product they sold to manufactors, doesn’t that make the manufactors in turn recall product they made and sold to it’s comsumers. Who are these companies that aren’t coming forward? Waiting until the weekend shopping and restocking our homes?
Comment by Maudigan — April 21, 2007 @ 9:26 am
Comment by Steve — April 21, 2007 @ 8:59 am
And as I was saying weeks ago about soylent green…
Comment by Nadine Long — April 21, 2007 @ 9:26 am
Elderta, I agree.. Halo’s Liv-a-Littles are excellent. If you haven’t tried their DreamCoat, it is also a very good product. I also feed Pro-Treat Freeze Dried Liver treats. They’re pure liver with no additives or preservatives.
Comment by Sandy C — April 21, 2007 @ 9:33 am
Homeland Security and the FDA link:
In the beginning, all the plants manufacturing toxic waste pet food should have been quarantined. No toxic pet food raw ingredients or ready products should have been disposed of without a means to insure that these products would not go into the human food chain, via animal feed or rendering plants.
Homeland Security should have began intensive investigations coupled with the FDA to track the offending products and supplier all the while inspecting every protein concentrate product entering this country or stored in this country. A moratorium in the use of these concentrates should have become immediately effective and requiring lab tests before continuing production – human or pet food.
If the FDA would have been up front and publicly disclosed every company in the beginning, we would not be in this terrible mess – of corn gluten, wheat gluten, protein concentrate, soy this etc etc.
The FDA’s soft peddling this trying to protect big business and not reporting the magnitude of this problem has made it worse and still the FDA is lagging beyond public disclosure that is needed so that citizens can take precautions to protect their families including their pets. And the FDA justified their tactics by refusing to update their numbers of ill and dying pets. Why is that Mr. FDA and Mr. President and Mr. and Ms. Congresspeople?
Linda MS
Comment by Linda — April 21, 2007 @ 9:36 am
Anyone seen this site? quite a bit on food companies.
http://animalprotect.notlong.com
Comment by Gary — April 21, 2007 @ 9:38 am
Sandy says,
So its OK for thousands of pets to die and become ill but the minute its on the plates of a human, its called a criminal investigation.
So true… and I have a theory on this from reading this blog, Itchmo and others.
In my mind, it appears to be a business decision on the part of the pet food companies. From this ordeal, we’ve learned that pets are considered “property” and pet owners that sue the pet food companies on their own can only expect to receive a very minimal amount (what the pet is worth, whatever that means).
Now, if human food is contaminated and a human is sickened or dies, folks can sue and potentially receive LOTS of money.
So, it seems to me the pet food companies may be making a business decision not to reveal problems with their food since they stand to lose a heck of a lot in sales revenue by making this revelation. Far more than they could ever lose to lawsuits.
It seems to me to be a very sad state of affairs and only goes to underline what many others on this blog have said…the bottom line is money, not our pets lives.
Comment by Janet — April 21, 2007 @ 9:39 am
Menu Foods “continues to enjoy the confidence and support of its creditors and lenders,” said spokesperson Sam Bornstein.”
Translation: Because MenuFoods continues its grip on the short hairs of the pet food companies due to owning the majority of the wet processing plants, the banks are certain the PF industry will be brought to heel.
Comment by CathyA — April 21, 2007 @ 9:41 am
Comment by Sandy C — April 21, 2007 @ 9:22 am
“My take on Evy..she obviously believes that her product is the best that it can be. When you believe passionately about soemthing, you sometimes tend to “preach”. I don’t think she was so much trying to “sell” her product as trying to make people “see the light”.”
Right, she has valuable point’s (notice plural ;) ) worth considering.
Stefania, still a buyer of Swedish kibble found in Iceland an not about to change.
Comment by Stefania — April 21, 2007 @ 9:47 am
Comment by Maudigan — April 21, 2007 @ 9:26 am
Gee Maudigan, you wouldnt be dealing with Nutro by any chance would you? I had the same thing happen.
Comment by Sandi K — April 21, 2007 @ 9:49 am
Sandy C: thanks! I’ll check both out!
Comment by Elderta — April 21, 2007 @ 9:57 am
Comment by CathyA
“Menu Foods “continues to enjoy the confidence and support of its creditors and lenders,” said spokesperson Sam Bornstein.”
They also said something similar about the Titanic.
Who is this guy Sam Bornstein anyway? he should be ashamed.
Comment by Gary — April 21, 2007 @ 10:12 am
GARY,
I agree whole heartedly about being upfront from the beginning, but did you notice this is a VOLUNTARY RECALL ONLY, THIS IS NOT A MANDITORY RECALL WHICH I THINK IT SHOULD BE. If the FDA came down real hard on these companies like they should have I think we wouldn’t have such a mess like this in the first place. I wonder what the FDA would do if it were for human consumption? Would they be as lacks about this also?
Comment by Georgeann Heckman — April 21, 2007 @ 10:28 am
Anyone have any input re: dehydrated foods? I’m thinking about going that route. The Honest Kitchen is selling some pretty good foods. Thoughts needed ASAP. Thanks.
Comment by Barb — April 21, 2007 @ 10:31 am
Maudigan…
The first five digits of any bar code denotes the manufacturers number. This number remains constant on any product of any given manufacturer. For example, the first five digits of any Purina product will be the same, and so on. The second set of five digits denotes the product. All the same product will have the same number. For example, all cans of Blue Buffalo Spa Select Turkey & Chicken Entree will have the same first set of five digits and the same second set of five digits. The second set of five digits, however, will be different, let’s say, for the dry Spa Select Chicken & Brown Rice.
So, to sum it up, the bar codes tell the retailer who manufactured the product and which product (from that manufacturer) was sold.
It’s the stamped on info that tells us what plant and what batch the product was manufactured in along with the best used by date. That information changes all the time.
Hope this helps.
Comment by Joyce — April 21, 2007 @ 10:38 am
Yes, guess it does help. That dry food was from the same plant that made the already recalled wet foods. Alarming, so they know just by cosumers complaints, wonder how many besides me on just that one “batch”, best if used by dates.
Sandy K. bet this is familar to many more than just you and I.
I am attempting to have UC Davis test this bag. Have to run through some more hoops on monday. Hopefully I have the right contact there to get this done. They have been wonderful there in helping get to the right dept. That they care as they have done with my call, returning calls and setting me to the right dept.
Comment by Maudigan — April 21, 2007 @ 11:22 am
Comment by Empress 60 — April 21, 2007 @ 9:17 am
The thread you suggest looking at has been removed. Anyone with any info on Merrick foods please share.
Comment by slt — April 21, 2007 @ 1:03 pm
I’m home cooking for my dog, but he still gets Milk Bone treats and Purina Dog Chow on the side. Both these companies insist these products are safe. Has anyone heard anything about Milk Bone or Purina dry food????
Comment by Falcon — April 21, 2007 @ 1:28 pm
Which Dog Chow are you feeding? Here’s the ingredient list for Purina Dog Chow Complete Nutrition:
“Ingredients
Ground yellow corn, poultry by-product meal, animal fat preserved with mixed-tocopherols (form of Vitamin E), corn gluten meal, brewers rice, soybean meal, animal digest, calcium carbonate, calcium phosphate, salt, potassium chloride, L-Lysine monohydrochloride, choline chloride, zinc sulfate, Vitamin E supplement, zinc proteinate, ferrous sulfate, added color (Red 40, Yellow 5, Blue 2, Yellow 6), manganese sulfate, manganese proteinate, niacin, Vitamin A supplement, copper sulfate, calcium pantothenate, copper proteinate, garlic oil, pyridoxine hydrochloride, Vitamin B-12 supplement, thiamine mononitrate, Vitamin D-3 supplement, riboflavin supplement, calcium iodate, menadione sodium bisulfite complex (source of Vitamin K activity), folic acid, biotin, sodium selenite.”
The ingredients I see that people have expressed concern about are corn gluten meal and soybean meal. Have you called Purina to ask where they are getting these ingredients and if they have tested clear of the contaminants?
Comment by Pat — April 21, 2007 @ 1:39 pm
Pat, Thanks for your reply. I didn’t call Purina, I went to their web site, and they said my food was not in the recall. They did have a recent post about the rice concentrate saying they did not use it. My concern at this point is if I do call will they tell me the TRUTH? I was hoping the good people at this site may have an opinion on that very hard to find truth. Thanks again.
Comment by Falcon — April 21, 2007 @ 1:46 pm
Hi slt,
I got some canned Merrick & Felidae at the pet health food store last week for my cats, and they like most of the Merrick flavors, but do not like the Felidae at all. It seems the Merrick food is safe to feed for the moment, but of course that could change in a heartbeat as we have seen over the past month.
Here is what I have been able to dig up on Merrick over the past week. they make all their own foods, canned & dry, in their own facilities in Hereford, TX. They have 2 brands, the holistic is Merrick 5 star and I forget the name of the low-cost brand. They only sell the holistic in the store I go to.
I think some folks take issue with the owner’s political leanings, looks like he’s pretty far to the right. But with the scarcity of good available canned cat food right now, I am not letting that stop me from feeding it for the short term. My cats actually like this food, and I have to feed them something they will eat, and I don’t want them eating just dry food. They have alot of varieties and 3 of them are low-glycemic in case you have a diabetic cat.
I think another thing some folks find disturbing is that the Merricks also have a rendering plant, and I think a slaughterhouse for their Hereford cattle. I know this is a distasteful subject but anytime an animal is slaughtered for food, after they separate the meat, the rest goes to a rendering plant. Merrick also makes hoof and hide treats for dogs from this remaining material, which is how I believe they got started in the pet food business. Hopefully none of the byproducts go into the holistic food, though. I am not sure if they can legally do this without labelling the can to list byproducts.
I would like to know more about their rendering plant myself. I have heard that some small rendering plants accept euthanized animals including pets. If anyone has any info that Merrick is one of these plants, please post back here when you get a chance.
Comment by catlover — April 21, 2007 @ 1:48 pm
Falcon, this is my opinion at this point:
What I saw on the Purina site was their justification for why they have traditionally used - and plan to continue to use - gluten and processed grain products in their food formulations. They’re spinning it to make it sound like it’s no big deal - that this was an isolated incident, soon to be back under control and everything back to the way it was. They spin it that way because that’s what they need to have happen.
In fact, what the current situation has taught us is that if it’s “gluten”, there’s a good chance it was made in China unless we have SPECIFICALLY been told otherwise. And further, what the current situation has taught us is that the Chinese record on the quality control of their process of making feedstuffs is abysmal - note the fact that they’re blocking the ability of FDA inspectors to enter the country and look through their plants.
That is independent of the whole discussion on how necessary processed grains (or any grains at all, depending on who you ask) even ARE in a dog food formulation. If you’re gonna use grains, why not either use them whole or simply crack or grind them into some form of flour? Doing much more than that casts suspicions on *why* it’s being done, and that’s when you get into the serious questions about the REAL reasons for these processed grains to be included (for example, boosting protein content without having to add more meat).
For me, that has pretty much decided it. If there’s grain in there that’s been processed any further than cracking or grinding, I am not going to use it.
My 2¢ worth, but I’m sticking to it!
Comment by Pat — April 21, 2007 @ 2:01 pm
I just bought Innova Cat Dry. At first try Dusty seems to like it. I also bought the Innova Cat Canned. No luck there, he didn’t like it so for now I feel safe with Spa Select Turkey & Chicken wet. I’ve heard only good things about Innova. Any comments would be helpful.
Comment by Joyce — April 21, 2007 @ 2:05 pm
I got a 2-lb bag of Innova Evo last week & my cats LOVE it. So today I bought the 17-lb bag, was looking for something a bit smaller, but they were all sold out. The EVO has no grains in it.
I think the canned is made at Menu.
Comment by catlover — April 21, 2007 @ 2:16 pm
Pat Well stated. I guess this dog mom is going to start baking dog treats and something that looks like dry food. lolol Only funny because I’m so very lost in the kitchen. I don’t own a rolling pin. My poor Jordi will be laughing at mom trying to make his treats. He’s a big German Shepard mix I rescued from a very abusive life, so I think he’ll forgive me.
Thanks again.
Comment by Falcon — April 21, 2007 @ 2:16 pm
Thanks Catlover. No wonder he didn’t like the Innova canned!!!
Comment by Joyce — April 21, 2007 @ 2:24 pm
I also tried some new foods today. I wanted to try Prowl but they don’t sell it. I got 1 can of Evangers organic braised chicken dinner, 1 can of Solid Gold chicken, turkey whitefish & liver, and 2 cans of Spot’s Stew. We’ll see if they like it. They are not overly finicky since I have always fed them a variety.
But the really exciting new purchase of the day was a 1-lb bag of Nature’s Variety raw frozen lamb. I wanted the chicken but they were sold out. They are doing a whopping business at the pet health food store these days. I am thawing out 2 pucks for my kitties to try tonight.
Comment by catlover — April 21, 2007 @ 2:29 pm
Evangers is next on my list for canned. I saw it in the health food store today near the Innova. Spots Stew I tried a while back. It’s mostly gravy (at least then it was.) So I didn’t think it was hearty enough. I hope they like the raw lamb since you’re so excited about it. I’m staying away from raw, but that’s just me. Let us know how you make out.
Comment by Joyce — April 21, 2007 @ 2:48 pm
Falcon said:”My poor Jordi will be laughing at mom trying to make his treats.”
I don’t want to do Jordi out of a good laugh,but some easy treats that my dogs love are raw carrots,whole almonds,baked liver in small pieces,dried/raw apple,sunflower seeds in hull,cheese pieces.Maybe he’d like some/all of those?
Comment by Lorna — April 21, 2007 @ 4:01 pm
My 5 4-leggeds came & ask me this morning if we were so poor that we couldn’t afford to buy them pet food anymore…..
I had to explain how there are some sick & dead doggies & kitties that have been poisoned by bad doggy & kitty food. I thought Simon’s eyes were going to pop out! I think he may have understood.
Off to the kitchen now for some homebrew… I think there may be a mutiny at my house. Actually, the dogs love what I make; the cats still — nah. Can’t get it right for 1 of the 3 kitties.
Going to post a scary article I found on my cell phone awhile ago. Gotta find it on the computer now.
Comment by Kat — April 21, 2007 @ 5:22 pm
slt
If you’re talking about this site, no threads are removed. You have to go to the last one listed on the page, then you’ll get a list of the next batch of past articles.
Comment by CathyA — April 21, 2007 @ 5:26 pm
Gary, I think Sam Bornstein is the spokesperson for MenuFoods - don’t remember if he’s a recent hire - think so. Pretty pitiful huh!
Comment by CathyA — April 21, 2007 @ 5:34 pm
Here’s the link to a SCARY article about Victoria Hampshire - FDA Researcher, the FDA, Wyeth, Fort Dodge, Proheart 6 & dead dogs.
http://tinyurl.com/3y75j9 - an AP story
Comment by Kat — April 21, 2007 @ 6:21 pm
RE: Comment by Georgeann Heckman — April 21, 2007 @ 10:28 am
The way I understand “recalls” is:
I believe a Voluntary Recall is the FDA allowing the manufacturer the opportunity to come forward (do the right thing & save-face) & recall their product(s).
A Mandatory Recall is a direct order from the FDA.
I think the public & merchants think that a Voluntary Recall is something that is optional (taken lightly)— and that’s why products have been left on the shelf — plus, the shear, confusing volume.
At least that’s the way I understand it.
I agree that this deadly event should have been MANDATORY. The FDA should have said “GET YOUR POISONOUS FOOD OFF THE SHELVES IMMEDIATELY!” PENALTIES & FINES WITHIN 24 HRS OF NON-COMPLIANCE!
But, they continue to dilly-dally around — even this week! They have known the 5 pet food manufacturers names, for the rice gluten contaminationa, for at least 6 days now and are waiting for 2 or the 5 to come forward. UNBELIEVEABLE! AIN’T RIGHT! PLEASE STEP-DOWN FROM YOUR POST DIRECTOR!
Here is a link to the FDA’s Policy & Procedures for RECALLS:
http://tinyurl.com/2umu3l
(b) Recall may be undertaken voluntarily and at any time by manufacturers and distributors, or at the request of the Food and Drug Administration. A request by the Food and Drug Administration that a firm recall a product is reserved for urgent situations and is to be directed to the firm that has primary responsibility for the manufacture and marketing of the product that is to be recalled.
WELL, WHAT IS THIS?? URGENT — ISN’T IT???
ah…enuff venting!
Comment by Kat — April 21, 2007 @ 7:10 pm
“slt
If you’re talking about this site, no threads are removed. You have to go to the last one listed on the page, then you’ll get a list of the next batch of past articles.”
Well, maybe I’m missing something, but I’m with slt - I can no longer locate that article or thread, either. Sounds like maybe things go too heated?
I would like to have heard what folks had to say.
Comment by Mikken — April 21, 2007 @ 8:11 pm
There IS a thread missing, as noted above. Too many people were considering my link to a media release as an endorsement of a product. We haven’t endorsed products, and we’re not starting now.
It wasn’t my intent to have it come across that way, so I deleted my blog post. Unfortunately, that meant the comments with that post were deleted, too.
Comment by Gina Spadafori — April 21, 2007 @ 8:14 pm
Re Merrick
I am sorry Mike’s original post was deleted as it had some information I cant find links to yet..
Here are my views on/experience with Merrick, maybe it helps you a bit.
Due to a mild wheat allergy I have fed my dog Innova Evo dry since shortly after adopting him, and he has done beautifully on that. (Not every dog or cat takes to it, but he loves it). I also was feeding him 2-4 tablespoons of wet Merrick with each meal in addition, for variety’s sake. I also know quite a few dog owners locally (NYC) who feed Merrick dry and wet, and none of them have reported any symptoms during this recall period. However, they have had several recalls in the past, and I have recently read reports of some dogs developing diarrhea on their food in past years.
When this whole nightmare began I pulled my boy off all wet food, period and replaced that portion of his diet with homecooked recipes, leaving him also on the Innova Evo.
During my research on the brands I was using, I came across a huge topic on the Dogster forums about a website called marriagetoday.org that was printed on the Merrick dry food bags. I went to the website and found it repulsive, so I decided if I do go back to any canned food (which is looking dubious considering all we have learned here) it will no longer be Merrick. I completely respect people who aren’t offended by this, and choose to continue using Merrick, but personally I like to spend money with companies that are more tolerant of alternative lifestyles and especially women’s rights.
Here is the link to the forum if you are interested
http://tinyurl.com/2ynl7m
In addition, Mike had some good information about the Merrick rendering practices, which perhaps he could repost. I couldnt find the info online.
I hope this helps a little bit in these difficult decisions, and love and prayers for all who are missing their furkids tonight.
Comment by Empress 60 — April 21, 2007 @ 8:20 pm
Here’s a link about cooking for your pets:
http://home.ivillage.com/pets/.....-p,00.html
by: Dr. Martin Goldstein earned his B.S. and D.V.M. from Cornell University.
Comment by Kat — April 21, 2007 @ 8:39 pm
===========================================
NUTRO PRODUCTS FOOD CONTENT
NUTRO PRODUCTS PRESS RELEASE MODIFIED AFTER PUBLISHING
===========================================
Summary
=======
I made these inquiries of Nutro Products:
1) What is the country of origin for all ingredients in Nutro Natural Choice Lamb Meal and Rice Dry Dog Food ?
2) Why was the line “Nutro’s dry pet foods do NOT contain imported grains” removed from the existing March 30, 2007 Press
Release? This was done after the press release had been published on the NutroProducts.com web site.
I have not received any response to question #1.
The only response to question #2 was:
You have asked why we changed from one message to another. It was because we felt the first message was confusing our
consumers and what they wanted to be told was that our products were safe and that is what we changed our message to.
Opinions
========
Nutro Products has ignored my request for the country of origin of the pet food ingredients. In these times of increasing pet
food recalls I feel it is important to understand the supply chain for all ingredients. In this way I can make an informed
decision regarding the food I feed my pet.
Nutro Products has made only a feeble response to my question regarding the modified press release. This leaves me wondering
what to believe when I read their press releases. Each and every time I feed my pet I must have confidence in the product and
what the company presents as consumer information.
Nutro Products contact information
==================================
Web address: http://www.nutroproducts.com All press releases and other information are contained the Recall information section.
Customer service: (800)833-5330
Customer Service supervisor: Ms. Vicki Akau, VAkau@NutroProducts.com
Customer service supervisor: Ms. Tamara Cerven, TCerven@NutroProducts.com
===================================
The following is a listing of conversations and communications with Nutro Products regarding their pet foods. The emails have
been edited for clarity and to remove the duplicate information inherent in forwarded or reply-to emails.
===================================
March 29, 2007
==============
I called Nutro Products customer service to inquire about the country of origin of the ingredients in Nutro Natural Choice
Lamb Meal and Rice. I spoke with Vickie Akau (VAkau@NutroProducts.com), a customer service supervisor, who indicated I would
receive a response via email in a few days.
March 31, 2007
==============
I received the following response from Ms. Akau:
Dear Nutro Consumer,
Thank you for contacting Nutro Products. We appreciate you taking the time to share your concerns with us.
Below is the information you have requested. This information and more is available on our website at http://www.nutroproducts.com
which we will continue to update as further information becomes available to us.
If we can be of further assistance, please email this address or call us at (800)833-5330,
Best regards,
Vickie Akau
Nutro Products, inc.
Nutro Dry Pet Foods Do Not Contain
The Ingredient Wheat Gluten The FDA and Menu Foods Tie Wheat Gluten to the Menu Foods Recall City of Industry, Calif. (March
30, 2007)– As the Food and Drug Administration today reiterated that it has no intention at this time of expanding the Menu
Foods recall to include dry food, Nutro Products wants consumers to know:
Nutro’s dry pet foods do NOT contain wheat gluten.
Nutro’s dry pet foods do NOT contain imported grains.
Nutro’s dry pet foods are NOT produced by Menu Foods.
NONE of Nutro’s dry pet foods are subject to the Menu Foods recall.
Pet owners should feel safe and confident feeding Nutro dry pet foods to their pets.
“Even prior to this extremely disturbing incident at Menu Foods, our dry dog and cat foods were not produced using wheat
gluten,” said Dave Kravis President and CEO of Nutro Products. “We know that there is confusion among consumers about what
foods are safe to feed their pets right now. We can categorically say that Nutro’s dry pet foods do not contain the
ingredient wheat gluten or any imported grains, they are unaffected by the Menu Foods recall, and it is absolutely safe to
continue feeding these products to your pets.”
According to Kim Noetzel, vice president of marketing and community relations for the Arizona Humane Society: “We are
reassuring pet owners that based on the information we have, dry food products, including those from Nutro, are safe to
continue feeding. We are in contact with Nutro and have complete confidence in their products and in the information and
resources they have been providing us. We will absolutely continue working with them throughout this situation.”
Nutro’s products are 100% guaranteed and all returned product will be refunded.
Nutro customers may check Nutro’s website (www.nutroproducts.com ) or contact Nutro’s Consumer Hotline (800)
833-5330 for further information about its products. Nutro’s website will be updated as more information becomes available.
Additionally, general information about Menu Foods’ recall is available at http://www.menufoods.com/recall/
April 3, 2007
=============
I called Ms. Akau to again inquire about the country of origin of the pet food ingredients and to inquire why the line
“Nutro’s dry pet foods do NOT contain imported grains” had been removed from the March 30, 2007 press release. I also sent
the following email as a follow-up:
Dear Ms. Akau,
Thank you for listening this morning to my concerns regarding Nutro Natural Choice Lamb Meal & Rice ingredients. My questions
are:
1) What is the country of origin for all ingredients in Nutro Natural Choice Lamb Meal and Rice Dry Dog Food ?
2) Why was the line “Nutro’s dry pet foods do NOT contain imported grains” removed from the existing March 30, 2007 Press
Release? This was done after the press release had been published on the NutroProducts.com web site. Your email of March 31,
2007 is proof of the original content of this press release.
I will include the current text of the changed March 30, 2007 press release for your reference after this message.
I understand these are very difficult times for both concerned pet owners and companies alike.The content, country of origin,
and the quality control of the food ingredients are very important to me. I appreciate your time and effort in answering my
questions.
———————————————————————————————————————————————————————————
This is the March 30, 2007 Press Release copied from the NutroProducts.com Web site on April 2, 2007 17:25 MST
Nutro Dry Pet Foods Do Not Contain
The Ingredient Wheat Gluten
The FDA and Menu Foods Tie Wheat Gluten to the Menu Foods Recall
City of Industry, Calif. (March 30, 2007)– As the Food and Drug Administration today reiterated that it has no intention at
this time of expanding the Menu Foods recall to include dry food, Nutro Products wants consumers to know:
Nutro’s dry pet foods do NOT contain wheat gluten.
Nutro’s dry pet foods are NOT produced by Menu Foods.
NONE of Nutro’s dry pet foods are subject to the Menu Foods recall.
Pet owners should feel safe and confident feeding Nutro dry pet foods to their pets.
“Even prior to this extremely disturbing incident at Menu Foods, our dry dog and cat foods were not produced using wheat
gluten,” said Dave Kravis President and CEO of Nutro Products. “We know that there is confusion among consumers about what
foods are safe to feed their pets right now. We can categorically say that Nutro’s dry pet foods do not contain the
ingredient wheat gluten, they are unaffected by the Menu Foods recall, and it is absolutely safe to continue feeding these
products to your pets.”
According to Kim Noetzel, vice president of marketing and community relations for the Arizona Humane Society: “We are
reassuring pet owners that based on the information we have, dry food products, including those from Nutro, are safe to
continue feeding. We are in contact with Nutro and have complete confidence in their products and in the information and
resources they have been providing us. We will absolutely continue working with them throughout this situation.”
Nutro’s products are 100% guaranteed and all returned product will be refunded.
Nutro customers may check Nutro’s website (www.nutroproducts.com) or contact Nutro’s Consumer Hotline (800) 833-5330 for
further information about its products. Nutro’s website will be updated as more information becomes available. Additionally,
general information about Menu Foods’ recall is available at http://www.menufoods.com/recall/
April 11, 2007
==============
I spoke with Vickie Akau and was informed that her supervisor, Tamara Cerven (TCerven@nutroproducts.com) would now be
handling my inquiries. This is the email that I sent to Ms. Cerven on April 11, 2007 as a follow-up:
Dear Ms. Cerven,
I have just spoken with Vickie Akau and was informed that you are now responsible for this case. I remain very concerned
about the two issues presented below in the first email I sent Ms. Akau.
The ingredient list for Nutro Natural Choice Lamb Meal and Rice dry food is listed on the product and the web site. However
this does not detail the country of origin for the ingredients. This origin information must exist at some level within your
corporate structure. Would you please forward this information as soon as possible?
The second issue is the modification of a Nutro Products official press release after it had already been posted. In my
opinion this represents a blatant manipulation of consumer information and could be unethical as well. A public statement
regarding the removal of the line “Nutro’s dry pet foods do NOT contain imported grains” would provide all pet owners buying
Nutro products with the accurate information required to make responsible decisions for their pets. Nutro Products has always
exhibited the nutritional content and quality in your foods that promote confidence that caring pet owners require.
A new press release regarding the March 30, 2007 release, and it’s current modified content, would demonstrate the corporate
stature required to admit the facts, explain the reasons, and then move forward.
Thank you for your time and effort is resolving these issues. I would appreciate a response to both issues as soon as
possible.
April 13, 2007
==============
I received the following response from Ms. Akau regarding the modified press release:
You have asked why we changed from one message to another. It was because we felt the first message was confusing our
consumers and what they wanted to be told was that our products were safe and that is what we changed our message to.
Best regards,
Vickie Akau
Consumer Services Supervisor
Nutro Products, inc.
April 21, 2007
==============
There have been no further response from Nutro Products to my inquiries and the Press Relreases section contains the modified
March 30, 2007 release.
Comment by Pet lover — April 21, 2007 @ 8:43 pm
Comment by Empress 60 — April 21, 2007 @ 8:20 pm
Yikes, Empress. Thank you very much for reposting the link (and thanks to Mike for posting the first time.) I was thinking about buying Merrick, but there’s absolutely no way I can support their “lifestyle choice.” :) I would have been very upset if I’d found the website on the bag after I’d given them a chunk of my money. I’ll let my other friends know about it, too. Much appreciated!!
Comment by Laura — April 21, 2007 @ 10:15 pm
Comment by Empress 60 — April 21, 2007 @ 8:20 pm
Thank you!
Comment by slt — April 22, 2007 @ 7:50 am
Let’s get Congress to block all foreign foodstuffs until we’re sure its safe:
http://www.rallycongress.com/protectourpets/772/
Comment by Bob — April 22, 2007 @ 7:59 am
It looks as though there are two of us with similar names:
I’m “petlover” - no spaces
and now there is “pet lover” - with a space
Reading the posts from 04/21, I didn’t think I ever posted about Nutro… I just got home today!
Comment by petlover — April 22, 2007 @ 2:34 pm