Pet-food recall: A Sunday (yes, Sunday!) update from the FDA
By Gina Spadafori
April 22, 2007
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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.
The FDA just issued an update:
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is investigating an imported shipment of rice protein concentrate which has been found to contain melamine. The rice protein concentrate may have been used as an ingredient in some pet foods. FDA’s investigation of the rice protein is being carried out by specialists in FDA headquarters and in eight FDA district offices. Thus far, the following has been established:
* The suspect shipment of rice protein concentrate was imported and offloaded during the week of April 2, 2007 by Wilbur-Ellis, an importer and distributor of agricultural products, including rice protein concentrate, with headquarters in San Francisco, CA. The source of the product is identified as Binzhou Futian Biological Technology in China.
* The shipment consisted primarily of rice protein concentrate in white bags, but also included one pink bag that was labeled, in part, with the word “melamine.”
* On April 15, Wilbur-Ellis notified FDA’s Center for Veterinary Medicine about the suspect shipment. On April 16, FDA launched a nationwide investigation tracing eight import entries identified as being shipped from the Chinese firm since July 2006. FDA testing revealed melamine in both the white and pink bags.
* Wilbur-Ellis has initiated a recall of all suspect rice protein concentrate it had imported and distributed; see http://www.fda.gov/oc/po/firmrecalls/wilburellis04_07.html.FDA investigators have obtained records showing distribution to five pet food manufacturers in seven locations. Investigators are currently inspecting all five manufacturers and collecting additional samples, as appropriate.
* FDA initiated inspections at Royal Canin USA and C.J. Foods and, as a result, both companies have voluntarily recalled certain products; see http://www.fda.gov/oc/po/firmrecalls/royalcanin04_07.html and http://www.fda.gov/oc/po/firmrecalls/bluebuffalo04_07.html.
* FDA also has confirmed the presence of melamine in finished pet food products containing rice protein concentrate. Those products, and others within the same product line, are currently under recall by Natural Balance Pet Foods and are labeled as: Venison and Brown Rice canned and bagged dog foods; Venison and Brown Rice dog treats; and Venison and Green Pea dry cat food; see http://www.fda.gov/oc/po/firmrecalls/naturalbalance04_07.html.If FDA’s investigation determines that additional pet food products have been manufactured from the suspect rice protein concentrate, FDA will expect manufacturers to initiate voluntary actions to remove these products from the marketplace. FDA will continue to communicate its findings promptly.
In a related development, the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) issued a press release on April 19, 2007, stating that CDFA laboratory testing had detected melamine in urine from hogs at the American Hog Farm in Ceres, CA. For further information, see: http://www.cdfa.ca.gov/exec/pa/pressreleases/PressRelease.asp?PRnum=CDFA07-038.
Due to the involvement of animal feed, FDA is working with CDFA on this development.FDA continues to work comprehensively to protect the nation’s pet food as well as to conduct a full investigation to determine any impact on the human food supply. The agency is now sampling all rice protein concentrate from China and continues to sample all wheat gluten imported from China, and it is ready to increase its surveillance of other products, if necessary.
To search for the latest list of recalled products, which will be updated when new information is received, please see: http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/petfoodrecall/.
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FDA’s Recalls, Market Withdrawals and Safety Alerts Page: http://www.fda.gov/opacom/7alerts.html
Go to the latest blog post | Go to the PetConnection home page
The players: Bride, Groom, Mistress.
Bride: Sincere, virgin, loving, kind, believes in the basic goodness of her Groom.
Groom: Cleans up well, educated, speaks highly of all that is holy and good and pure, underneath is vain and puffed up with self importance.
The Mistress: Tacky, gold digging, greedy loves riches no matter how she gets it – robs the poor and wealthy alike and absconds with the bounty to foreign country.
The marriage vows: Trust, duty to protect, love, honor and abide by all that is holy and good and pure.
The Scene:
Enter Innocent Bride who discovers groom in bed with lusty mistress on their wedding night. Oh but she is distraught, she wonders what to do, she cries, she wails, she pleads for justice, throw the tart tramp away and take me your beautiful bride to bed.
But no, the groom’s fate is sealed – he is a liar and a cheat and he laughs in his bride’s face – go eat dog food he yells as he happily bounces away to never never land with his Mistress.
Oh my indeed. Add your own ending to this…….it’s still playing on Washington D.C. little shop of FDA horrors. I’m in the front seat.
Linda MS
Comment by Linda — April 22, 2007 @ 9:11 am
please go to itchmo web page ,this sucks ACID found in dry food
Comment by MARY ANN — April 22, 2007 @ 9:22 am
What’s next my friends - do we trust anything now?
Linda MS
Comment by Linda — April 22, 2007 @ 9:28 am
“FDA continues to work comprehensively to protect the nation’s pet food as well as to conduct a full investigation to determine any impact on the human food supply.”
If this were the case they would be releasing the names of the other companies that bought the contaminated ingredients. I wonder how many more pets have died because they don’t want to ruffle anyone’s feathers.
“FDA will expect manufacturers to initiate voluntary actions to remove these products from the marketplace.”
Voluntary action should NOT be an option for these pet food companies.
Comment by Therese — April 22, 2007 @ 9:35 am
I Think It’s Time For D.H.S ,The F.B.I Gets On Top Of This Pet Food Recall. Now There Is Acid In The Food. I’M Scared To Think What’s Next !!!!
Comment by MARY ANN — April 22, 2007 @ 9:41 am
The FDA is in bed with Pet Food Companies - and we are left out in the cold crying.
Linda MS
Comment by Linda — April 22, 2007 @ 9:43 am
“FDA launched a nationwide investigation tracing eight import entries identified as being shipped from the Chinese firm since July 2006”
JULY 2006!!!!! Does that mean they suspect this has been going on for awhile?
Comment by Lisa C — April 22, 2007 @ 9:44 am
The FBI is in the process of being replaced if you haven’t heard - incompetence. Maybe we can borrow England’s Terrorist Unit to investigate - I hear they are pretty good at it.
Linda MS
Comment by Linda — April 22, 2007 @ 9:45 am
FDA has traced melamine to rendering plants. Do a google search on rendering plants and its a sick rude awakening of what goes into pet food. I just wonder what happened to the recalled pet food and if that was sold off to a rendering plant, only to be added again to a new batch of animal/pet food.
Comment by Deanna — April 22, 2007 @ 9:45 am
I mean, why would they mention that they are looking back that far, but also say that they are only trying to find where this one shipment went?
(And BTW, a press release on a Sunday seems even more shady than a Friday night news drop.)
Comment by Lisa C — April 22, 2007 @ 9:52 am
This is making me ill. It just keeps getting worse and worse and like the most hideous “B” movie - even Hollywood wouldn’t make us suffer this long.
Take a lesson from S.A. just block all gluten type products from China and get to the botton of this toxic waste garbage junk crappola that’s killing our pets - you beauracratic nitwits. How you keep your jobs is a mystery to me.
Linda MS
Comment by Linda — April 22, 2007 @ 9:57 am
We need to look at outsourcing. Venison is not raised here on a large scale - so venison in pet foods comes via New Zealand. What about duck, quail and pheasant eggs listed in dog food? We don’t have large scale production of these birds in the U.S.
Comment by Kristi — April 22, 2007 @ 9:58 am
Hi,
Like all other concerned pet lovers I have been outraged by the pet food recalls.
I have found a dog food that I believe I can trust. They advertise that they use no glutens at all rice,corn or wheat and all their grains are US BOUGHT! Imagine that! A comp[any that supports US PRODUCTS!
My rescue Doberman loves this food..
Check out the BILJAC website. Available now in Phoenix at PetsSmart.
Comment by Anne in Phoenix — April 22, 2007 @ 10:02 am
I posted this in another thread, but feel that I should also repost it here:
Any comments?
I was wondering if the reason the general public do not realize how big
this recall is, is due to the fact that it IS so BIG. Most recalls get *solved*
in a day or two. They only involve one or two products with a specified before and after date period.
I don?t EVER remember a time of hearing a recall that involved over 200 pages to list the
recalled products of ANYTHING before this in the *history of time*. This is truely an historic event.
When I first heard about the recall I could not understand why no one listed the products by name.
They always just said to go to menufoods.com for the information. My thoughts at the time were -
what about those who don?t have internet access, how are they to know which products to avoid?
The general public also *trusts* the stores to remove all harmful products. They feel that if it
is on the shelf it is safe to buy. They have NO IDEA that this recall is an on-going,
ever-changing event that has lasted for over one month and a half! They also do not realize that the *contamination*
is STILL going on. They think of this as a *one-time contamination event* and all is ok now. They have
NO IDEA that it involves ingredients that are STILL being imported from China and put into new brands
of food each day! They do not realize that at least THREE (so far) different companies located in China
have now been cited for shipping POISIONED raw material to the USA and South Africa!
WHERE IS THE NEWS-MEDIA!?!?!?! WHY ARE THEY NOT INVESTIGATING THIS AND REPORTING IT
EVERY DAY *IN YOUR FACE* STYLE LIKE THEY DO BEST!?!?
My questions continue, but I think you will get the idea from reading only the above two.
Comment by Mary Smith — April 22, 2007 @ 10:07 am
The media likes dramatic pictures and simplistic twenty second sound bites. This big old pet food scandal is just waaaay too complicated and messy and wonky for them to handle, plus the corporations who sell pet foods are among their biggest advertisers. And then don’t forget the Pet Food Institute, that paragon of truth and justice, keeps reminding the media that there’s only 16 “confirmed” pet deaths.
Comment by elizabeth R — April 22, 2007 @ 10:18 am
I Think As Worried Pet Owners We Deserved To Know The NAME OF ALL 5 Pet Food Co That Have It.
Comment by MARY ANN — April 22, 2007 @ 10:20 am
every one i think we should give 360 on cnn a shout out and plead for him to get the word out. 360@cnn.com {lets keep them honest}I’m So Upset Over This.
Comment by MARY ANN — April 22, 2007 @ 10:26 am
From:
Economic incentives focus of investigation
http://www.petconnection.com
/blog/2007/04/19/pet-food-recall
-economic-incentives-focus-of-investigation/
NPN = NON PROTIEN NITROGEN = CN (Cyanide!)
Comment by Bernard J.(Bernie)Starzewski April 19, 2007 @ 11:35am
“Look, I?ve been posting this for weeks now and I think someone needs
to take this seriously.
OF COURSE this was economic incentive!
But they didn?t ?lace? the product?. It WAS the product.
Their web pageis ripe with references to NPN and how you can get
different colors and it doesnt have any unusual taste. What do people
think NPN is? It is NON PROTIEN NITROGEN!
What is that? It is usually urea but in modern times it is more high
tech than that. They encapsulate the urea in little plastic cells so
that it is present in the gut longer so that cattle can absorb it to
manufacture protein from starch or cellulose out of the amonia it gives
off. And what do you think the plastic capsules are made of? Why?
MELAMINE!
Do a little investigation and you find that melamine is not particularly
toxic which seems to throw people for a loop. No, it is not toxic
sitting on the table dry and safe. But burn it or expose it to acide and
guess what? It gives of CN (Cyanide!).
Why do they do this? Not to ?spike? it. They do it because in cattle it
can actually boost protein content in low quality forage.
What these guys have done is to take it beyond ruminants (cows and
sheep) and do it for humans or in this case our pets. Never mind it has
never been approved or tested for that here.
So, what the heck is the big mystery?
Could somebody maybe not want to admit that Menu and CHEM-nutra knew
what they were doing and its easier to blame the Chineese?
Geez! Get a clue people!
Getting a little frustrated here with having to repeat this again and
again?
Bernie”
Comment by Mary Smith — April 22, 2007 @ 10:37 am
I noticed the latest FDA news says 5 manufacturers in 7 different locations. Earlier they mentioned 5 states. Near as I can tell, we know of 3 of the mfgrs.
KS - CJ Foods (mfgs Blue Buff)
MO - Diamond in Meta, MO (NB)
MO - Royal Canin in St Charles
UT - ???
NY - ???
Comment by catlover — April 22, 2007 @ 10:39 am
Kat posted the following at 10:30am on another thread:
” Royal Canin, St. Charles, MO — which I still have my doubts about them buying from a distributor. They are worldwide. Their South Africa plant purchased directly from China. South Africa melamine contamination is in the Corn Gluten there.”
Could be they are NOT one of the 5 mfg???
Comment by catlover — April 22, 2007 @ 10:51 am
“he FDA is in bed with Pet Food Companies - and we are left out in the cold crying.
Linda MS
Comment by Linda ? April 22, 2007 @ 9:43 am”
Don’t to add that the NEWSMEDIA is also “in bed with Pet Food Companies”!
That’s probably why we arn’t hearing much from ABC, CBS, FOX CNN, and NBC!
Comment by Mary Smith — April 22, 2007 @ 10:53 am
Feeding animals is just a science. A protein is a protein and a fat is a fat no matter its origin. Mad Cow disease was created by feeding cattle rendered sheep that were infected with scrapie. Whoops! Dairy cows in this country were routinely fed blood meal, not because they are carnivors, but because - a protein is a protein - and with enough baking soda as a buffer, their rumens could convert it. Waste not want not! It looks like animal proteins and fats might be a bit dangerous - but we still need CHEAP protein . . .so
Comment by Kristi — April 22, 2007 @ 10:54 am
OOPS! Left out the word *FORGET*
“Don”t FORGET to add that the NEWSMEDIA is also”
Comment by Mary Smith — April 22, 2007 @ 10:56 am
Mary Smith — April 22, 2007 @ 10:07 am
Excellent post. Your questions are important.
And Elisabeth R has part of the answer.
Another part of the answer has to do with HOW the news is delivered. The groups involved, (Menu, FDA other importers) have no incentive to talk about the size of this. They also have no consequence beyond the market consequences.
So when they communicate they want to work the numbers so that people see the numbers that are the best possible. What do I mean?
16 dead pets. That is used because it is the “offical” number. But the FDA has said they don’t have the time or the resources to check all the dead animals. The Vets don’t have a system to coordinate the number of offical dead (and the FDA would have to verify anyway)
Therefore the number 16 becomes the “anchor” number. The the great book “A mathematician reads the Newspaper” John Allen Paulos talks about how anchor numbers stick and unless another anchor number supplants it, it keeps being used. So far we don’t have numbers that the media considers offical. But they WON’T get official numbers for months, and by then it’s too late.
Also the pet food industry doesn’t want to talk about the millions recalled. They focus on the “only 1% of the pet food out there is part of this” now of course *I* don’t know if that is really true. I really might be. But if you were to talk to the media you would talk about the smallest number you could. Makes sense right?
The other issue: Say that there are three hundred people with internet access who find pet connection, itchmo, dogster, poop city, petfoodtracker, or petsitusa’s list and tell their story, and reading it will rock our world and make us cry. But it is still “anecdotal” to the media. Unless and until an “offical” number comes out that says something like “4,104 pets have died from this and 35,000 have been sickened” the size and import of this will continue to be minimized.
The other issue is news cycles and attention spans. I believe that if this jumps to humans, and there is a clear link into the human food supply, there will be more press. However the numbers of dead and sick pets will still be squishy.
That is why I’ve been pushing to ensure that even the unofficial numbers are out there just to give people a sense of possible scope. It is NOT irresponsible to have that number included.
The unofficial number is always qualified, but there needs to be something to balance the offical number because otherwise it doesn’t provide a true sense of this crisis. (It’s odd that the offical number is never qualified. They don’t point out the problems with the number anymore. They don’t point out that the 16 included the ones that died in Menu’s own animal “taste tests” and the date of when they died. That qualification would be important too.
Also, I’ve made this call before that anecdotal stories are powerful and that one thing that we are missing is video or photos of people with sick pets. This is a Youtube age. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again. If they are going to use happy images to sell us stuff, then we can use sad images to make our point. And, because we all love happy endings, if we have a sick puppy or kitty that gets better when they stop eating bad stuff, great! The arc of healthy, sick back to healthy again would be good for TV news stories.
So keep that in mind if you know of someone in that situation. Yesterday there was a heartbreaking story here. If they were in SF I would have videotaped it and put if up on my site and Youtube.
Comment by spocko — April 22, 2007 @ 11:09 am
WHERE ARE YOU READING ABOUT ACID IN THE FOOD?? I’VE MISSED THAT SOME HOW…
THANKS!
Comment by Kat — April 22, 2007 @ 11:28 am
Kat its - cyanuric acid
http://www.itchmo.com/
Comment by Mary Smith — April 22, 2007 @ 11:47 am
Hey, FDA,
No where on your list do I see the names of private labels [e.g., Costco’s Kirkland]. Are consumers not entitled to this information? Because the retailer [Costco] has a “privacy agreement” does this mean he’s exempt from having to post notice that the food has been recalled?
Costco had better come clean and the FDA had better start demanding the names of Costco’s suppliers, then update their recall list.
Did it ever occur to you, FDA, that if pet parents don’t see a company of brand on your list they assume it’s fine to consume? No, I’ll bet it doesn’t.
But I’ll bet Costco is exploiting this “privacy agreement” loophole.
Hey, attorneys representing pet parents: maybe there’s a legal implication here? Go get ‘em.
Comment by Lynn — April 22, 2007 @ 11:49 am
Speculation on the 5 manufacturers:
Since the FDA will not name the remaining 2 mfg, I’m willing to bet these 2 are members of the PFI, who seem to have way too much influence over the FDA.
You can go to the PFI website then click on PFI MEMBERS to see who is currently a member.
http://www.petfoodinstitute.org/index.html
Comment by catlover — April 22, 2007 @ 11:55 am
Yes, cyanuric acid was found days ago. But, it’s a breakdown of the melamine. BUT, you can buy it online too!
Comment by Kat — April 22, 2007 @ 12:04 pm
Kat…
“Royal Canin has discovered a new contaminant in rice gluten. This contaminant
is cyanuric acid, which is chemically related to, but distinct from, melamine. “
http://www.medi-cal.ca/
Comment by Kat — April 22, 2007 @ 12:10 pm
RE: Comment by spocko April 22, 2007 @ 11:09 am
There ARE *real* numbers out there - how about the 5571 named individual recalled items listed on the FDA Site?
Why isn’t the news media quoting THAT number every time they mention a new recalled item?
That at least would give their listening audiance some sorta idea about just how huge this recall situation is!
They still make it sound like it was only a ‘one-time event’ like it was only a ‘minor’ spillage or something and ‘all is well now so we can return to our regular diet of rehashing Anna’s baby, etc’.
Why is the newsmedia not investigating this?? It does, for crying-out-loud, involve possible insider trading issues too. This is NOT JUST a ‘pet’ story!
I might also add - Where is the Dept of Homeland Security ?? This story also involves a safty factor for the nations food supply!
WHY THE MAJOR SILENCE?????????
I’ll bet that tons of money will be made from book sales after all this is over. Probably by the same ones who should have reported it in a timely manner as *breaking news*!
Comment by Mary Smith — April 22, 2007 @ 12:15 pm
Comment by catlover — April 22, 2007 @ 10:51 am
Sure, they COULD be on of the 5 and everyone says they are. They have not said on their US website where they got it. I doubt a worldwide company would buy from a distributor — they go direct. Their SA office bought direct.
They may have — they have not said they did — on their website. Based on those 2 theories, I still have my doubts.
If they bought direct, then there are still even more. And, with the FDA saying 5 states, 5 manufacturers, 7 locations, we are even more in the dark.
Comment by Kat — April 22, 2007 @ 12:16 pm
every pet lover should read this:
http://www.api4animals.org/fac.....amp;more=1
i learned too much! :(
thanks for this website
Comment by Melantha Tatum — April 22, 2007 @ 12:37 pm
The FDA and Homeland Security are not doing their jobs in violation of laws created by the Bioterrorism Act of 2001. Everyone responsible for this, including the President, should be held accountable for their incompetence.
Comment by Sharon — April 22, 2007 @ 12:37 pm
I can’t get myself to say the name correctly, Homeland Security. For some reason it always comes out Homeland Stupidity.
Comment by Gary — April 22, 2007 @ 12:41 pm
I’m going to need to purchase cat food within the next week. Needless to say, I’m scared about it. I’m still reeling about having bought Natural Balance Venison Dry cat food that my baby eats to control her skin allergy, only to find that NB changed the formula - with NO NOTICE, NO DISCLOSURE!
How do I know that the ingredients I’m reading on the side of the bag are indeed the ingredients INSIDE the bag?
Comment by Sofia — April 22, 2007 @ 12:42 pm
While googling Chenango Valley Pet Food (of NY) I found a Mkt Analysis of the US Pet Food Industry from 2003 which was done for cranberry use. Anyhow I thought this was interesting:
In the pet food industry, seven companies account for 86% of the market share. These
companies are Nestle Purina (30%), Hill’s Pet Nutrition (12%), Proctor & Gamble
(12%), Mars Inc/Masterfoods USA (11%), Ol’Roy (10%), Del-Monte Foods (7%), and
Nutro Products (4%). Of these 7, all are pet food manufacturers with the exception of
Ol’Roy, which is distributed by Wal-Mart and manufactured by numerous companies
including Doane Pet Care.
Comment by catlover — April 22, 2007 @ 12:45 pm
Kat - thanks for the reply! kat! ha! :)
Comment by Kat — April 22, 2007 @ 12:46 pm
As far as I can tell this is all old news. It all goes back to melamine. And of course it was intentionally added, it’s not naturally occuring. Money, Money, Money. And the Chinese just don’t have standards to preclude this kind of behavior. It was intentional and it caused sickness and death. All of you manufacturers need to stop buying from suppliers that get their stuff from China. And I won’t trust corn gluten in any product until each of the companies tell us where the corn was grown and where it was turned into gluten. It is not enough to say that you only buy from US companies any longer.
BTW I am cooking for my cat and I have learned a lot about canned cat food in particular. Even the very best is low on kcals compared to equivalent weight home cooked food. Which means for one you have to feed them more canned because it is lower quality protein. I don’t think I can make it for less money but I can make it for about the same money, and give her true human grade fresh high quality proteins and save fossil fuels by eliminating the cans!
Comment by Shawn — April 22, 2007 @ 12:51 pm
I remember reading this a few days ago when I was researching Royal Canin’s VAST websites. Thanks for the link. It could still be from the breakdown of melamine tho. But, you can buy both, individually online.
I REALLY think that the idiots in China who are manufacturing all these components of foods are not cleaning their equipment. They probably run one item after another. With 3.3% contamination (I think was the quantity found) it does not seem to me like the melamine was directly placed there, although it could have been to boost the protein.
Lax laws, poor quality control & careless handling in China are definately known. Plus, they hire emigrant workers to do who knows what… They have a bunch they haven’t even paid yet. The owner left town with the money. That was on one of the China newspapers a couple of weeks ago. It had their pitiful pictures.
Cooking din-din for my 5.
Comment by Kat — April 22, 2007 @ 12:56 pm
Here is a new post by Royal Canin, US
http://www.royalcanin.us/questionsandanswers.html
What are you doing to prevent this from happening again?
Royal Canin USA has added melamine to our standard testing protocols for all vegetable protein sources.
—-
I THINK THIS IS A VERY BAD IDEA !!
Can I donate the product or feed it to another animal?
NO, please discard the product in your normal garbage removal process.
Comment by Kat — April 22, 2007 @ 1:06 pm
Well I just logged on and see they are getting sneakier, switching to a Sunday morning drop instead of Friday night, this would make sense as Sunday mornings are typically being spent doing other things. What they dont seem to learn is that Pet Connection and the bloggers here will catch them no matter what, might as well face the facts FDA, PFI and pet food companies!
Comment by Sandi K — April 22, 2007 @ 1:10 pm
Sharon and Gary thank you. This fiasco goes all the way to the top just like Katrina. It is a national tragedy.
Homeland Security, FDA, FBI, by any other name spells the three Stooges.
Linda MS
Comment by Linda — April 22, 2007 @ 1:10 pm
Well, according to the Howl911 blog a few days ago:
http://www.howl911.com/
(SUPPLIER SHIPPED RICE PROTEIN TO UT, NY, KS & MO PLANTS 04/19/07)
And your comments above:
KS - CJ Foods (mfgs Blue Buff)
MO - Diamond in Meta, MO (NB)
MO - Royal Canin in St Charles
UT - ???
NY - ???
Utah could be: American Nutrition (Natural Balance contracts with AM for wet food).
New York could be: Chenango Valley Pet Foods, Eight In One Pet Products, Blue Seal
Comment by Jenny — April 22, 2007 @ 1:11 pm
I am thinking NY is either Chenango or 8in1 since they both belong to the PFI, who is the leash-holder of the FDA.
The UT must be American Nutrition, I don’t think there are any other co’s in Utah. They also belong to the PFI.
Comment by catlover — April 22, 2007 @ 1:18 pm
Thanks catlover! Also, Jenny! I did not know CJ Foods mfrs for Blue Buffalo.
Comment by Kat — April 22, 2007 @ 1:26 pm
Here is my email to Royal Canin, USA:
TO: info@royalcanin.us
Greetings!
I would like to know YOUR source for the Rice Protein Concentrate.
Did you purchase from China?
Was it an inter-company transfer?
Did it come from Wilbur-Ellis, or another distributor?
Thank you for your consideration,
Kat Lawson
Comment by Kat — April 22, 2007 @ 1:28 pm
CJ makes BB’s dry food.
Comment by catlover — April 22, 2007 @ 1:31 pm
I have 2 posts over on another board, but I’m going to post here as well.
The FDA has recently updated that previous import alert:
IA #99-26, 4/19/07, IMPORT ALERT #99-26, “DETENTION WITHOUT PHYSICAL
EXAMINATION OF WHEAT GLUTEN DUE TO THE PRESENCE OF MELAMINE”
PRODUCT: Wheat Gluten
PRODUCT
CODES: 02F[][]08 Wheat gluten
02E[][]06 - Wheat flour gluten
71M[][]01 wheat gluten
http://www.fda.gov/ora/fiars/o.....a9926.html
—————————
This is a food grade alert -
Here’s the RICE PROTEIN CONCENTRATE ALERT:
IA #99-28, 4/19/07, IMPORT ALERT #99-28, “DETENTION WITHOUT PHYSICAL
EXAMINATION OF RICE PROTEIN, RICE PROTEIN CONCENTRATE AND RICE GLUTEN DUE TO
THE PRESENCE OF MELAMINE”
TYPE OF ALERT: Detention Without Physical Examination
(Note: This import alert represents the Agency’s current guidance to FDA field
personnel regarding the manufacturer(s) and/or products(s) at issue. It does
not create or confer any rights for or on any person, and does not operate to
bind FDA or the public).
PRODUCT: Rice Protein
Rice Protein Concentrate
Rice Gluten
PRODUCT
CODES: 02D[][]12 Rice protein/rice protein concentrate
(human food use)
02D[][]13 Rice gluten (human food use)
71I[][]03 Rice protein/rice protein concentrate
(animal food use)
PROBLEM: Poisonous or deleterious substance
http://www.fda.gov/ora/fiars/o.....a9928.html
Comment by Kat — April 22, 2007 @ 1:34 pm
Re informative information from Bernie
Bernie, Please is there some way you can get your information to Senator Durbin? I really think that he needs to hear what you have to say. I don’t think the so called professionals, FDA, PFI are providing the senator with appropriate information.
Thank you!!
Comment by Peg — April 22, 2007 @ 1:38 pm
I’m very disappointed in Cat Fancy magazine.
Just got my June issue yesterday….Isn’t this still April??
Many, many, many advertisements from Purina….
Also from Blue
and nothing about a food recall and dying pets.
I doubt I’ll be renewing my subscription.
Comment by Peg — April 22, 2007 @ 1:41 pm
Okay, this week 3 of my 5 cats have vomited on California Natural. I spent the afternoon at various pet stores looking for yet something else they would like and that is safe. I ended up with NutriSource from Minnesota ~ supposedly locally produced with local ingredients, no fillers, yada yada, yada. Didn’t have phosphorus levels on the bag (or website) which will make a difference for my ARF kidden. Don’t want to suggest CalNat is tainted, but something didn’t agree with my cats! My question is has anyone else had any experience with NutriSource? The dog food is endorsed by Whole Dog Magazine (?) so that sounded good to me. HELP! I would appreciate any help, ideas, comments, thoughts. This whole thing is going to drive me ~ and my five cats ~ totally crazy! Won’t even matter then what any of us eat!!!
Comment by dottie — April 22, 2007 @ 1:54 pm
RE: Comment by catlover — April 22, 2007 @ 11:55 am
Thanks for the link to Pet Food Institute. I rarely go over there & really haven’t explored it much. I don’t remember them having much about the recall early on. Plus, I thought they’d just have a bunch of propaganda.
Sorry I missed your post. So many great posts! So little time. ;)
Comment by Kat — April 22, 2007 @ 2:37 pm
Gina, Christie, BlackDog WebMeistro, et al:
Is it possible to get a Google Search on the website? This is so we can “Google” key words within your site — for blog postings.
I know you have a search engine for your articles, but not the blog. The only way I can find anything — since it’s gotten SO BIG — is use “Find (on this page)” tool, on my computer.
I know they offer it, just register the site, then they give you a code, copy & paste it, upload it…wha-la, presto, done!
Just an idea. There are so many great posts, comments, links that they get lost. On a blog the threads aren’t showing with comments beneath, like a bulletin board.
Just an idea…
Kat
Comment by Kat — April 22, 2007 @ 2:50 pm
Humm - never heard of NutriSource - isn’t on the petfoodlist either. Any more info?
Comment by Jenny — April 22, 2007 @ 2:50 pm
NutriSource is made by KLN Enterprises. They also make Tuffy’s pet foods and a variety of human-type snacks. KLN’s website is http://www.klnenterprises.com/.
Comment by Marilyn — April 22, 2007 @ 2:57 pm
RE: Comment by Peg — April 22, 2007 @ 1:41 pm
What do you expect, with only 16 animals dead in 6 weeks???? Many do not even understand the magnitude.
I would have thought that the pet magazines would have been all over it. Ditto the not resubscribing! I’d let them know….
—-
When I was grocery shopping (more food for my 5) on Thurs, Bryant told the cashier/sacker/stocker that most of our purchase was because I’m making our own pet food. The guy said “Is that still going on? I thought it was all over.” duh!!! I proceeded to tell them that more recalls were coming & that the melamine was in the pig feed now. I thought the 3 peoples eye-balls were going to POP OUT!
Comment by Kat — April 22, 2007 @ 3:01 pm
Comment by Kat — April 22, 2007 @ 2:50 pm
“Is it possible to get a Google Search on the website — for blog postings.”
I’ll second that request. Or any type of search engine for the blog. There’s so much information contained here, it can make anyone a few fries short of a Happy Meal™ trying to keep up let alone bookmark.
It would be a highly useful feature to an already incredible site.
Comment by Ally — April 22, 2007 @ 3:08 pm
Just curious about Google. I read somewhere they are sensoring out any really controversial news from China. A while ago, I sent a pretty political email to someone and behold, “server busy try again later” message from Google. I have never gotten that message before or since. Hmmmm.. skeptical.
Comment by Gary — April 22, 2007 @ 3:12 pm
Doesn’t NutriSource cat food contain corn gluten meal?
Comment by Carole — April 22, 2007 @ 3:34 pm
For Carole: Yes. NutriSource cat for ingredients: Chicken, brewers rice, chicken meal, corn gluten meal, poultry fat(preserved with mixed tocopherols (a source of vitamin E) and citric acid), beet pulp, brown rice, tuna meal (a source of fish oil), phosphoric acid, natural liver flavor digest, brewers yeast, potassium chloride, alfalfa meal, tomato pomace, oat fiber, sunflower oil, flax seeds, dried egg product, salt, cranberry powder, choline chloride, dicalcium phosphate, tryptophan, DL Methionine, chelated minerals (iron proteinate, zinc proteinate, copper proteinate, manganese proteinate, cobalt proteinate), yeast culture(saccharomyces cerevisiae, enterococcus faecium, lactobacillus acidophilus, aspergillus niger, trichoderma longibrachiatum, bacillus subtillis), taurine, minerals (ferrous sulfate, zinc sulfate, calcium carbonate, zinc oxide, copper sulfate, manganous oxide, sodium selenite, mineral oil, calcium iodate, cobalt carbonate), chicory extract, vitamins (vitamin A acetate, vitamin D3 supplement, vitamin E supplement, niacin, pantothenic acid, thiamine mononitrate, riboflavin supplement, pyridoxine hydrochloride, folic acid, menadione sodium bisulfite complex (source of vitamin K activity), biotin, vitamin B12 supplement), Inositol, ascorbic acid (vitamin C), yucca schidigera extract, rosemary extract.
NutriSource Cat Food is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) Cat Food nutrient profiles for maintenance of adult cats.
Comment by Marilyn — April 22, 2007 @ 3:52 pm
Here is a site that lists companies that do private label pet food/supplies.
http://privatelabelsourcing.co.....s/petfood/
Comment by mal — April 22, 2007 @ 3:52 pm
I could be way off base on this, but I got to thinking about the time-lines I’ve seen and Chief Financial Officer, Mark Wien’s comment about why he couldn’t sell his units until Feb 16 (not to mention his lame excuse he didn’t know about anything until March 8).
The amount he received for selling his units didn’t seem like a lot of money to me. I suspect (and I could be wrong) he had previously dumped a good sized amount maybe 30 days earlier (around Jan.) and had to wait to dump some more without bringing too much attention to himself. Just a thought here.
I’d also like to find out who else may have dumped some units, a little here and there.
I think this time-line goes back a lot further than we’ve been told.
Comment by Kathi — April 22, 2007 @ 4:00 pm
I just emailed NutriSource about their supplier and country of origin of their corn gluten (and any other grain glutens). Will keep you all posted.
Comment by dottie — April 22, 2007 @ 4:04 pm
I still can’t get over that only 16 pet deaths are “officially” being listed. What if everyone who’s lost a pet to tainted food placed a stuffed animal in representation of their pet in front of the FDA’s door. Think they’d get it then?
Comment by Ally — April 22, 2007 @ 4:08 pm
Kathi, that’s a very good thought. I wondered why it didn’t seem like so much to me either.
Linda MS
Comment by Linda — April 22, 2007 @ 4:09 pm
I think one of the 5 manufacturers could very well be American Nutrition, who contracts with Natural Balance for all their canned foods, so I’m staying clear of all of their products. NB has lied, switched formulas, and included ingredients not on the labels. Stay away!
Comment by Nabiya — April 22, 2007 @ 4:10 pm
I read a web article in the Chicago Tribune that left me very sad that a vet would be so quick to discount that the contaminated food is the link to many sick and dead pets.
QUOTES FROM ARTICLE….
“When this first broke,” said Dr. Sheldon Rubin, director emeritus of Blum Animal Hospital in Chicago and past president of the Chicago Veterinary Medical Association, “I said we didn’t have any of the information yet, and [there was] no need to panic at that point. That still stands. Here we are weeks later and I still say the same thing. We don’t have all the information.”
As word of the recall spread, veterinarians saw an increase in clients. Still, Rubin said, blaming the pet food alone could be misguided.
“A lot of these people probably hadn’t been to a veterinarian for five or six years, or maybe never have been to a veterinarian,” he said, “and [they] suddenly decided, ‘Maybe we should check this out.’ And if you bring an older cat to a veterinarian, of course they’re going to have some kidney issues. There’s no question about it.”Kidney problems are indeed common in cats and dogs; it goes with the territory for pet owners.
Comment by rich — April 22, 2007 @ 4:24 pm
rich
Did the article mention how old this dinosaur is? When’s the last time he’s been to a vet’s office? Mine’s always crowded.
More people go to the vet’s during the last decade than I’ve ever seen in the past. And probably because of food related illnesses.
Comment by Kathi — April 22, 2007 @ 4:37 pm
Menu Foods
On Feb 5 and 8 there was unusually high trading going on. Very unusual for this company stock at that time.
02/08/07 6.650 6.650 6.600 6.600 400,000
02/06/07 6.800 6.840 6.800 6.840 1,760
02/05/07 6.690 6.800 6.690 6.800 281,367
02/02/07 6.690 6.690 6.690 6.690 100
02/01/07 6.700 6.700 6.610 6.610 4,000
Also in early December:
12/05/06 6.250 6.300 6.250 6.250 12,859
12/04/06 6.250 6.250 6.240 6.250 14,000
12/01/06 6.260 6.300 6.250 6.300 430,481
11/29/06 6.330 6.340 6.260 6.310 5,900
http://tinyurl.com/2kue46
From Itchmo’s timeline:
Late December, 2006:
Menu Foods may have started receiving complaints that its food is making some pets sick.
February 20, 2007:
Menu Foods receives the first of 6 customer reports that its food is making pets sick.
Big trading a few wekks before announced problems started to appear. Wonder if there is a connection?
Comment by mal — April 22, 2007 @ 4:48 pm
Comment by Ally: “I still can’t get over that only 16 pet deaths are “officially” being listed. What if everyone who’s lost a pet to tainted food placed a stuffed animal in representation of their pet in front of the FDA’s door. Think they’d get it then?”
Ally, that’s a great idea! So many of us can’t get to the march on the 28th. What if everyone who lost a pet or has had a pet become ill mailed a stuffed animal to the FDA to arrive on the Friday before the march (April 27th)?
To have maximum impact they’d all have to be mailed to one address and there would have to be media coverage lined up ahead of time. Each stuffed animal could be marked as to whether it represented a deceased pet or an ill pet and be marked with the real pet’s name.
Anyone remember that scene in “Miracle on 42nd Street” where the mail men dragged in bag after bag of letters to Santa and dumped them on the judge’s bench? Now, that was impact and it got the desired response.
Does anyone else think this could work? Is there any way to get this lined up this week?
Comment by Marilyn — April 22, 2007 @ 4:50 pm
I’d like to throw my two cents in re: the last few comments.
First, regarding the Menu Foods CFO selling stock, I truly believe that if he had sold stock in January as well, we would have heard about it by now - someone would have investigated that immediately… And I am guessing the SEC will also look at that. But keep in mind that executives do have blackout periods and it is very possible that it could not be proven that he did this because of the recall.
Also, if in fact he did sell in January, that could also work against anyone trying to prove he did it because of the recall.
Second, my previous vet mentioned to me numerous times how there were people who wouldn’t bring their animal to the vet unless it was near death and then they’d want him to fix it. So, I can understand what this vet is saying simply because there are millions of dogs and cats in this country, and yes, it does seem the vet is always crowded, but keep in mind just how many people own pets. Many don’t do vaccinations or regular checkups, etc. And some don’t care to spend the money.
My current vet’s office has not seen anything they can attribute to the pet food, not yet. Nor has the Banfield by my work.
As for the official count of animals who have died, keep in mind that the key word there is ‘official’. As far as the FDA is concerned, the have only been able to officially confirm 16, which will change once they review all the cases being submitted by vets. They cannot actually say that there are more “officially”, which is why they usually tack on a comment about how there are a lot more.
Comment by Carole — April 22, 2007 @ 4:51 pm
Ally and Marilyn
Sounds good to me. Maybe one of you could run the idea past a few other blogs, like itchmo’s, too.
Comment by Kathi — April 22, 2007 @ 4:58 pm
Carole
We’re not dealing with SEC rules. This would be OSC rules which are probably different.
And my thoughts were that small amounts can be sold over a period of time so as not to raise any suspicions. And what we’re learning about shipments as far back as June certainly increases the time-line we’ve been looking at that starts with a Feb 20 date.
Comment by Kathi — April 22, 2007 @ 5:04 pm
I’d like the stuffed animals idea better if we could find any that weren’t made in China.
Comment by Gina Spadafori — April 22, 2007 @ 5:05 pm
Dr Sheldon Rubin was Oprah Winfrey’s Vet:
Oprah Winfrey, pet owner
Although Dr. Sheldon Rubin has many clients, one client stands out—Oprah Winfrey. Many years ago, several of Oprah’s dogs had a problem that other vets had failed to diagnose. Dr. Rubin was able to quickly diagnose and successfully treat it.
“She was very thankful and appreciative,” he says. “She’s an outstanding client. As busy as her life is, her animals are really number one. And regardless of what she’s doing, she’ll always take time to do what’s appropriate to take care of them.”
For the past nine or 10 years, Dr. Rubin has taken care of Oprah’s two cocker spaniels, Sophie and Solomon, and has had the opportunity to appear on both the Oprah Winfrey Show and Oprah After the Show.
“I’ve been on her show a few times, and it’s quite a thrill,” he said.
http://www.uiuc.edu/overview/e.....sence.html
And she would not speak up about the pet food recall. Very interesting.
Comment by mal — April 22, 2007 @ 5:06 pm
Marilyn,
I’m in. We’ll need a mail to address asap to reach DC by Friday. Anyone have any ideas on which address to use for the FDA?
Comment by Nabiya — April 22, 2007 @ 5:06 pm
From the FDA’s website, under “Contact FDA”:
Food and Drug Administration
5600 Fishers Lane
Rockville, Maryland 20857
But I bet all mail goes to another building miles away to be sorted through before it ever reaches Fishers Lane….
Comment by Nabiya — April 22, 2007 @ 5:20 pm
Commeny by Gina Spadafori: “I’d like the stuffed animals idea better if we could find any that weren’t made in China.”
Excellent point! I just did a quick search on AOL for “stuffed animals”, made in the USA and came up with a number of listings where animals can be ordered.
It would be a great touch for every stuffed animal to be proudly wearing a “made in the USA” tag!
Any ideas on how we can make sure the packages even get opened? I can imagine that after the first few arrive, that the FDA might even stop accepting them. Should they maybe be mailed to someone / somewhere else where we can be sure they are collected and opened?
And does anyone know a media person who would be willing to give this coverage? We need the visual impact of all the stuffed animals together.
I may know a great idea when I hear one (kudos to Ally!), but I don’t know who to contact to make this happen effectively. Help.
Comment by Marilyn — April 22, 2007 @ 5:25 pm
The following website lists a few vendors who make stuffed animals in the USA: http://www.usstuff.com/toyanmls.htm
Comment by Marilyn — April 22, 2007 @ 5:44 pm
Here’s a better contact and address at the FDA, under the CVM (Center for Veterinary Medicine). Also, a description of this person’s position here:
The Center for Veterinary Medicine (CVM) Ombudsman investigates and seeks to resolve issues related to science and science-based policy decisions and for products under the jurisdiction of CVM. The CVM Ombudsman assists in resolving disputes with affected persons and groups both inside and outside the Center that have not been resolved by other means (e.g. CVM Program Policy and Procedures Manual, Guides 1240.2110 and 1240.2120 and/or through the established supervisory chain of command as stipulated in the Code of Federal Regulations Part 21, Section 10.75 (21CFR 10.75)
Ombudsman is a Scandinavian term that describes a special kind of grievance-handling official who investigates citizen’s complaints against administrative agencies. An ombudsman is an individual who handles disputes while operating in a neutral and confidential role. The ombudsman investigates complaints made by individuals inside and outside an organization, reports the findings and helps to achieve equitable solutions.
The Ombudsman also handles complaints concerning the way in which the Center’s science-based regulatory policies and certain administrative policies and procedures are implemented, and works to ensure that these are being applied fairly and equitably. For example, anyone who believes that someone at CVM has not followed proper good guidance practices (as per 21 CFR §10.115) may also ask the Ombudsman for assistance. More detailed information on the role of the organizational ombudsman can be found in an article that appeared in the May/June 2000 issue of the FDA Veterinarian.
How To Contact The CVM Ombudsman
Marcia K. Larkins, D.V.M
FDA Center for Veterinary Medicine
Ombudsman
7519 Standish Place HFV-7
Rockville, MD 20855
(240) 276-9015
Fax: (240) 276-9050
mlarkins@cvm.fda.gov
So send all the stuffed animals to Marcia’s attention?
Comment by Nabiya — April 22, 2007 @ 5:48 pm
Hi Nabiya, that was great that you were able to find the Ombudsman’s info.
I wonder if Christie or Gina can give us any advice on how to make sure that any stuffed animals sent there would not just be quietly placed in a back room or something.
If we’re going to get people from across the country to do this we need to ensure that there will be visual impact.
Ally’s idea was that people place them on the FDA’s door step. I like the mental image that makes. Except that most people don’t live close enough to do that. So that leaves mailing them there. But once they arrive in the mail room, will they ever be seen again? Do we need someone in Rockville, MD to collect them and take them to the FDA’s door step?
Comment by Marilyn — April 22, 2007 @ 6:01 pm
Wow. I had no idea my idea would get this much of a response!
Your enthusiasm truly blows me away!
What if the stuffed animals were mailed to a contact at the nearest media affiliate to ensure:
a). the media *was* involved
b). the animals DO make it to the FDA’s doorstep?
Obviously, this would mean whoever the media contact is, will be able to coordinate making this happen. Is anyone reading this from the immediate area of Rockville, MD, or have access to nearby media contact options?
Comment by Ally — April 22, 2007 @ 6:09 pm
Oops. Forgot something……I think it would have more impact if each stuffed animal had a picture of the ill or deceased pet attached.
Comment by Ally — April 22, 2007 @ 6:12 pm
Re: Comment by Peg April 22, 2007 @ 1:41 pm And Cat Fancy magazine:
Most magazines have about a 3 month or more lag-time. I would say that this is true also with Cat Fancy magazine.
It just takes that long to plan, produce, edit, print and mail out a magazine in todays world. The only ones that seem to do it faster are the major News Rags.
So don’t be too hard on them yet. If they NEVER mention it, then I’d surely take them to task. But for now, just wait and see.
Comment by Mary Smith — April 22, 2007 @ 6:14 pm
The stuffed animal idea is a fantastic one, and handled properly by folks with media savvy, it would get a lot of coverage.
Anyone in the D.C. area?
As for magazines … I ran into Cameron Woo of The Bark magazine at a charity event a couple days ago. He told me they’ve put coverage of the recall in their June issue, which will be out soon.
Comment by Gina Spadafori — April 22, 2007 @ 6:22 pm
There is an article, short and just lists the menufoods site but still SOMETHING being said, in this weeks Quick and Simple magazine.
I love the stuffed animal idea, if a HUGE pile of stuffed animals was delivered to the FDA and the media covered it, WOW.
You know, motorcycle clubs do toy drives for kids, think they would help out?
Or truckers?
A big rig full of stuffed animals showing how many have died?
All the memorials for every other disaster get the big press coverage-this is certainly a bigger death toll disaster than any of the others.
Comment by E. Hamilton — April 22, 2007 @ 6:32 pm
Pakages are tested first for hazzards and maybe they’d even tear the stuffed bears apart looking for malamine.
Linda MS
Comment by Linda — April 22, 2007 @ 6:39 pm
Re: the stuffed animals.
I am willing to bet if you mailed them they would not make it where you think they would. Remember, they would probably end up on a shipping dock or in a mailroom.
If I wanted to make an impact, I would contact a media person in MD or DC, I am sure there are some looking for a story to run with, and have them deliver them or at least meet up with the delivery.
Also, please keep in mind that if you mail them the FDA may also avoid opening them on the concern that something else could be packed with these animals, especially if someone wanted revenge.
Comment by Carole — April 22, 2007 @ 6:43 pm
Carole, exactly, which is why I suggested above to find a media person to coordinate this.
One would think there is a media person wanting to cover a story that could possibly have as much visual impact as this could. Imagine, a body of mixed stuffed animals, all sizes and colors, perhaps with pet’s pitures attached all piled up in front of the FDA……not too different then the variety of cats & dogs who become ill or lost their lives due to the tainted food.
One problem I suspect would be in finding a way to get past the FDA’s grounds security tp allow piling the animals. Even if it’s near the front door. Some place visible and in connection with the FDA.
Comment by Ally — April 22, 2007 @ 6:52 pm
Sorry - meant “pictures”, not pitures.
Comment by Ally — April 22, 2007 @ 6:53 pm
Sad but true: These days any business or agency would have to consider something like a stuffed animal as a possible threat.
One time, I was sent a dozen muffins at work. They were dropped off at the guards’ desk, when they were too busy to notice. Suddenly, they were just there. The note said, “Thanks, from one of your readers!”
The guards wouldn’t even allow the box up into the newsroom. And that was long before Oklahoma City, 9/11, anthrax, etc.
Comment by Gina Spadafori — April 22, 2007 @ 6:54 pm
Jenny,
Adding to your list-
Organix ultramix made by menu foods - rice protein concentrate- believe china source
Organix dry Ultramix CJ foods
Organix turkey canned organic rice protein concentrate
Comment by maddy — April 22, 2007 @ 7:00 pm
Well, maybe all the marches could end with a pile of stuffed animals? People who cannot march could ask that their pets be “represented” by a stuffed animal carried by a marcher or delivered to the ending site?
It might be easier to get a bunch of stuffed animals to a bunch of cities anyway and with a bunch of media reporting it would be real hard for them to ignore.
What do you think?
Comment by E. Hamilton — April 22, 2007 @ 7:07 pm
This is my suggestion.
Go to Kinkos and print up color postcards of your ill or dead pet, on the back put the pets name and what he/she died from, the food they were eating and the money spent on vet bills - make it a simple statistic.
Then put your name and contact info.
Make one request - to regulate the pet food industry better (or whatever)
No anger, no disgust, maybe sadness. You want to pull at their heartstrings.
Make up 10 postcards and mail them to the list that we all decide upon on a certain date: Head of FDA, President of the US, Senator Durbin, pet food companies, Wilbur Ellis, whoever you decided.
No packages, no evelopes that might be laced with whatever poison - postcards will be delivered.
Linda MS
Comment by Linda — April 22, 2007 @ 7:09 pm
I like that idea Linda, simple, cheap, it might work!
Comment by E. Hamilton — April 22, 2007 @ 7:14 pm
Yeah, I think it might work. Be sure the pets name is on there - makes it personal and then have all the members of the family hand sign the back of the postcard: And maybe Christie or Gina could do a media release or even send the post cards to ABC, NBC, and CBS since they have such a difficult time reporting on this.
Beloved pet and friend of -
Linda MS
Comment by Linda — April 22, 2007 @ 7:27 pm
Sad, isn’t it? Here we are just trying to get the FDA to stop with the 16 “official ” dead crap, the true numbers of our poisoned pets and we have to worry that the FDA will think WE poisoned stuffed animals.
Not that I would send a stuffed animal full of melamine to Sundlof- I would not do that to even a stuffed animal, of course, the pet food companies stuffed melamine into a lot of living pets!
What a twisted world this has become.
Comment by E. Hamilton — April 22, 2007 @ 7:29 pm
One copy has to go to media, just has to,and one to Durbin, one to FDA ombudsman, one to menu or whoever killed your pets (plenty to choose from there)and maybe one central point like (forgive me!)petconnection, so we can get the pictures and media coverage of the BIG pile O death the FDA can’t quite see.
Comment by E. Hamilton — April 22, 2007 @ 7:34 pm
Actually, there is a woman named Denise Dory who works at WMAR-TV in Baltimore, and ABC station, who beside hosting Good Morning Maryland. She is also a consumer investigator in a program called Call-2-Action. I am willing to bet she would take this on, in fact I bet you could send your postcards to her… It would have to make it to her show.
Below is some info about her:
You could say Denise Dory was destined for a career in broadcasting. For as long as she can remember she’s been a complete news junkie. As a child, she loved to watch the news with her mother and talk about the events taking place. She grew up in the shadow of the White House in Washington, DC For Denise, growing up in the nation’s capital was like watching history in the making. Denise’s career began in radio during college at the University of Hartford. She free-lanced as a reporter for a local station. After college her radio career continued with jobs in Delaware, North Carolina and Virginia. A television reporting job became available at the Richmond ABC affiliate, and a short time later Denise was also offered a weekend anchor job. Two years later, another job came calling and it was off to Cincinnati, where Denise anchored the noon and 5pm newscasts. After seven years Denise and her family were on the move again; next stop, Charlotte, North Carolina. While in Charlotte, Denise anchored the 5, 6 and 11pm newscasts. In 2002, the opportunity for Denise and her family to move back to this area was too hard to resist. Denise has been with WMAR ever since. She currently co-anchors Good Morning Maryland from 5 to 7am with Jamie Costello. Denise is also the station’s consumer reporter. Warning viewers about scams, helping resolve their issues with bad service or faulty products and putting cars and merchandise to the test are just a few of aspects of her job to help make viewers lives easier. Denise says she now has the best of both worlds. She, her husband, children and pets are surrounded by family and friends and she’s doing work that she loves. The bonus is getting an opportunity to meet fascinating people and lend her name and time to causes and organizations that are important to her.
Comment by Carole — April 22, 2007 @ 7:34 pm
http://tinyurl.com/2a2gsz
Above is the link to her info on WMAR’s website, and it is also where anyone can send an email to her.
Maybe if enough folks sent her an email, she’d take on the issue.
Comment by Carole — April 22, 2007 @ 7:40 pm
Ally, I like your idea of the stuffed animals a lot and maybe it can still work but we have to think of a way, in the meantime the postcards could get the ball rolling. Please do not see this as anything against your wonderful idea.
I was thinking that a charity who would get the stuffed animals after the fact might not be so weird about security and might be happy to let us “stage” the event somewhere.
The charity would get good press, the pile o death would get press, and then the stuffed animals would go on to do some good.
Comment by E. Hamilton — April 22, 2007 @ 7:41 pm
Originally, my idea had been to have a memorial at the FDA with photos of deceased pets much like you see when neighborhoods create a memorial after a fatal gang shooting or hit & run, etc. You know - the ones where there’s pictures, flowers, notes and candles?
The reason I suggested stuffed animals was because visually, they’d have a stronger impact then something flat like a photo. If I were a reporter, I’d see this as a huge career opportunity. Many, many people treat their pets and resultant relationships the same as those of human family members. This is heartbreaking, gut wrenching news. A reporter or local news media would be nuts to discard the opportunity. As opportunist as this sounds, this type of media exhibit is exactly what sells newspapers, magazines and/or gets people to tune in to their news stations.
Or what if people going on the march hook up with a local media contact to each carry the animals to the FDA?
Comment by Ally — April 22, 2007 @ 7:52 pm
E. Hamilton and others - we were cross posting so wanted to reply…
No offense taken. I’m amazed at the ideas being bantered about. The charity idea is also excellent and I love the idea of the animals being recycled for some good.
The most important thing is having our voice heard loud and strong with hopefully, with very pro-active media coverage.
People are beyond upset & angry. 16 deaths my patootie.
We all know the FDA knows the number far exceeds that amount.
But getting the opportunity to see it smack the FDA in their face, in front of the entire country via a newsfeed - that is something I’d dearly love to see.
Comment by Ally — April 22, 2007 @ 7:59 pm
The FDA is not going to let anything like that happen, they may not be able to trace all the incriminating info that the people here found so fast, the FDA may not be able to get the recall news out to people who do not use the internet, the FDA may not be able to figure out where all the poison went, the FDA may not be able to see what a crock the “clerical error” excuse made by menu foods is, the FDA may not be able to figure why CYANIDE kills pets,the FDA may not be able to figure out how many animals died even with people CALLING THEM WITH THE INFO because it seems the FDA cannot count, the list of what the FDA just can’t seem to do is pretty long and getting longer every day.
But tearing down a memorial- that I think they might manage. Or posting guards to make sure it does not go up in the first place. It is not like all the staff was busy keeping menu foods from shredding documents or destroying evidence. Sarcasm fully intended.
Comment by E. Hamilton — April 22, 2007 @ 8:09 pm
TOXINS AND THE GI TRACT:
Calling out to Nadine, Bernie, and all farmers, scientists, and people with knowledge of the delivery and digestion of toxins to the ruminant and the dog and cat. Please see Itchmo’s forum where I’ve started an outline, its objective is to demistify how our pets became ill. Please sontribute what scientific information you have - but keep it simple. Not all of us are rocket scientists!
http://64.79.216.38/~itchmo/fo.....opic=105.0
Comment by Lynn — April 22, 2007 @ 8:09 pm
Off Topic
So busy the last few days, but I can keep up thanks to Petconnection. I am glad to see so many new people posting here. Together our numbers can make a difference.
An email I received. Wanted to share.
A man and his dog were walking along a road on their way to heaven. The man was enjoying the scenery, when it suddenly occurred to him, that he had been walking a long time. He wondered where the road was leading them.
After a while, they came to a high, white stone wall along one side of the road. It looked like fine marble. At the top of a long hill, it was broken by a tall arch that glowed in the sunlight.
When he was standing before it he saw a magnificent gate in the arch that looked like mother-of-pearl, and the street that led to the gate that looked like pure gold. He and the dog walked toward the gate, and as he got closer, he saw a man at a desk to one side.
When he was close enough, he called out, “Excuse me, where are we?” “This is Heaven, sir,” the man answered. “Wow! Would you happen to have some water?” the man asked. “Of course, sir. Come right in, and I’ll have some ice water brought right up.” The man gestured, and the gate began to open. “Can my friend,” gesturing toward his dog, “come in, too?” the traveler asked. “I’m sorry, sir, but we don’t accept pets.” The man thought a moment and then turned back toward the road and continued the way he had been going with his dog.
After another long walk, and at the top of another long hill, he came to a dirt road leading through a farm gate that looked as if it had never been closed. There was no fence. As he approached the gate, he saw a man inside, leaning against a tree and reading a book. “Excuse me!” he called to the man. “Do you have any water?” “Yeah, sure, there’s a pump over there, come on in.” “How about my friend here?” the traveler gestured to the dog. “There should be a bowl by the pump.” They went through the gate, and sure enough, there was an old-fashioned hand pump with a bowl beside it.
The traveler filled the water bowl and took a long drink himself, then he gave some to the dog. When they were full, he and the dog walked back toward the man who was standing by the tree. “What do you call this place?” the traveler asked. “This is Heaven,” he answered. “Well, that’s confusing,” the traveler said. “The man down the road
said that was Heaven, too.”
“Oh, you mean the place with the golden street and pearly gates? Nope. That’s hell. Doesn’t it make you mad for them to use your name like that?”
“No, we’re just happy that they screen out the folks who would leave their best friends behind.”
Comment by DeeAnn — April 22, 2007 @ 8:15 pm
E. Hamilton - sarcasm indeed. Awesome post!
Honestly, I don’t care what idea is used.
I only want to see the point(s) made LOUD & CLEAR.
What has happened is not acceptable. Period.
But maybe I’m hoping for too much.
Perhaps that’s too simplistic for the FDA to follow.
Comment by Ally — April 22, 2007 @ 8:18 pm
DeeAnn, I missed your reply while posting mine above.
Great story. Sure puts things in perspective, eh?
Comment by Ally — April 22, 2007 @ 8:20 pm
Lets do BOTH ideas. We can organize the postcards to be mailed the day of the march. That can be done if we all pitch in, come up with a list and scurry all over the net letting folks know what we are doing.
Pictures of marchers mailing their postcards too, either before or after the march would be another photo op.
AND marchers who wanted to could carry stuffed animals and tell the media about the Pile O Death.
We could tie it all together and that would KEEP the ball rolling. A great big ball of smackdown.
And it would give us time to get the stuffed animals, decide on a place,spread the word, all that.
Not ONE EVENT but a string of them, marches, mailings, piles of pictures, and then a pile of stuffed animals.
Comment by E. Hamilton — April 22, 2007 @ 8:22 pm
Comment by Lynn — April 22, 2007 @ 8:09 pm
I have a collection of information from the blogs that I began to assemble today. How timely. I am not a chemist, but I followed the dots and made the connections. That’s how I did it on April 3rd. Bernie picked it up from what I had posted and put it into layman’s terms. I have Bernie’s blogs I can post. He explains it best. I have other info, too. I have been on this since 7:30 this morning and need to break for a few minutes first.
Comment by Nadine Long — April 22, 2007 @ 8:23 pm
Deeann,
Your story gave me goosebumps.
Comment by Nadine Long — April 22, 2007 @ 8:26 pm
I wrote emails and called several companies when the pet food recall broke, and they were not forth coming with info. I especially went after Menu like a rabid dog.
I told them they were under estimating us when it comes to our furry friends.
The pet food industry still does not get it, but they will.
Comment by DeeAnn — April 22, 2007 @ 8:27 pm
Comment by E. Hamilton — April 22, 2007 @ 8:22 pm
“Pile O Death”
Oooh. Now there’s a catch phrase if ever I heard one.
Comment by Ally — April 22, 2007 @ 8:27 pm
Oh, I like that E. Hamilton. That way people are aren’t in the march can also contribute.
Linda mS
Comment by Linda — April 22, 2007 @ 8:29 pm
Comment by Marilyn — April 22, 2007 @ 5:44 pm
I have a feeling that Russ Toys might do it for us. In the past, their offices were in Woodland Hills, CA. There is another one that might be helpful. I’ll look.
Comment by Nadine Long — April 22, 2007 @ 8:36 pm
OK, the Pile o Death it is.
1-We need to ask for a thread here to be made sticky (always on top)or with a link and ONLY for Pile O Death postcards and stuffed animal stuff and coordination.
2- List of places to send postcards and addresses
We have to decide on the final list by close of business tomorrow!
We will need every second to get this done so we have to work smart. Get the thread and we can do it.
3-Then we have to get that list of where we are sending the postcards to every pet site, memorial site, march site, anyone you can think of. The clock is ticking and we need to get after this.
Comment by E. Hamilton — April 22, 2007 @ 8:43 pm
E. Hamilton: I like it…we do both ideas. That gives us a little more time to get it all organized and to build it up. And many more people can participate.
Comment by Marilyn — April 22, 2007 @ 8:46 pm
We paid for the pet food that poisoned our pets, we paid for the vet care, we pay for internet access, we pay the taxes that are getting us sweet fark all in service from our government, we can all afford a few stamps right now to “educate” the FDA and the media on the REAL NUMBERS.
Let’s teach em how to count, shall we?
We need a dedicated thread for this, here or somewhere and we need it now.
Comment by E. Hamilton — April 22, 2007 @ 8:53 pm
I just logged on today and saw this post. I thought I would see some new revelation. What am I missing? I just see a rehash of what was already known in this FDA “up-date”! We still don’t know where all the rice protein concentrate went, so what was the point of this release?
Comment by Linda P. — April 22, 2007 @ 8:58 pm
A blog isn’t really set up for threaded discussion. I think itchmo’s new Forum would be a great place to develop this idea. It can be its own dedicated topic there:
http://64.79.216.38/~itchmo/forums/
Comment by Gina Spadafori — April 22, 2007 @ 9:02 pm
Gina, just a thought - is there any way Pet Connection would ever consider having their own forums? I realize it would take time to set up, but maybe for future use?
Comment by Ally — April 22, 2007 @ 9:08 pm
Thanks, I will start a Pile O Death thread there right now.
Meet up at itchmo!
Comment by E. Hamilton — April 22, 2007 @ 9:11 pm
This is me, twitching.
See, I used to run the Pet Care Forum on AOL. After I left, Christie ran it. Christie now runs a pretty nifty forum-based community, at PetHobbyist.com.
I have to say — and Christie will back me up on this — that I’m not temperamentally suited to running online forums. :)
But … let me see what the PetConnection team thinks of the forum idea. May be it’s something we need, to better serve all pet-lovers.
Comment by Gina Spadafori — April 22, 2007 @ 9:12 pm
Gina - ROTF at the twitching. Too f’ni.
Having been a moderator at a few forums, I can safely say you can’t pay me enough to do it again.
But I do appreciate you at least hearing me out. Earlier today, I echoed someone’s request for a search feature of the blog. That got me to thinking about having sticky threads to vital or interesting info. There is so much being shared here that I think forums might be the ticket. Or at least another venue for sharing info at this site. That plus a search feature for the blog.
I’m not too greedy am I?
*insert angelic smilie here*
;-)
Comment by Ally — April 22, 2007 @ 9:19 pm
I recently put my dog “little angel” Spencer to sleep due to Iams tainted food,I as many others am furious at the fact that I slowly poisoned him without knowledge. I am very upset and angry at Iams due to their lack of response. I have only had good feedback and response from the FDA and have been treated with the most utter respect from them not only from returned phone calls but also a full report when they visited to my home. I am very much interested in a protest march if there is going to be one. Please email me with any info
at partyadv@aol.com
Comment by Jeanette — April 22, 2007 @ 9:22 pm
Here ya go! Someone was looking (or wishing) that a celebrity would step-up-to-the-plate & help with the pet food recall. Well, how about 2 Playboy Playmates??? The Barbi Twins!
BARBI TWINS SUE PET FOOD FIRMS
Busty pin-up twins SIA and SHANE BARBI have filed a class action lawsuit against pet food manufacturers Purina, Nutro and Del Monte alleging their products killed their beloved cat. The Barbi Twins claim their beloved pet Dearest died after eating contaminated pet food. And the former Playboy Playmates are asking for unspecified damages to cover veterinary bills, attorneys’ fees and other costs, including burial and disposal costs, according to TMZ.com. Menu Foods, another of the firms listed in the class action suit, recalled 60 million cans and pouches of pet food in March (07), after discovering a chemical in their food was found to have caused kidney damage in cats and dogs.
23/04/2007 01:51
They’ll be out talking about it — for sure!
Comment by Kat — April 22, 2007 @ 9:36 pm
ooops! Here’s the link for the Barbi Twins lawsuit:
http://tinyurl.com/2tvsxz
Comment by Kat — April 22, 2007 @ 9:39 pm
And I wanted just ONE with a nice rack to wear a t-shirt and get us some publicity, two with…er..ample assets is good. maybe i can figure out who their agent is and send them t-shirts about the march!
Got to work on the postcard blizzard over at Itchmo, later.
Thanks for the info!
Comment by E. Hamilton — April 22, 2007 @ 9:46 pm
Yahoo! Photos of pets & recall info.
http://tinyurl.com/3bk3ng
Comment by Kat — April 22, 2007 @ 9:46 pm
Everyone that is interested in the Pile-o-death postcard blitz, please come on over to Itchmo and help us develop it, please. We need ideas and fingers on the keyboards. You do have to register to participate in the forums (no cost). Once you are registered, the easiest way to find the post card forum is to type in the word “pile” in the search field. It will take you right to us.
Comment by Marilyn — April 23, 2007 @ 4:42 am
If we can pull this off, it will really help others see the full scope of this situation. Even now I see at our clinic that many of our clients do not realize that there are still recalls going on. Just Friday one lady told me she had checked for her pet’s food on the list and she knew it wasn’t on it. She had checked the very first list that had come out, but thought that was the end of it. Fortunately, her dog’s food still is not on the list and hopefully never will be. But people need to know more about what is going on.
Comment by Marilyn — April 23, 2007 @ 4:46 am
“Check out the BILJAC website. Available now in Phoenix at PetsSmart.
Comment by Anne in Phoenix — April 22, 2007 @ 10:02 am”
BilJac has BHA (artificial preservative) in it. Thanks anyway.
Comment by Pamela J. Betz-Baron — April 23, 2007 @ 4:49 am
To ALL:
That is a genius idea about sending stuffed animals! If it’s not already here….I had a thought to be sure ALL animals arrive at the same place for full impact. What about sending them all to ANDERSON COOPER at CNN “en masse”??? Since he did a good job on the story, and that station ran the big crawl with all the brands for a few days, wouldn’t HE report on getting hundreds, thousands of stuffed animals to represent the pets who became ill or died? And with a photo of the “real” pet. I’d be very willing to pitch in and contact all the pet owners on both my e-mail list and those not online. In fact, I’ll give up any of my “piggy bank” for things like makeup or books, or QVC and will make it very easy and sure that they get there by getting permission to use their name and send a BUNCH of stuffed animals FOR them in one, big box! So long as a decision is made about where to let them land….I’ll do it! - Eileen
Comment by Eileen — April 23, 2007 @ 5:43 am
RE: ALLY: Send Stuffed Animal to FDA to Represent a Pet Lost to Pet Food Recall
MY “WINDOW CLING” IDEA IS BELOW: USE OUR CARS!
Ally, the official number of “16” bothers me, too. That’s why WE ALL need to have a “VISUAL” that gets the message out to even more people. Yes, we, here, are aware of what’s truly occurring, but are the rest of the people?
What better place to get the word out than using OUR CARS? Look at the advertisers that pay people to “wrap” their cars with vinyl peel-off advertisements and drive them around. We CAN get our message out! How many cars are behind us or beside us each time we commute to work, drive to the store, or take the kids to school or a gamepractice after school?
The “send the stuffed animal” to the FDA is a good idea, but I think the FDA will let it roll off their shoulders without a thought and our “outside” viewing audience will not be any larger for it.
I think the way to garner attention is to get more people involved/aware of what is really going on and to get them to speak out to their government officials.
I’m working on a “window cling” to leave in my rear car window:
**********************************************
**********************************************
My Window Cling:
Pet Food Recall: Unconscionable!
4,444 (Self-reported) Deaths, Still Counting
Let the Government Hear Your Voice!
*********************************************
*********************************************
I worked in WordPerfect in 40 point font, boldfaced and could fit everything on 3 lines, using .03” margins for my printer setting.
I just need to spray it with a UV spray from the art store and “laminate” it with clear shipping tape. On the inside of the rear window, I’ll wedge a corner under my red center brake light and another corner under the rubber strip that holds my window tight.
While I’m at it, I’ll make one for my side window, too.
If and when it starts to fade, I’ll keep darkening the letters with a permanent marker! I’m too far away for a local pet march on April 28, so this is my way of drawing attention to this atrocity!
I’m just surprised that someone who has the window cling making machine or bumper sticker making capability hasn’t come forward to make some money. If we had someone here with those capabilities, how many of us would not purchase a bumper sticker or window cling for $2 or $3? I think we’d all buy one! Anyone?
**************from Ally********************
I still can’t get over that only 16 pet deaths are “officially” being listed. What if everyone who’s lost a pet to tainted food placed a stuffed animal in representation of their pet in front of the FDA’s door. Think they’d get it then?
Comment by Ally — April 22, 2007 @ 4:08 pm
Comment by petlover — April 23, 2007 @ 6:13 am
Wow…. “pile o’ death! Great idea Ally. The postcards too. I am going to make mine today. I began a letter of Maudigan starting with the day I purchased the “possible” tainted bag of dog food. One that touches the heart of the story. All goverment officals in my state and city will be getting one, including the President. I like the post card idea. Short to the point, memorial(age, breed,ect), cause of death, brand of food, UPC code, best if used by date, case number of case with company, vet’s office he was treated at, with that handsome picture of my dog on it. Also something to the effect that our goverment has to hear our barks, growls, purrs and meows for we are pack now. All of us that have watched our pets deaths or fight for their lives.
Question, petconnection is keeping an “Unoffical count” of pet deaths and illness I have tried to find this count on this site. Anyone know this number. Oh how about a memorail page here? With a tally count on the added pets as it grows. Could something like this be forwarded to anyone that should be seeing it? On the march day or monday following. News media… talk shows… Cooper Anserson. Also video of the marches on you tube. I am going itchmo to see how this is devoloping there. Maybe the stuffed animals could be sent any of the vet’s that are activists or the celebrity angle “barbi twins” anyone contact the “Dog Whisperer”. Maybe he’ll take the stuffies, wouldn’t that be wonderful, he might even have enough room to have a memorail set up for it, that is seen on his show. After the real recalls are announced we’ll have more support from this avenues.
Comment by Maudigan — April 23, 2007 @ 6:18 am
I liked sending the stuffed animals to Anderson Cooper better. By me, the Dog Whisperer (Cesar Milan) is only airing once per week, and it’s the same 6 or 8 episodes repeated. Anderson Cooper could at least do a quick blurb noting that he received 8,000+ stuffed animals.
I love when we brainstorm!! Keep it coming!
Comment by petlover — April 23, 2007 @ 6:22 am
TO MAUDIGAN: UNOFFICIAL PET COUNT: 4,444 as of today
Comment by petlover — April 23, 2007 @ 6:23 am
I almost fainted and the goose bumps won’t go away, my hair is raised down the center of my back and I feel the growl raising in my throat, 4,444. And that is still low, due to all those who don’t have internet.
I wonder too, I thought I reported my dog here in those first days after his death. There is this huge cloud of grief between then and now. Is there a way I could make sure I did?
Comment by Maudigan — April 23, 2007 @ 6:29 am
Great Idea, here is what I could find:
“Dog Whisperer” Cesar Millan
Online Contact form: http://cesarmillaninc.com/contact/contact.php
Business contact:
Dog Psychology Center of Los Angeles
Tel: (323) 235-3431
I guess someone will have to call to get the mailing address; they don’t seem to have it on the site.
Comment by Peggy — April 23, 2007 @ 6:33 am
I was thinking the “pile o’ death” could end up at the “Dog Whisperer“‘s place in the end. “Pet food recall of 2007 memorial” least they forget. Those shows coming out in 6 to 8 weeks, that little image as he passes by it training dogs all summer long.
Comment by Maudigan — April 23, 2007 @ 6:37 am
Maybe the FDA has already taken this into their usual careful consideration and I am just too dumb to get through all their weasel words but WHEN ARE YOU, FDA, GOING TO GET AROUND TO ALL THE OTHER POISONED VEGETABLE MATTER IMPORTED FROM CHINA??? It CANNOT be only wheat and rice… test everything please… for example, just off the top of my head… what about CORN, what about SOY, what about BEET FIBER SHRELK? You FDA people opened Pandora’s box, now FIX IT.
Comment by Cynthia — April 23, 2007 @ 6:54 am
Please come to the itchmo forum to help decide and give us ideas, we MUST find a central media contact and have the address by the end of today for this to work. Any ideas?
Please contact anyone in the media, with an animal slant to their work would be nice but NOT a requirement, first one who we can get to agree is it.
Postcards will be mailed the day of the Keep Our Pets Safe march- April 28.
Comment by E. Hamilton — April 23, 2007 @ 8:57 am
HOW COME MY SON’S FRIEND ALL OF A SUDDEN WHEN I ASKED HIM IF HE WANTED SOMETHING TO EAT HE SAID HE IS ALLERGIC TO WHEAT GLUTEN? AND SO IS HIS MOM ALL OF A SUDDEN? THIS MAKES ME WONDER??????
Comment by Georgeann Heckman — April 23, 2007 @ 4:44 pm
Georganne, sounds like this family has Celiac Disease. They are allergic to wheat gluten, and maybe wheat too, I’m not exactly sure.
Comment by catlover — April 23, 2007 @ 5:15 pm
CBS News Katie Couric is doing segment on Food Poisoning right now!
Comment by Barb — April 23, 2007 @ 6:02 pm
Is FDA Capable of Keeping Food Safe?
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories.....9464.shtml
Comment by Barb — April 23, 2007 @ 6:08 pm
Keep in mind that “Whisperer” is usually only viewed by mostly people who have/are really “into” pets. Anderson Cooper has the entire audience of CNN.,,and would no doubt reach millions of more people world-wide. If it’s public awareness you really want, for everybody and not just those with a “special interest” in pets….any of the “pet” programs won’t get it. It’s just a thought….I only mentioned Cooper because of how much he’s already done and his familiarity with the issue. ANY big media reporter might do….but many are not as “in to” it as Cooper has been.
Eileen
Comment by Eileen — April 24, 2007 @ 7:30 am
I did talk to someone at Ceaser Millan Dog Pyschology center today. He liked Ally’s “pile o’ stuffies idea. They too are extremely concerned about this issue, with their own animals being watched like hawks in the ever expanding pet food recall. Also feel for all of us who have lost pets, many fans are calling in to tell their stories of their pet. They may be willing to “adopt” our “pile o’ stuffies”. I was told to contact his publisist about this, powerofthepack@aol.com and any other ideas you all have. Ceaser getting a few thousand stuffed animal wouldn’t go unnoticed. Let me know, wanted input about this before I write into this publisist. No word from Cooper Anderson yet.
Comment by Maudigan — April 24, 2007 @ 1:35 pm
I did talk to someone from Ceaser Milan Dog Pyschology Center today. He liked Ally’s “Pile o Stuffies” idea and would like to hear more ideas of this nature from you all brianstorming here. May be willing to adopt our “Pile o Stuffies”. I am to contact his publist at powerofthepack@aol.com, wanted to check in here before doing so. I still haven’t heard from Cooper Anderson yet.
Ceaser has been recieving many calls from fans that have had pets effected by this ongoing recall. It was clear they are on side, watching their own pack like hawks and worried daily. Well what do you all think? Their willing to hear our ideas.
Comment by Maudigan — April 24, 2007 @ 1:41 pm
May I give a teeny bit of advice?
Comment by Eileen — April 25, 2007 @ 5:37 am
May I give a teeny bit of advice? Because I totally hate “horn tooting”, I don’t like to go into details, but for 14 years I was head of a national “social service” corporation for the entire state of NJ, worked publicity, press relations, and public awareness programs, among other things. So,I’m talking from 14 years of “front line” experience with all forms of media, including network TV, cable/local TV, radio and newsprint. You DO NOT “advance ask/notice” Anderson Cooper….you just BOMB him with them. The element of “surprise arrival’ is the exact thing that catches the attention - simply because it’s unexpected, unsolicited, and NEW and different. As cold as this might sound, “just those pet people” will not get the same results as “pet people and non-pet owners” would. And THAT is why you need to really need a NON “pet show” - that’s already preaching to the choir. When it’s from people that are NOT personally involved, THAT moves media and politicians as well as corporations. Think of it as “guerilla warfare”….when the quick HIT and the element of surprise rule - it may sound very nutty, but to learn how to “fight the big foe”, read a little bit on the Campaigns of Alexander the Great. This is actually one of the best forms of “education” for “tactic fighting” big business and politics. No kidding.
Eileen
Comment by Eileen — April 25, 2007 @ 5:47 am