Pet-food recall: Pet food, people food and protection of the most basic sort

By Gina Spadafori

April 27, 2007

  • If you have a sick pet or a question on your pet’s health, call your veterinarian.
  • If you’re new to the site, please check out our general information page (includes information on recalled foods).
  • If you want to report a sick or deceased pet, click here.

My home town of Sacramento is considered one of the places most likely to have to deal with a catastrophic flood such as the one associated with Hurricane Katrina. We live here protected by levees built decades ago. But before Katrina, we tended to ignore the seriousness of flood protection, and the levees — well, they were probably good enough, right?

Since Katrina, flood-protection has become a serious issue here. We no longer trust that the agencies who are supposed to be building, caring for or repairing the levees are up to the task. When the rivers rise now, we watch the levees not with confidence, but with fear.

It’s like that some times, when it take a tragedy to wake people up. I’m hoping that’s what’s happening now, and that people really are starting to ask questions and demand answers about how the food supply is being protected.

Ricardo Alonso-Zaldivar of the Los Angeles Times takes up that issue today, and the answer isn’t comforting:

WASHINGTON — After Sept. 11, 2001, the Food and Drug Administration developed a comprehensive plan to guard the nation’s food supply against tainted imports, which were seen as a serious security threat. But nearly six years later, the plan has languished because of a lack of official will and tight federal budgets, according to former senior officials involved in formulating the strategy.

That pains lawmakers and others as they deal with the discovery of chemicals used to make plastics and treat swimming pool water in pet food ingredients imported from China. The contamination is believed to have killed or sickened hundreds of animals, forcing the recall of more than 100 brands of pet food. Similar ingredients common in humans’ food are imported with little government supervision.

“It was a bitter pill to swallow,” said Benjamin L. England, a former FDA regulatory lawyer who worked on the plan for the agency’s enforcement branch. “I’m disappointed that they are basically sitting on the solution.”

Many members of Congress are now demanding action. But a blueprint for dealing with the security concern already has been drafted.

After the 2001 terrorist attacks, the government and experts developed protections against an array of threats. But as time passed without new attacks, the sense of urgency drained away. In the case of foodstuff, the FDA’s Import Strategic Plan fell victim to budget constraints, competing priorities and government inertia.

“The bottom line is that the United States is being overwhelmed with food imports, and they are not being screened by the FDA,” said William Hubbard, a former FDA associate commissioner for policy and planning.

“A lot of time and effort went into it, and the best minds of the agency were brought in,” he said of the import protection plan. “It wasn’t approved or disapproved. It was basically, ‘We can’t do this because we have no money. This is all good stuff, and it should be done, but we don’t have money.’ “

Here’s the rest (need a log-in?).

Look, levees are boring. Food safety is boring. But we all gotta eat and some of use don’t know how to swim. Get active, and ask for the government we deserve — one that protects us, at the most basic levels. Let your elected respresentatives know you care about food safety, for people and pets alike.

And for your friends down river, put in a good word for flood protection, too. Or send me a boat, whatever.

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Filed under: 2007 food recall, animals: pets, news — Gina Spadafori @ 10:59 am

321 Comments »

  1. NEW RECALL: Mulligan Stew and Canine Caviar Dog Food Recalled

    Itchmo has learned that the list of foods recalled by American Nutrition has expanded to include the following 4 dog food items:

    * Mulligan Stew Chicken 13.2oz
    * Mulligan Stew Turkey 13.2oz
    * Canine Caviar Gourmet Beaver 13.2oz
    * Canine Caviar Gourmet Turkey 13.2oz

    Comment by Steve — April 27, 2007 @ 11:08 am

  2. American Nutrition. Any affiliation?

    http://www.americannutrition.com/

    Comment by Steve — April 27, 2007 @ 11:36 am

  3. Steve, I think this is the homepage for the American Nutrition that makes the pet food:

    http://www.anibrands.com/index.html

    I think the other company is just vitamins - unrelated?

    That address takes you to a page that still declares “no recalled products”, but here’s the link on itchmo’s recall announcement that lists all the recalls:

    http://www.americannutritioninc.com/

    Comment by cerridwen — April 27, 2007 @ 11:43 am

  4. Just posted on MSN HEALTH NEWS

    U.S. Quarantines 6,000 Hogs Fed Tainted Pet Food

    But some contaminated meat may have entered human food supply, agriculture officials say
    By Steven Reinberg, HealthDay Reporter

    At the same time, U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) officials said that meat from 345 hogs that ate tainted feed has already entered the U.S. food supply, the Associated Press reported.

    The quarantined hogs are on farms in California, New York, South Carolina, North Carolina, Utah, Kansas, Oklahoma and Ohio, the AP said. And the USDA reported that swine from slaughterhouses in Kansas and Utah may have entered the food supply. Government officials, however, consider the threat to human health to be very low.

    The swine are thought to have been exposed to food contaminated by two chemicals, melamine and cyanuric acid, that was sent as salvage by companies who have had to recall massive quantities of dog and cat food as the pet food recall rolls on.

    Comment by ashlee — April 27, 2007 @ 11:47 am

  5. ANI makes their own pet products as well:

    Atta Boy
    Atta Cat
    Basic Plus
    Maintain Chunks
    Vita Snacks
    Vita Bone

    Natural Harmony Cat Litter

    http://www.anibrands.com/products.htm

    If they used tainted product for private label did they use it in their own??

    Comment by mal — April 27, 2007 @ 11:49 am

  6. Company Profile: American Nutrition, Inc

    Year Started:1972

    State of Incorporation:UT

    URL:www.anibrands.com

    Location type:Headquarters

    Stock Symbol:N/A

    Stock Exchange:N/A

    Also Does Business As:N/A

    NAICS:Dog and Cat Food Manufacturing; Ground or Treated Mineral and Earth Manufacturing

    Est. Annual Sales:$192,472,067

    Est. Employees:150

    Est. Employees at Location:N/A

    Contact Name:Jack Behnken

    Contact Title:Chairman Of The Board And President

    Comment by Steve — April 27, 2007 @ 11:53 am

  7. Ground or Treated Mineral and Earth Manufacturing
    http://www.researchandmarkets......_id=451771

    “This U.S. industry comprises establishments primarily engaged in calcining, dead burning, or otherwise processing beyond beneficiation, clays, ceramic and refractory minerals, barite, and miscellaneous nonmetallic minerals.”

    So: what garbage they collect that they can’t turn into pet food they compost into dirt??

    Comment by Peggy — April 27, 2007 @ 12:05 pm

  8. I’m sorry to ask this on this blog topic, but what number are people calling to talk to the FDA about particular foods and possible recalls? Thank you very much. (I searched and can’t find the #.)

    Comment by petlover — April 27, 2007 @ 12:05 pm

  9. We REALLY need to start a postcard blitz of all these people now…Maybe next weekend?

    Comment by Joyce — April 27, 2007 @ 12:08 pm

  10. I posted this in another thread - but worth posting here also under the new “people food” topic…

    Here is what I received back on 4/26 from Abbott Laboratories/Ross Division regarding possible sourcing of product ingredients in their baby formula (we use the Similac Isomil Soy Based Formula)

    **also worth noting - i did not mention ChemNutra at all in my inquiry, looks like they were prepared to answer concerns about this.

    —-

    Thank you for contacting Abbott’s Ross Products Division.

    The safety of our products and the ingredients used to make them are the
    top priority of Abbott Nutrition. We work continuously to ensure that
    our products are of the highest quality.

    We work closely with our suppliers to ensure the quality and safety of
    our ingredients. Once the ingredients are received, they are inspected
    and extensively tested. We do not source any protein ingredients in any
    of our infant formula or ready-to-drink products from China. In
    addition, ChemNutra is not a supplier for any of the products that we
    manufacture in our own production facilities.

    Ensuring product quality, safety and integrity is the top priority of
    our company and our employees.

    Should you have any additional questions or concerns please feel free to
    contact our Consumer Relations Department at 1-800-227-5767 (Monday
    through Friday 8:30 AM - 5 PM, Eastern time.

    Please let us know if we can be of further assistance.

    Sincerely,
    Consumer Relations
    Abbott’s Ross Products Division

    Comment by starrvox — April 27, 2007 @ 12:08 pm

  11. CANIDAE - I just talked to John at the company. They verified. . .wet food made at Evangers. Dry at Pied Piper in Texas. They have their own equipment at the Pied Piper facility. All batches of their food are always tested prior to release, too.

    Comment by Bonnie — April 27, 2007 @ 12:12 pm

  12. Does anybody know who makes Timberwolf Organics Serengeti cat food? I emailed them and they won’t say. Said it’s proprietary. I appologize if this has been discussed here. I looked all over and can’t find it. Thanks!

    Comment by Michelle — April 27, 2007 @ 12:15 pm

  13. GUELPH, Ont. (CP) - Scientists at the University of Guelph say they have discovered a chemical process that may explain how pets in Canada and the United States were affected by contaminants discovered in recalled pet food products last month.

    They found that melamine and cyanuric acid - compounds identified as contaminants in the gluten that was used in the recalled pet food - react with one another to form crystals that may block kidney function.

    Tests conducted at the university’s laboratory identified these crystal-like substances in the kidneys and urine of affected animals.

    Further experiments showed that the chemical composition of the crystals that are formed when these two compounds interact matches the composition of urinary crystals removed from affected animals.

    The scientists believe the findings may provide evidence of a link between these compounds and the deaths of pets exposed to contaminated food.

    One researcher says the findings explain how two compounds that weren’t dangerous on their own could become toxic when they react together.

    http://www.cjad.com/node/518351

    But why the 2 separate compounds. Melamine is used to boost the protein content but why the cyanuric acid ???

    Any thoughts??

    Comment by mal — April 27, 2007 @ 12:16 pm

  14. Bonnie

    CANIDAE - are these locations good or bad. . .???

    Thanks.

    Comment by ashlee — April 27, 2007 @ 12:18 pm

  15. Anyone know who makes Merrick?

    Comment by Boopadaboo — April 27, 2007 @ 12:19 pm

  16. Anyone know who makes Merrick?

    Comment by Boopadaboo —

    From The Pet Food List:
    All Merrick foods, dry, canned, and treats are made in their own facility. (Which I think is in Texas.)

    Comment by Michelle — April 27, 2007 @ 12:22 pm

  17. Comment by mal — April 27, 2007 @ 12:16 pm

    Yes, there are explanations for this in early blogs starting around April 3rd. You’ll have to go back and look for “urea+formaldehyde=melamine” and related information followed by more precise explanations by Bernie through the threads. The language is technical but the process is simple:chemical transition takes place in the digestive system resulting in something such as cyanide poisoning.

    Comment by Nadine Long — April 27, 2007 @ 12:29 pm

  18. Ashlee. . . have not had any recalls yet from those.

    Comment by Bonnie — April 27, 2007 @ 12:29 pm

  19. Thank you. I did look at that when I first decided to go with Merrick. I just get more and more upset by all this!

    Comment by Boopadaboo — April 27, 2007 @ 12:33 pm

  20. how did this horrific thing happen? my god! Ihave a dying cat, who knew that noone cared about our pet food? and how does one know which food is bad? example, friskies, I dont see it on any list! yet the vet tells me it has something to do with my cats kidney failure, could some foods be under other names?

    Comment by toni edwards — April 27, 2007 @ 12:55 pm

  21. Comment by Nadine Long — April 27, 2007 @ 12:29 pm

    Mal, you can find a few of Bernies comments at these links:

    From this blog: http://tinyurl.com/2bv5tu
    Re Comment by Bernard J. (Bernie) Starzewski ¡ª April 16, 2007 @ 11:41 am

    Comment by Bernard J. (Bernie) Starzewski ¡ª April 16, 2007 @ 12:32 pm

    Comment by Bernard J. (Bernie) Starzewski ¡ª April 16, 2007 @ 2:21 pm
    _______________
    Bernie
    Comment by Bernard J. (Bernie) Starzewski ¡ª April 16, 2007 @ 3:10 pm

    Comment by Bernard J. (Bernie) Starzewski April 16, 2007 @ 7:38 pm

    Comment by Bernard J. (Bernie) Starzewski April 16, 2007 @ 9:51 pm
    ________________________

    New blog: http://tinyurl.com/2ypkq2

    1. 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 page is ripe with references to NPN and how you can get different colors and it doesn’t 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 ammonia 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 acid 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 Chinese?
    Geez!
    Get a clue people!
    Getting a little frustrated here with having to repeat this again and again…
    Bernie Comment by Bernard J. (Bernie) Starzewski — April 19, 2007 @ 11:35 am

    __________________

    Comment by Barb — April 27, 2007 @ 1:05 pm

  22. Comment by mal — April 27, 2007 @ 12:16 pm

    “But why the 2 separate compounds. Melamine is used to boost the protein content but why the cyanuric acid ???

    Any thoughts??”
    ——-

    Yes… someone* answered your question here yesterday by posting a link to a Japanese research paper from 1954 describing a method of synthesizing melamine from urea. The synthesis proceeds in the following steps, producing three intermediate products.

    urea -> cyanuric acid -> ammelide -> ammeline -> melamine

    Note that the intermediate products cyanuric acid, ammelide, and ammeline are the three additional contaminants reported several days ago. As the original poster of this info pointed out, it is extremely plausible that poorly-made melamine could be contaminated with these intermediate products — thus not pure enough for making plastic products with. This otherwise unusable melamine might be salvaged by adding it to wheat gluten to increase the nitrogen concentration, thus making the gluten appear higher in protein when using a simple nitrogen assay.

    *(unfortunately, I don’t have time to hunt down the original illuminating post)

    Comment by David — April 27, 2007 @ 1:09 pm

  23. Last night I’d emailed Wysong with a list of questions. Received reply back this afternoon. Although each of my questions was not answered, I was given Wysong’s home page where they have a question and answer page. Reading it, I have pro & con feelings. Logically it makes sense but emotions still play into the comments. (my emotions) I’m not advocating anything about Wysong. Just checking it out for my own knowledge. The company’s contact did say if after reading the information put out, if I still had questions, they would be answered. I don’t know how to put the information for someone to just click on and go to the site so I’ll just type it in if anyone is interested. http://www.Wysong.com

    Comment by VJ — April 27, 2007 @ 1:10 pm

  24. Merrick Pet Foods + Family Values?
    I’ve read the thread at dogster. Phooey on Merrick. They’re helping to contaminate the world with their take on family values.

    The Merricks own a ministry that’s against blacks, jews, gays, and so fourth.

    Just know what you are supporting when you buy their pet food! Must read…
    http://www.dogster.com/forums/.....d/364110/1

    Comment by Mike — April 27, 2007 @ 1:13 pm

  25. Toni, I am so sorry about your cat. Personally I don’t think all the contaminated foods have been recalled. I have heard people complain about several foods that are not part of the recall yet. If your vet believes Friskies made your cat sick, please make sure it gets reported to the FDA.

    Comment by Brandi — April 27, 2007 @ 1:15 pm

  26. Why all the secrets? Have been attempting to find where Nature’s Variety makes their dry.
    The retailer that we purchase from phoned them.
    Their answer was that is confidential, but that it was not ANI. It seems that it is manufatured/or bagged in Texas. They don’t have a problem stating that their raw is made in house in Lincoln, NE - I know that for a fact. Petfoodtracker says their canned is by Menu.

    Comment by elliott — April 27, 2007 @ 1:16 pm

  27. I’ve recently switched my critters to Merrick.

    Today, after reading Boopadaboo’s question I decided to research a bit more. So, I googled Merrick food recalls and came upon another blog where someone stated that Garth Merrick, the owner of Merrick Foods also owns a large rendering plant Hereford Bi-Products which shares the same address as Merrick. So I googled again, and this time enter Garth Merrick FDA and came upon this link plus many others:

    http://www.newsagepress.com/me.....isease.pdf

    Then, there’s his letter on Hereford Bi-Products letterhead to a Senator in 2004 expressing concern about the FDA implementing new procedures:

    ” The FDA is considering implementing measures which would be detrimental to our industry in Texas as well as other states. The following is what I am most interested in getting across to someone who can possibly put a halt to this.

    ANPR’s proposed rule to prohibit SRM’s from all animal food including pet food and prohibiting materials from non ambulatory cattle and dead stock creates the below listed consequences…

    I don’t feel so well now…

    Comment by Lorraine T — April 27, 2007 @ 1:22 pm

  28. Peggy,
    I’ve heard of a process called “bio-char”
    it’s fashioned on the paleo-american soil ,
    called terr-preta , or black earth? a bit like composting, you char the materials(vegtable pulp)
    at 400-500deg. it makes a wonderful topsoil,
    and is loaded with carbon, and microbe colonys. to bring nutrients to the roots.it also sequests co2 storeing it in the soil (eprida.com) i’d hope they have found a way to recycle wastes
    it also could be used in any country (china)
    or america to grow really big crops. i’d imangine if the process was modifyed you could
    use it to remove toxins from existing soil?
    check it out! on the web> eprida.com

    Comment by johnypaycut — April 27, 2007 @ 1:27 pm

  29. Re: Merrick

    I just read the Dogster posts. Oh great. Merrick was the one “safe” canned food my cats were accepting. Now I can’t (won’t) buy that either. I refuse to support bigotry in any form. Thanks for posting this, Mike.

    Blended mice are looking better and better. I have to go cat food shopping tomorrow and I am scared to death. My cats are now looking suspicious every time I put a dish down, they’ve been given so many different things lately.

    Comment by Debra — April 27, 2007 @ 1:29 pm

  30. I just don’t know what to feed them. They all really seemed to love the Merrick. I just knew it was too good to be true.

    Comment by Boopadaboo — April 27, 2007 @ 1:30 pm

  31. HEREFORD, TX Political Contributions by Individuals
    MERRICK, GARTH (HEREFORD BIPRODUCTS INC./PET FOOD M), (Zip code: 79045)
    $1000 to LAROUCHE IN 2004 on 03/10/03

    Comment by Steve — April 27, 2007 @ 1:38 pm

  32. Hereford Bi-Products is now apparently Tejas Industries.

    *Renderers
    Tejas Industries
    P.O. Box 2257
    Hereford, TX 79045
    (806) 364-0951
    Garth Merrick, Pres.

    Comment by Steve — April 27, 2007 @ 1:46 pm

  33. Frozen mice and rats:

    http://www.frozenrodent.com/

    ???

    Comment by Peggy — April 27, 2007 @ 1:51 pm

  34. Hereford Bi Products Transportation
    分類目錄
    餐飲食品 » 食品及同類產品 » 動物和海產脂肪及油類 » 精製
    美國地址
    街道: 1909 E 1 St
    城市: Hereford, 州: TX, 郵遞區號: 79045
    聯繫
    電話: (806) 364-8688
    地圖

    Apparently known in China

    Comment by Steve — April 27, 2007 @ 1:51 pm

  35. Likes his politics.

    MERRICK, GARTH MERRICK PET FIELDS $250 10/16/2000 REPUBLICAN NATIONAL COMMITTEE - RNC

    MERRICK, GARTH FARMING $500 09/30/2000 COMBEST CONGRESSIONAL COMMITTEE - Republican

    MERRICK, GARTH MERRICK PETFOODS INC $500 09/28/2000 THORNBERRY FOR CONGRESS - Republican

    MERRICK, GARTH RETIRED $250 04/21/2000 MAJORITY LEADER’S FUND

    MERRICK, GARTH MERRICK PET FOODS $500 03/08/2000 BEEF-PAC (BEEF POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEE OF TEXAS CATTLE FEEDERS ASSOCIATION)

    MERRICK, GARTH HEREFORD BI-PRODUCTS/PRESIDENT $500 12/08/1999 LAROUCHE’S COMMITTEE FOR A NEW BRETTON WOODS - Democrat

    Comment by Steve — April 27, 2007 @ 1:54 pm

  36. Oh no. I just bought some Merrick cat food yesterday and now I find out all this. I think I am going to have a nervous breakdown. I ordered some Catswell Vita Kitty treats and they arrived with Made in China on the package. I cried and now my family really thinks I’ve gone crazy. I don’t know what to buy. And I cannot feed my cats mice. I feel sick.

    Comment by Michelle — April 27, 2007 @ 1:54 pm

  37. I thought about buying a white rat to eat my dog food first - but even that seems cruel. I had a pet rat as a child and can’t bear to see it suffer either.

    Comment by Issy — April 27, 2007 @ 1:58 pm

  38. Wow. Even qualifed as a superfund site.

    SPEARMAN HEREFORD BI-PRODUCTS SPEARMAN PLANT JCT HWY 15 207 760 TXD980514947

    NW CORNER OF HWY 385 & FM 1062 TXD981600562 HEREFORD NGPL #169 P.O.BOX 1697 … AERIAL SPRAYING OFF FM 760 N. TXD078140415 SPEARMAN HEREFORD BI-PRODUCTS …

    “Superfund” is the commonly-used name for the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Contamination and Liability Act (the “Superfund” law).

    Comment by Steve — April 27, 2007 @ 2:02 pm

  39. Michelle

    Look at healthypet.net

    I ordered Instinctive Choice canned for cats and Life’s Abundance dry for my 6 cats about 3 weeks ago. They really seem to like it and it is entirely gluten free. There is whole rice, but i think, and pray, that whole rice is safe.

    They look a whole lot better too. My really “chunky” 11 year old female has lost 2 pounds and she’s acting somewhat kittenish.

    We’ll get through this with no one to thank BUT the folks at pet connection, itchmo and howl911.

    Comment by Peg — April 27, 2007 @ 2:03 pm

  40. The harder they come
    The harder they fall
    One and all

    Comment by Steve — April 27, 2007 @ 2:04 pm

  41. Comment by petlover — April 27, 2007 @ 12:05 pm

    No REAL PERSON answers it. I had 2 things I was going to report 2 days ago & tried for hours:

    http://www.fda.gov/comments.html

    1-888-INFO-FDA (1-888-463-6332) — main FDA Phone Number (for general inquiries)

    ! ! GOOD LUCK ! !

    Comment by Kat — April 27, 2007 @ 2:10 pm

  42. Has anyone Found out Where Natura Pet makes their food,INNOVA, EVO, CalIFORNIA Natural?

    Comment by Mary — April 27, 2007 @ 2:12 pm

  43. OK, stupid question - new to “blogging.” How do you search for previously posted comments - can you only do it for current topic or can you search more than one at a time and how do you get to topics (from 2 weeks ago) that aren’t listed on the right of the page.

    Comment by ashlee — April 27, 2007 @ 2:13 pm

  44. Mary - Natura Pet has their canned food made by Menu Foods (until they get their own plant), and they make their own dry food.

    Comment by Kim — April 27, 2007 @ 2:14 pm

  45. Been in trouble with the Law

    An agreed order was entered regarding HEREFORD BI-PRODUCTS DBA STRATFORD BI-PRODUCTS, Docket Number 1998-1168-AGR-E; No Permit Number; Enforcement ID Number 13014 on June 22, 1999, assessing $10,450 in administrative penalties with $2,090 deferred.

    Comment by Steve — April 27, 2007 @ 2:15 pm

  46. YOUR WHOLE PET
    Bigger than you think: The story behind the pet food recall
    4/26 (SFGate) Link below

    Excerpt: There is, as the FDA pointed out, no veterinary version of the CDC. This meant the FDA kept confirming a number it had to have known was only the tip of the iceberg. It prevented veterinarians from having the information they needed to treat their patients and advise pet owners. It allowed the media to repeat a misleadingly low number, creating a false sense of security in pet owners — and preventing a lot of people from really grasping the scope and implication of the problem.

    http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/.....etscol.DTL

    Comment by Jay — April 27, 2007 @ 2:15 pm

  47. Comment by Peg — April 27, 2007 @ 2:03 pm

    FYI: Life’s Abundance canned foods are made by Menu.

    Comment by slt — April 27, 2007 @ 2:17 pm

  48. Ahh, who knows what really is ’safe’ or ‘acceptable’. Garth Merrick owns and operates the largest meat rendering plant in the country at the same address as Merrick Foods. Is rendered meat “human grade’ and is the wool being pulled over our eyes? Who knows. google him.

    Comment by Steve — April 27, 2007 @ 2:30 pm

  49. Kim- please tell me it’s safe? My dogs love it ,but as all of us pet owners I’m freaking out over all these recalls

    Comment by Mary — April 27, 2007 @ 2:33 pm

  50. RE:Comment by Nadine Long — April 27, 2007 @ 12:29 pm “Mal, you can find a few of Bernies comments at these links…”

    Thank you for the links Nadine. It is a bit deep for me..or my brain is just worn out trying to keep up with this whole mess, but Bernie does have a lot of very thought provoking comments and write-ups. Far TOO scary!!

    Comment by mal — April 27, 2007 @ 2:35 pm

  51. RE: Comment by Mary — April 27, 2007 @ 2:33 pm

    No one is going to tell you anything is safe.

    It is “buyer beware”.

    Comment by Kat — April 27, 2007 @ 2:36 pm

  52. Chickens are still being tested.

    FDA gets their Visa’s

    http://www.contracostatimes.co.....source=rss

    There is also a chance that a mill in Missouri bought some of the product and fed it to chickens, they said — a possibility still under investigation.

    Having just received the paperwork from China allowing them to get visas, FDA inspectors are preparing to go there to inspect some plants, officials said.

    Under federal law, farmers are not required to destroy the potentially contaminated hogs. But the Agriculture Department has informed them that the animals will not get the agency’s stamp of approval, which is required for the meat to be sold.

    Daniel McChesney, director of the Office of Surveillance and Compliance in FDA’s Center for Veterinary Medicine, said that he did not know how much the government would reimburse pork producers but said he was confident that the animals would be appropriately exterminated.

    “Farmers are prudent people,” McChesney said.

    Comment by Kat — April 27, 2007 @ 2:38 pm

  53. Mary: re Innova:

    I am very concerned about Nautra’s products for this reason.

    1. I was feeding the Lamb and Rice, Green Bag, Innova to my Red Doberman Snoopy and his last bag, this was in March, Snoopy became to have runny stools that I could not stop. He has a sensitive stomach so I didn’t worry about it, but after slippery elm and pumpkin not helping, I finally stopped the Innova thinking something was wrong with the food. I began cooking for him all homemade, and his problem immediately (and I mean immedidately) stopped. He is still on all homemade.

    2. I saw your post and thought that I would check out Innova’s web site to see what they put in the Green Bag Lamb and Rice now that so much information is coming out.

    3. I noticed that this product is no longer being called Lamb and Rice - it is now just Innova Adult Dry Dog Food.

    4. The protein is listed as a percentage but the source is missing.

    5. I called Innova and left a message at 1-800 532-7261.

    This is very troublesome. I never thought Snoopy would be affected by this recall since it was mostly wet food and not Innova. But after looking at their website - I am worried.

    Please anyone share your thoughts on this.

    Comment by Linda — April 27, 2007 @ 2:47 pm

  54. Here’s a new Reuter’s article about Menu’s retaliating comments on ChemNutra’s charges of other suppliers of Menu’s.

    These boys will be duking it out for awhile. This would make a great Celebrity Boxing Match…with dogs biting them in the rump & cats scratching their eyes out! And, every now & then one pukes on them.

    http://tinyurl.com/yqw548

    NEW YORK, April 27 (Reuters) - Menu Foods said on Friday that ChemNutra was wrong in implying that suspicious wheat gluten used in its pet food may have come from other suppliers, since it did not start having problems with tainted supplies until it starting working with ChemNutra.

    U.S. officials have said the wheat gluten used in pet food made by Menu Foods (MEW_u.TO: Quote, Profile, Research was tainted with melamine, an industrial chemical that is not approved for use in food, and is linked to a U.S. pet food recall that includes over 100 brands and could expand further.

    “ChemNutra’s statement is wrong, and unnecessarily alarms consumers,” a Menu Foods spokesman said via e-mail.

    Earlier in the day, ChemNutra, whose offices were searched by the FDA, said it believed Menu Foods used significantly more wheat gluten every month than ChemNutra provided.

    “We hope that Menu Foods will disclose its other sources to the FDA to ensure that any suspect product is quarantined,” ChemNutra Chief Executive Steve Miller said….

    more….

    Comment by Kat — April 27, 2007 @ 2:54 pm

  55. Our kitty died but this is for my mom….can folks let me know what you are feeding right now as far as dry dog food goes so I can let her know? I havent been keeping up with any of the dog food to be honest with you and I should have been. I was thinking folks out there might have already researched and come up with some relatively safe dry dog food to feed? Thank you in advance

    Comment by Sandi K — April 27, 2007 @ 2:55 pm

  56. Re: Innova - I did see the ingredients and it has been changed. It is no longer Lamb and Rice but now is turkey, chicken, chicken meal etc.

    When I try to print out the ingredients off the web site it does not print. Snoopy is going to the vet tomorrow to be checked out.

    Something really seems wrong with this. I had fed Snoopy this green bag lamb and rice for several years until March and in March something changed.

    Comment by Linda — April 27, 2007 @ 3:06 pm

  57. One of the problems here is we have hard core business men who don’t want to admit to a mistake because they might appear to be wrong or weak, and the other half are those that are terrified to do the right thing because they might tarnish their squeaky clean natural image.

    The bottom line is it’s time to pay the Piper.

    Comment by Steve — April 27, 2007 @ 3:12 pm

  58. Sandi K…I am so sorry about your kitty.

    I have friends with dogs and after much searching they seem to be very pleased with Kumpi and some also use Timber Wolf Organics.

    Hope this might be of some help to your Mom.

    Comment by Peg — April 27, 2007 @ 3:13 pm

  59. Hi Sandi K. My dogs were on Nutro Dry, But I Switched them to California Natural by Natura Pet, they also make INNOVA, My Dogs were drinking lots of water,vomiting bile on Nutro.Whith in 24 hrs of takeing them off nutro they stop drinking all the water,this is the first time in 9 years they haven’t vomit. http://www.naturapet.com I have one on rice and lamb and the skinny one on lamb and rice.they love love love it.

    Comment by MARY ANN — April 27, 2007 @ 3:18 pm

  60. “Menu Foods said on Friday that ChemNutra was wrong in implying that suspicious wheat gluten used in its pet food may have come from other suppliers, since it did not start having problems with tainted supplies until it starting working with ChemNutra.”

    Ahhh!!! Therein lies the rub!!! And WHAT DATE WAS THAT???? It’s in the blog somewhere—-back in early 2006.

    Comment by Nadine Long — April 27, 2007 @ 3:18 pm

  61. Mary, I wish I could. I *really* wish I could.

    Comment by Kim — April 27, 2007 @ 3:18 pm

  62. Well, I did get through to Innova and I was mistaken, or so she says, that is and has always been Turkey and Chicken etc. and they use no glutens and everything is made in Nebraska at their own plant and they do not source out anything.

    Sorry, maybe I was mistaken. Snoopy is still going to the Vet. But I was certain it was lamb and rice and Innova said no.

    Comment by Linda — April 27, 2007 @ 3:20 pm

  63. Comment by Linda — April 27, 2007 @ 3:06 pm

    I just posted the clue to the March date that so many are referring to.

    Comment by Nadine Long — April 27, 2007 @ 3:21 pm

  64. Comment by Nadine Long — April 27, 2007 @ 3:18 pm

    I’m surprised there hasn’t been more of them jumping ship. The Pet Food Industry reminds me of the Titanic. After it hit the Iceberg.

    Comment by Steve — April 27, 2007 @ 3:21 pm

  65. I meant to say March 2006.

    Comment by Nadine Long — April 27, 2007 @ 3:22 pm

  66. Nadine, I think Nov?

    Comment by Kat — April 27, 2007 @ 3:22 pm

  67. Pet Food Industry Urges Federal Officials to Press Chinese Companies on Melamine-Tainted Exports

    WASHINGTON, April 26 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — The Pet Food Institute (PFI), which represents U.S. pet food manufacturers, today announced it asked the U. S. Trade Representative Susan C. Schwab and the Commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration Andrew von Eschenbach for swift action to answer questions about how melamine, a substance foreign to pet food, ended up in specific ingredients from China.

    In a letter delivered Wednesday from PFI President Duane Ekedahl to Ambassador Schwab and Commissioner von Eschenbach, the industry urged the two officials “to use all means at your disposal” to determine how melamine, an adulterant apparently imported into the United States from two Chinese companies, found its way into simple ingredients for pet food.

    The Pet Food Institute said it has been “heartened” by reports the Chinese government is actively investigating the two companies implicated in the shipment, but expressed frustration that it has taken so long for U.S. inspectors to gain access to Chinese facilities.

    “Fortunately, some 99 percent of pet food still remains unaffected by the recall and may be purchased with confidence,” Ekedahl wrote. “But until the ultimate source of the contaminated ingredients is identified and contained, we cannot rest.”

    The Pet Food Institute recently announced the formation of the National Pet Food Commission, a group of veterinarians, toxicologists, food scientists and other professionals from industry, government, and academia who will study the cause of the adulteration leading to the recent recalls to identify any lessons. The commission has already started its proceedings and will issue a report outlining its recommendations.

    A complete copy of the letter is available at http://www.petfoodinstitute.org/ .

    Since 1958, the Pet Food Institute has been the voice of U.S. pet food manufacturers. PFI is the industry’s public education and media relations resource, representative before the U.S. Congress and state and federal agencies, organizer of seminars and educational programs, and liaison with other organizations. PFI represents the manufacturers of 98 percent of all dog and cat food produced in the United States.

    Comment by Steve — April 27, 2007 @ 3:26 pm

  68. You have ZERO credibility Duane.

    Comment by Steve — April 27, 2007 @ 3:27 pm

  69. Comment by mal — April 27, 2007 @ 2:35 pm

    When I found all the papers and links, it made some kind of sense, but as I said, I’m no chemist, but one could logically connect the dots just by following the chemical process. The more I read, the more my head hurt! There could be other substances involved, but we’ll leave that up to the scientists at Cornell and wherever.

    Comment by Nadine Long — April 27, 2007 @ 3:28 pm

  70. Linda, that’s why i didn’t put them on INNOVA,it has to many ingredients, CALIFORNIA NATURAL LAMB AND RICE, only has lamb meal,brown rice and rice,i think INNOVA Has to much in it. try california natural, i was told now it’s selling better then innova. hope your pet is feeling better

    Comment by MARY ANN — April 27, 2007 @ 3:31 pm

  71. “Fortunately, some 99 percent of pet food still remains unaffected by the recall and may be purchased with confidence,” Ekedahl wrote.

    BULL$***……… sorry I don’t buy that one. More and more recalls come out everyday… oops we didn’t know that the manufacturer devied from our recipe…. yeah right!
    signed,
    still dodging the bullet.

    Comment by marcy — April 27, 2007 @ 3:33 pm

  72. Oh My God ,Go To Itchmo’s web Site.

    Comment by MARY ANN — April 27, 2007 @ 3:33 pm

  73. I just received an email from Castor & Pollux saying that their foods are safe. They had them tested for melamine and they were clean. No trace amounts or anything. You can find the updated information on their web site.

    I don’t feed their food but use their Organix dog bones and wanted to be safe.

    Katie

    Comment by Katie — April 27, 2007 @ 3:35 pm

  74. From: Garth Merrick
    P. O. Box 2257
    Hereford, Texas 79045

    To:Food and Drug Administration
    5630 Fishers Lane
    Room 1061
    Rockville, MD 20852

    http://tinyurl.com/2c9g49

    Comment by Steve — April 27, 2007 @ 3:36 pm

  75. Well I think it’s safe to assume politics is in the picture.

    I hope the GOP supporters are getting everything they voted for in W and then some. I wonder what they will tell their children when their kids can’t find jobs, can’t afford decent housing, can’t pay for health care, no safe food to eat, have no social safety net, no retirement options, trying to compete with Chinese workers making $150 a month.

    Don’t blame me. I didn’t vote for him.

    Comment by Steve — April 27, 2007 @ 3:50 pm

  76. Thanks to Bernie for all the technical stuff. I started looking after reading his posts and I believe that he is correct. The only correction that I would make is that the chemicals found were melamine, cyanuric acid, and a few others. From some research I found that melamine and cyanuric acid are not toxic however the cyanuric acid breaks down to cyanic acid which is very toxic.

    More research shows that there is a direct relationship between renal failure and the amount of cyanic acid in the body. So it isn’t cyanide but cyanic acid which does cause renal failure. The cyanuric acid breaks down under heat or stomach acid to the toxic cyanic acid.

    As was stated by Bernie and others this is a NPN and is meant only for ruminant animals. I guess it doesn’t kill them, not sure why. Using urea to boost protein content in ruminant animals is a long practice.

    sam

    Comment by sam — April 27, 2007 @ 3:51 pm

  77. I’ve been doing a bunch of reading at a great find - too interesting not to share right here. Way interesting.

    It’s the primary guidance document on FDA inspection policy and procedures for field investigators and inspectors. The whole shabang. Hopefuly most don’t have to work this weekend :)

    http://www.fda.gov/ora/inspect_ref/iom/

    Comment by shelly — April 27, 2007 @ 3:51 pm

  78. Comment by Steve — April 27, 2007 @ 3:50 pm

    Amen, Steve.

    Comment by Gracie — April 27, 2007 @ 3:56 pm

  79. Comment by shelly — April 27, 2007 @ 3:51 pm

    About all they have left in their toolkit at this point is trying to paint bloggers as “radicals and weirdos” rather then responsible citizens who pay their salaries and are demanding accountability.

    Comment by Steve — April 27, 2007 @ 3:58 pm

  80. Mary Ann thanks for the heads up. Bloggers rule.
    Regarding the part of the article:
    “What were two clear liquids, when were combined, actually go very murky and if you leave it for a little bit, these crystals settle out and you can pick them off and then analyze them.”

    I was also able to see them with my naked eye- those crystals. My dog is furtunately mostly on a raw diet, however was on a recalled kibble partially as well. I took him to be checked and sure enough. Blood wasn’t perfect, but acceptable. His urine was awful however. Very cloudy, and so many crystals it looked like salt gathered in the bottom of the tube.

    Has anyone ever used a product called the Pet Check Up?

    http://www.thepetcheckup.com/

    Comment by shelly — April 27, 2007 @ 4:04 pm

  81. Comment by Kat — April 27, 2007 @ 3:22 pm

    Actually, Kat, there was a much earlier date mentioned a while ago. When I have some time this weekend, I’ll go back and check some notes I made—-way back.

    Comment by Nadine Long — April 27, 2007 @ 4:09 pm

  82. Hmmm…

    Came upon some threads of a connection between Merrick Foods and Karem…

    Lee Merrick is the president of Karem Inc a rendering company in WI

    http://www.fda.gov/ohrms/DOCKE.....tach-2.doc

    Comment by Lorraine T — April 27, 2007 @ 4:19 pm

  83. STEVE - You said “About all they have left in their toolkit at this point is trying to paint bloggers as “radicals and weirdos” rather then responsible citizens who pay their salaries and are demanding accountability.”

    Before they get in the first stab, we need to have the opportunity to be heard in truth. How is this accomplished without the media? (Besides what we’re are doing here, which is fantastic and needs to continue.)

    Comment by Nadine Long — April 27, 2007 @ 4:19 pm

  84. Comment by Nadine Long — April 27, 2007 @ 4:19 pm

    We calmly pursue our goals and demonstrate that the impossible was, instead, inevitable.

    Comment by Steve — April 27, 2007 @ 4:21 pm

  85. With the recent posts regarding Innova, I’ll finally add some thoughts that I’ve been holding out on because I’m not positive 100%, only almost. A few months ago I had my dog on that kibble (he’s mostly raw diet, and a portion kibble). He pee’d a lot and he behaved differently, he wasn’t quite as lovable and he misbehaved, just so not like him. The look in his eyes was so ornery. I stopped the food. I still have the bag. It’s kibble, not wet, says it is a Natura pet product, website naturapet.com

    Comment by shelly — April 27, 2007 @ 4:22 pm

  86. Just received this. Forgive me if this is a duplication.

    Recall — Firm Press Release

    FDA posts press releases and other notices of recalls and market withdrawals from the firms involved as a service to consumers, the media, and other interested parties. FDA does not endorse either the product or the company. This listserv covers mainly Class I (life-threatening) recalls. A complete listing of recalls can be found in the FDA Enforcement Report at: http://www.fda.gov/opacom/Enforce.html

    Blue Buffalo Recalls Can and Biscuit Products Due To Tampering By American Nutrition Inc.

    Contact:
    Consumer Inquiries:
    1-800-919-2833
    Media Inquiries:
    David Petrie
    1-203-762-9751

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE — Wilton, Connecticut, April 26, 2007- We at the Blue Buffalo Company have just learned that American Nutrition Inc. (ANI), the manufacturer of all our cans and biscuits, has been adding rice protein concentrate to our can formulas without our knowledge and without our approval. This is product tampering, and it apparently has been going on for some time. The can formulas that we developed, and trusted them to produce, never contained any rice protein concentrate. It appears that only an FDA investigation of ANI’s rice protein concentrate supplies forced them to reveal this product tampering to us.

    While this activity by ANI is in itself unlawful, the situation is further clouded by the fact that ANI has been receiving rice protein concentrate from Wilber-Ellis, some of which the FDA has determined to be contaminated with melamine.

    So while no BLUE or Spa Select canned product has tested positive for the presence of melamine, and there has been no reported illness due to any of our canned products, we simply cannot be sure of what ANI has been including in our formulas. For this reason, we have decided to remove all of our canned and biscuit products from retail distribution. While this may seem to many to be a major over-reaction, as other ANI customers will probably only recall the products that tested positive for melamine, we see this as a matter of integrity.

    We founded Blue Buffalo on the principle of providing dogs and cats with the highest quality and most nutritious food, and we will not sell any product that doesn’t meet this standard. And under these circumstances, we cannot say that any products manufactured by ANI measure up.

    The obvious question is “how could Blue Buffalo not know that ANI was putting rice protein concentrate into our canned food?” The answer is we trusted them. In business and in life, we all trust our partners to deal with us honestly. When we buy produce from our local grocery store, we are trusting growers, shippers and a series of handlers to have delivered a product that is safe and nutritious for our family. If any one of these parties betrays our trust, contaminated products can make their way to our dinner table.

    And while we test for known toxins and contaminants, we don’t test for protein sources, like rice protein concentrate, especially when we did not formulate our products to contain them.

    In the end, this all comes down to an issue of integrity, and ANI has not been honest with us and with the pet parents who buy our products. We will not put any product made by ANI on the shelf, and are temporarily withdrawing an important part of our business in order to be true to our pet parents.

    We have already started the process of identifying a can and biscuit manufacturer with whom we can build a partnership based on trust. Once we have accomplished this, BLUE and Spa Select cans and BLUE Health Bars will be reintroduced with the high quality and superior nutrition that our brand stands for and that dogs and cats deserve.

    We have informed our retail partners and the FDA about this action and will be cooperating with them to complete this recall quickly. The specific product involved includes all “BLUE” brand can dog foods, all “Spa Select” brand can cat foods and all “BLUE Health Bar” treats.

    Consumers who have unused or partially used packages of any of these products should return them to their place of purchase for a complete refund.

    All “BLUE” dry natural food for dogs and “Spa Select” dry natural foods for cats are not affected by this recall and are safe for consumption. Should consumers have a specific question, they can call the Company at 1-800-919-2833, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. EDT, to receive more information.

    ####

    FDA’s Recalls, Market Withdrawals and Safety Alerts Page: http://www.fda.gov/opacom/7alerts.html

    Comment by Nadine Long — April 27, 2007 @ 4:24 pm

  87. Comment by Steve — April 27, 2007 @ 4:21 pm

    So in pursuing those goals, what, beyond letter writing and sharing information, can be done?

    Comment by Nadine Long — April 27, 2007 @ 4:27 pm

  88. Post of The Day

    I predict the defendants are now claiming that their products were “tampered with” because that takes the heat off them.
    By claiming the glutins were added to their products “without their knowledge”, they assume they cannot be held liable for negligence. These statements are coming from their corporate attorneys who are trying to find a way for their clients to weasle out of this mess. Negligence can be defined best by using the “reasonable man test.” Would a “reasonable man” have done something knowing that it could potentially cause harm? By saying that their foods were tampered with, and these glutins were added without their knowledge, they hope to avoid being held responsible for the bad food. Huh… Who knew these companies had no idea what was being put into their foods. Bolderdash, I say; bolderdash.
    Stay tuned. There’s going to be a lot of legal wrangling going on shortly….

    Comment by Steve — April 27, 2007 @ 4:27 pm

  89. That’s interesting about Merrick…

    you just never know. The Internet is an amazing tool, huh?

    Can’t wait until this fiasco is cooled down…then I can really “shop” for pet food!

    Comment by Marcy — April 27, 2007 @ 4:27 pm

  90. Nadine - I was thinking one of them started buying the China crap in July 2006. I posted it a few weeks back.

    I found a university ? website that had a seminar about the pros/cons of China’s imports. I posted that link + others & one was the information about ChemNutra? purchasing back then.

    But, I was looking last night for all those links & could only find back to Nov. I have a 3 month history file — so, with ENUFF digging I’ll find it.

    (wish we had a Google search engine on this site. easy to do…)

    Comment by Kat — April 27, 2007 @ 4:30 pm

  91. Fresh News On Itchmo. . .

    Researchers at University of Guelph say they found a reaction between melamine and cyanuric acid that may explain why pet are falling ill.

    Comment by ashlee — April 27, 2007 @ 4:31 pm

  92. I don’t view safe food, for pets or humans, as a liberal vs. conservative issue. I have liberal and conservative friends and all of them love their pets and treat them as members of the family, just as I do.

    If we are to accomplish anything to prevent further illness and death, we need the help of liberals and conservatives, and bipartisan support in Congress is absolutely essential. I understand that people’s nerves are frayed and everyone is angry and wants to blame someone. I feel the same way. But instead of blaming President Bush, I blame the suppliers in China who added toxic contaminants to the products they supplied, the importers in this country who accepted the contaminated products and didn’t test them because they were greedy, and the pet food manufacturers and distributors who didn’t care enough about their products to assure the safety and quality of them.

    Hate Bush all you want, I don’t care. But I think that a grass-roots effort to persuade others to support our cause is being harmed by the insertion of far-left politics and Bush-bashing, just as it would be if the far-right dominated these blogs.

    Comment by Pam — April 27, 2007 @ 4:35 pm

  93. CNN report

    …”“Menu Foods has been doing everything it can to cooperate with the FDA,” company chief executive officer Paul Henderson said in a statement. “Even before commencement of this investigation we have given the FDA full access to our plant and our records, have answered questions and provided documents to them any time they have asked.”

    FDA spokeswoman Julie Zawisza would not confirm or deny that a search warrant was executed. “We have a strict policy of not discussing activities of our Office of Criminal Investigations,” she said. (Read FDA pet food recall info)

    ChemNutra said it had been informed the company could be held accountable because it imported the melamine-adulterated wheat gluten used in the tainted pet food even though the company had no knowledge that its Chinese supplier had introduced melamine into the product.
    “…

    Read more: http://tinyurl.com/2d8nn7

    Comment by Kat — April 27, 2007 @ 4:38 pm

  94. Does anybody know if anyone has had any trouble with Canidae food. I have some left over and am not sure about it now.

    Comment by Lori Anderson — April 27, 2007 @ 4:38 pm

  95. Kat - That must be what I’m remembering. Yes, that’s it! Thanks.

    Comment by Nadine Long — April 27, 2007 @ 4:40 pm

  96. Feeling good, as I contacted Waggin Tails.com last night re: the recall of Chicken Soup varieties…as they stated that none of their foods were on recall (and they did have the recalled kitten and puppy canned foods listed).

    Today they have pulled all varieties of Chicken Soup products! Wow…

    and they continue to say that none of their foods are on the recall list. LOL!

    Comment by Marcy — April 27, 2007 @ 4:41 pm

  97. Kat - I think Steve Miller said something too —- I’ll have to look at the transcript.

    Comment by Nadine Long — April 27, 2007 @ 4:41 pm

  98. RE: Lori Anderson

    I haven’t seen any problems with Canidae and I do an internet search every day every time I think about also, I haven’t had any problems it.

    Comment by ashlee — April 27, 2007 @ 4:44 pm

  99. There’s still another Chinese source that hasn’t been revealed. FDA making a surprise visit? They’ve probably got a verrry busy schedule lined up with all the junk they have to look at.

    Comment by Nadine Long — April 27, 2007 @ 4:45 pm

  100. This is CTV - Canada re: GUELPH creates the chemical reaction (fingerprint) in the lab:

    http://tinyurl.com/2z6xnr

    Scientists track chemical reactions in pet food
    Updated Fri. Apr. 27 2007 5:27 PM ET

    Ashleigh Patterson, CTV.ca News

    Researchers at the University of Guelph say they have discovered a chemical reaction that may explain how animals across North America fell ill after eating contaminated pet food.

    Dr. Perry Martos and colleagues from the Agriculture and Food Laboratory at Guelph’s Laboratory Services announced Friday they have discovered a dangerous reaction when melamine and cyanuric acid - the two contaminants found in the imported wheat gluten used in the pet food — are combined.

    The two chemicals react to form crystals that could block kidney function.

    The crystal-like substances found in the urine and kidneys of affected animals matched the crystals produced when the chemicals were combined at the University’s Animal Health Laboratory.

    Researchers believe this is a possible link between the compounds and the deaths of animals exposed to the contaminated pet food.

    “This was really just another piece of the puzzle,” John Melichercik, Director of Analytical Services for Laboratory Services told CTV.ca.

    Scientists took laboratory levels of melamine and cyanuric acid and added them together in a test tube at a PH level that mimics the environment of the kidneys of an animal.

    “When we did it in the laboratory and it was instantaneous,” Melichercik said.

    “What were two clear liquids, when were combined, actually go very murky and if you leave it for a little bit, these crystals settle out and you can pick them off and then analyze them.”

    Melichercik explained the process produced a “chemical fingerprint” that allowed scientists to compare their findings with what was found in the kidneys of sick animals.

    “We overlaid those two fingerprints and they were basically the same substance.”…

    it’s a long article — click link…

    Comment by Kat — April 27, 2007 @ 4:47 pm

  101. Comment by Nadine Long — April 27, 2007 @ 4:27 pm

    I don’t know where to begin organizing people-a lean and mean national network just yet. Getting things up and running FAST is my specialty. But finding backing for it is another story. For now the best bet may be just helping people to find diets that won’t kill their pets. Thats what the majority of people are looking for right now. The rest can come later.

    Comment by Steve — April 27, 2007 @ 4:48 pm

  102. It makes you wonder with all the valuable info everyone can find here, does the FDA even have the internet?? lol

    Comment by KatieKat — April 27, 2007 @ 4:48 pm

  103. All of the Innova comments are about the dog food. Any experiences w/the cat food? I switched my cats to Innova Evo can & dry because it is grain free. They seem to really like it. I know the canned is made by menu but the eternal optimist I am wants to believe the video on Natura pet food website. Does anyone know of any other grain free cat food that might be safe? Pardon me but this has nothing to do with Innova…I need to vent…took my cat to the vet today. He has miliary dermatitis caused by allergies. I’ve been doing the salmon oil for Omege 3’s and thought maybe getting the grain out of his food might help…my vet wanted to give me Science Diet Prescription z/d…first ingredient on the list…RICE PROTEIN CONCENTRATE!

    Comment by Phyllis — April 27, 2007 @ 4:50 pm

  104. Comment by Pam — April 27, 2007 @ 4:35 pm

    I agree. It’s time to put political games and political correctness behind us.

    It doesn’t matter who you voted for if we’re all falling face first into our dinner plates.

    Comment by Steve — April 27, 2007 @ 4:50 pm

  105. KatieKat

    Have a friend in another branch of government…

    you raise a good question there…LOL!

    They may not.

    Comment by Marcy — April 27, 2007 @ 4:50 pm

  106. Nadine / Steve -
    What about a large article in a smart spot in a major newspaper? We can all contribute to cost. Washington Post is a major paper.

    Comment by shelly — April 27, 2007 @ 4:51 pm

  107. Comment by Steve — April 27, 2007 @ 4:27 pm

    they can say tampered with all they want. maybe it was. who cares? it’s THEIR food and THEIR responsibility to make sure it is safe for consumption. period.

    Comment by straybaby — April 27, 2007 @ 4:52 pm

  108. “Fortunately, some 99 percent of pet food still remains unaffected by the recall and may be purchased with confidence,” Ekedahl wrote.”

    Even if (??) 99% of the pet food on the shelves *is* safe, what does it matter if consumers don’t *believe* it is safe?

    I think that is a message we need to get across to the PFI. This industry’s credibility is shot. I have a hard time even coming up with ideas for myself on how they can begin to rebuild their credibility.

    Comment by Marilyn — April 27, 2007 @ 4:52 pm

  109. Marcy, $20 will hook them up, you think our government could at leat one connection eeesssh

    Comment by KatieKat — April 27, 2007 @ 4:53 pm

  110. ADVICE NEEDED!!!
    Ok, here’s the deal. Wawa is a store in my area, kinda like 7-11. They carry Paws food there (original recall). Last week I printed the Paws recall off the FDA for my boyfriend to take in, since he works there. They said they would contact Corporate (I can’t find a number). Nothing happened. Today, I found out he tried to stop a woman from buying a can from them and they wouldn’t let him tell her to check and see if its recalled. What do I do?

    Comment by Krystal Kubichek — April 27, 2007 @ 4:56 pm

  111. Phyllis-
    Aunt Jeni’s - http://www.auntjeni.com/

    Primal - http://www.primalpetfoods.com/

    Nature’s Variety - http://www.naturesvariety.com/ -

    Comment by shelly — April 27, 2007 @ 4:56 pm

  112. KatieKat

    My friend said they had one computer for a whole large department…LOL

    They may need the $20 for the “head honchos” paychecks…if they don’t straighten out pretty soon!

    You may remember that a certain Senator threated them with that. LOL

    Wonder if that may have anything to do with their stepping up things this week??? They still seem to be lagging behind though. Sigh…

    Comment by Marcy — April 27, 2007 @ 4:57 pm

  113. Comment by shelly — April 27, 2007 @ 4:51 pm

    I’m not sure we would get that much long lasting and enduring bang for the buck.

    Getting and keeping mind share of this cause is going to be a major undertaking. We need to create and alliance all across the country first. A start up. An office isn’t necessary because we are all in our office right at this very moment. In different parts of the Country.

    The whole Country is potentially our office with the tools we have on our tables in front of us.

    Comment by Steve — April 27, 2007 @ 4:58 pm

  114. Marilyn,

    Extremely vaild point Consumers have had it at this point, I know I trust none of them.

    How many time have we heard now that Oh we have blah blah blah testing for quality, Only for the same product to be recalled the next day, or a month later it never ends with the recalls.

    Comment by KatieKat — April 27, 2007 @ 4:59 pm

  115. We can also test our foods prior to feeding our pets.

    Dairy One - http://www.dairyone.com (I even test my water here!)

    Litchfield Labs - http://www.litchlab.com/

    It’s not expensive at all, their customer service is outstanding, you can get your results via email and it’s very fast.

    Comment by shelly — April 27, 2007 @ 5:00 pm

  116. Re “Today they have pulled all varieties of Chicken Soup products! Wow…”

    Marcy, let’s clarify this. Last time I checked, Chicken Soup was claiming that their dry kibble was not recalled, only the canned product. Is this new information?

    Comment by mountainkimmie — April 27, 2007 @ 5:00 pm

  117. Thanks shelly! I will check them out. Have you, or anyone else out there reading this used any of those brands, Aunt Jenni’s, Primal, or Nature’s Variety?

    Comment by Phyllis — April 27, 2007 @ 5:01 pm

  118. mountainkimmie

    no…still the same recalls, but Waggin Tails pulled their whole line of products…no Chicken Soup products for sale on their site!

    I think they’re pretty picky about what they sell. They said a couple of weeks ago that they made decisions to pull certain brands.

    Comment by Marcy — April 27, 2007 @ 5:03 pm

  119. I currently use Aunt Jeni’s, Primal and Nature’s Variety, all raw. (Dog). I use all 3 just to ensure I cover my bases on nutrition.

    Adding acidopholis (sp?) will help him in the diet change. You can get this in the human vitamin store. Get Solgar or Twin Labs. Solgar is sugar free, Twin Labs is best.

    Comment by shelly — April 27, 2007 @ 5:06 pm

  120. My cats eat primal a couple times a week. And I also feed Stella and Chewey’s to both the dog and cats.

    Comment by straybaby — April 27, 2007 @ 5:07 pm

  121. We’re going to need some allies in the Pet Food Business who aren’t afraid to take on the big boys.

    Thats another key element.

    Comment by Steve — April 27, 2007 @ 5:08 pm

  122. Phyllis-
    Regarding Nature’s Variety.
    We don’t know who makes their kibble, they have a canned, it’s maded by Menu. If you use it, use their raw.

    All 3 of the diets will be in a freezer at the pet store.

    Comment by shelly — April 27, 2007 @ 5:08 pm

  123. QUOTE: Hi Sandi K. My dogs were on Nutro Dry, But I Switched them to California Natural by Natura Pet, they also make INNOVA, My Dogs were drinking lots of water,vomiting bile on Nutro.Whith in 24 hrs of takeing them off nutro they stop drinking all the water…

    Comment by MARY ANN
    ***************************************
    I just want to say that is what my dogs were doing the last three months on Nutro dry. Except for the grand mal repeated/cluster seizures that I can’t even talk about yet, nor the week that followed. But I quit feeding Nutro that day, then heard about the recall, and still am home cooking. And like Mary Ann, the dogs symptoms are gone. Ended the next day in fact. Their previous water intake was abnormal, to say the least. Now it is fine.

    Sandi K - at this point the only animal I have on commericial anything is the cat, eating Felidae dry. She eats it, doesn’t relish it. But it has been since sometime in March, and she hasn’t had any problems (I was half/halfing it with her old Purina product). I toss in canned salmon or tuna or whatever meat she will eat now and then. I have seen a couple of reports of dogs not doing well on Canidae, but it seems to not be out of the ordinary (sometimes, certain foods won’t agreew with all dogs).

    Bonnie -thx for calling canidae. I will keep on the lookout to see if anything is “known” about Pied Piper in TX, but at least that is confirmed.

    Comment by TC — April 27, 2007 @ 5:08 pm

  124. Twin Labs gets their Vitman C from China. Saw it in the forums on Itchmo.

    I was using their Taurine, but I stopped all supplements until I could verify with companies after I saw what ChemNutra imported.

    Comment by straybaby — April 27, 2007 @ 5:09 pm

  125. Steve-
    Somebody older, near retirement, with no pension to worry about.

    Where to research?

    Comment by shelly — April 27, 2007 @ 5:09 pm

  126. Any ideas on my store selling recalled products problem??? I left a message at the FDA, the office was closed.
    (In case you missed my post)
    ADVICE NEEDED!!!
    Ok, here’s the deal. Wawa is a store in my area, kinda like 7-11. They carry Paws food there (original recall). Last week I printed the Paws recall off the FDA for my boyfriend to take in, since he works there. They said they would contact Corporate (I can’t find a number). Nothing happened. Today, I found out he tried to stop a woman from buying a can from them and they wouldn’t let him tell her to check and see if its recalled. What do I do?

    Comment by Krystal Kubichek — April 27, 2007 @ 5:10 pm

  127. hey Steve…

    I think that we have “Someone” up above, that’s definitely on our side…and I don’t think He’s afraid to take on the ‘big boys.’ LOL

    Just wait and see what happens…

    Comment by Marcy — April 27, 2007 @ 5:10 pm

  128. Straybaby-
    Read an article (yesterday?) almost all Vitamin C comes from China. Almost 100%. There isn’t any made in the US anymore, the last one closed their plant like last year.

    Comment by shelly — April 27, 2007 @ 5:11 pm

  129. Krystal

    Do you have any big animal welfare groups there?

    Just a thought…maybe you can contact them.

    Comment by Marcy — April 27, 2007 @ 5:13 pm

  130. Sardines - both dogs and cats love them. Get the good quality ones, often they’ll balk at the cheap ones. Get the package in the spring water.

    Comment by shelly — April 27, 2007 @ 5:13 pm

  131. I was thinking of calling PETA… Do you think the ASPCA would do anything?

    Comment by Krystal Kubichek — April 27, 2007 @ 5:13 pm

  132. Krystal

    I would contact someone local…so you can get immediate assistance…hopefully.

    Comment by Marcy — April 27, 2007 @ 5:14 pm

  133. Recall — Firm Press Release

    FDA posts press releases and other notices of recalls and market withdrawals from the firms involved as a service to consumers, the media, and other interested parties. FDA does not endorse either the product or the company. This listserv covers mainly Class I (life-threatening) recalls. A complete listing of recalls can be found in the FDA Enforcement Report at: http://www.fda.gov/opacom/Enforce.html

    American Nutrition, Inc. Issues Voluntary Recall

    Contact:
    Bill Behnken, 801.394.3477, bill@amnutrition.com
    Naomi Keller, 801.554.0023, naomi@amnutrition.com

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE — April 26, 2007 — The Denver office of the FDA informed American Nutrition, Inc. today that certain samples of rice protein shipped to its production facility have been contaminated with melamine, an industrial chemical used to make plastics and fertilizers that may be harmful to animals if consumed. The rice protein in question was obtained from San Francisco-based Wilbur-Ellis Company.

    The FDA is investigating the use of rice protein, an ingredient found in a number of canned pet food products and baked pet food treats to fortify protein levels, after a portion of Wilbur-Ellis’ rice protein supply was found to be contaminated with melamine. American Nutrition immediately discontinued the use of rice protein after learning of the melamine contamination.

    The FDA has urged American Nutrition to issue a voluntary recall of pet foods manufactured using Wilbur-Ellis rice protein. None of these products is sold under an American Nutrition brand, but are sold through other independent companies. No American Nutrition brands or other products they manufacture for other businesses are affected by this recall.

    The products subject to this recall are as follows:
    CANNED CAT FOOD

    Blue Buffalo Spa Select Hairball Control Oven Roasted Chicken 3oz AUG 21 09 APR 15 10
    Blue Buffalo Spa Select Kitten Recipe Oven Roasted Chicken 3oz AUG 21 09 APR 15 10
    Chicken Soup for the Pet Lover’s Soul Kitten Formula 5.5oz 15 AUG 08 15 APR 09
    Harmony Farms Country Chicken Entrée 3oz AUG 21 09 APR 15 10
    Natural Balance Ocean Fish Formula 3oz and 6 oz AUG 21 09 APR 15 10
    CANNED DOG FOOD

    Blue Buffalo Beef Dinner 12.5oz AUG 21 09 APR 15 10
    Blue Buffalo Chicken Dinner 12.5oz AUG 21 09 APR 15 10
    Blue Buffalo Hearty Venison Dinner 12.5oz AUG 21 09 APR 15 10
    Blue Buffalo Lamb Dinner 12.5oz AUG 21 09 APR 15 10
    Blue Buffalo Salmon Dinner 12.5oz AUG 21 09 APR 15 10
    Blue Buffalo Turkey Meatloaf Dinner 12.5oz AUG 21 09 APR 15 10
    Canine Caviar Gourmet Beaver 13.2oz AUG 21 08 APR 15 09
    Canine Caviar Gourmet Turkey 13.2oz AUG 21 08 APR 15 09
    Chicken Soup for the Pet Lover’s Soul Puppy Formula 13oz 21 AUG 08 15 APR 09
    Diamond Lamb & Rice 13oz 21 AUG 09 15 APR 10
    Harmony Farms Beef 12.5oz AUG 21 09 APR 15 10
    Harmony Farms Chicken 12.5oz AUG 21 09 APR 15 10
    Harmony Farms Lamb 12.5oz AUG 21 09 APR 15 10
    Harmony Farms Salmon 12.5oz AUG 21 09 APR 15 10
    Kirkland Signature Premium Dog 2-Flavor Variety Pack 14oz (24-pack) AUG 21 08 APR 15 09
    Mulligan Stew Chicken 13.2oz AUG 21 09 APR 15 10
    Mulligan Stew Turkey 13.2oz AUG 21 09 APR 15 10
    Natural Balance Beef Formula 13oz AUG 21 09 APR 15 10
    Natural Balance Chicken Formula 13oz AUG 21 09 APR 15 10
    Natural Balance Lamb Formula 13oz AUG 21 09 APR 15 10
    Natural Balance Venison & Brown Rice 13oz AUG 21 09 APR 15 10
    BAKED DOG TREATS

    Natural Balance Venison & Brown Rice Formula Baked Dog Treats 14oz AUG 21 07 APR 15 08
    Blue Buffalo Health Bars Baked With Apples & Yogurt Dog Treats 20oz AUG 21 07 APR 15 08

    Pet owners who purchased these pet foods should immediately discontinue using the products and return unused portions to the place of purchase for a full refund.

    These products represent a small percentage of those manufactured by American Nutrition. To reiterate, no American Nutrition brands or other products manufactured for other businesses are affected by this recall.

    We at American Nutrition care immensely about the quality of the products we manufacture and the health of the pets that consume them. We want to express our deep concern over this situation. Feeding pets has been our business and passion for more than 35 years. We take that responsibility seriously and are very proud of what we do and how we do it. We will continue to work closely with the FDA in their ongoing investigation.

    For more information, we encourage you to visit the FDA website: http://www.fda.gov. Consumers with additional questions can contact us by calling 1.800.257.4530 or by e:mailing us at feedback@amnutrition.com or by visiting http://www.americannutritioninc.com.

    ####

    FDA’s Recalls, Market Withdrawals and Safety Alerts Page: http://www.fda.gov/opacom/7alerts.html

    Comment by Nadine Long — April 27, 2007 @ 5:16 pm

  134. I saw that also Shelly. I’m looking for sources of natural organic supplements right now. also grilling places on what they are feeding their chickens and turkeys!

    Comment by straybaby — April 27, 2007 @ 5:16 pm

  135. Itchmo is going to help me I think: this was their response:
    ITCHMO ADMIN: Is there a lawyer in the house? We’d like a form letter that our readers can use that would say something like “This food (fill in the blank) has been recalled by the manufacturer. Selling this food could open you up to potential liability resulting from death and illness of pets who consumed this product. Cease selling this immediately.”

    Itchmo will publish this letter so that we can stop poorly informed stores from sickening more pets.

    Comment by Krystal Kubichek — April 27, 2007 @ 5:16 pm

  136. you go…Itchmo!!!

    Comment by Marcy — April 27, 2007 @ 5:18 pm

  137. By the way, buzz over to Itchmo…ChemNutro Raid! Check it out!! Guess they’re not the innocent victims they keep pretending to be….

    Comment by Krystal Kubichek — April 27, 2007 @ 5:20 pm

  138. I read about that…Chem Nutra said that they were cooperating in every way…well, I guess they would if they were raided.

    Saw a newspaper article on it also…and they called it a raid.

    Comment by Marcy — April 27, 2007 @ 5:22 pm

  139. Thanks, Marcy! I have a bag of the dry at home that I bought before Chicken Soup announced any recalls, in an attempt to try and find something safe. I am starting to do serious research into feeding a raw and/or home-cooked diet. We are most likely going to wean our cats off the dry, which they won’t like because they both prefer it (both rescue cats who probably only ever ate kibble until they came to our house).

    Which brings me to something I’ve been meaning to mention. Seems to me a great big market niche has just opened up for some enterprising new pet food manufacturers. I know we already have small-company pet foods available, but given our new and fervent desire for some very specific quality controls in our pet food now, seems to me there is a real opportunity out there. I for one would certainly be interested in any food for my cats that could certify it used only human-grade, fresh, whole meats organically raised, no grains or grain products, and only products produced, handled, packaged, bought and inspected in the U.S. If they could further certify that they have a close relationship with all their suppliers and visit their suppliers multiple times a year, that would be even better.

    I’m half-way tempted to start this business up myself, but I probably won’t. Maybe somebody out there will.

    Comment by mountainkimmie — April 27, 2007 @ 5:22 pm

  140. Go to Itchmo!!!

    Comment by shelly — April 27, 2007 @ 5:24 pm

  141. Does anyone have a count as to what the total number of recalled products is currently at?

    Comment by VJ — April 27, 2007 @ 5:24 pm

  142. Lets just get one thing straight about Steve Stern. He’s working for ChemNutra.

    http://www.chemnutra.com/media.htm

    Stern And Company- A Las Vegas-based Public Relations firm specializing in corporate, crisis,financial and marketing communications.

    http://www.sdsternpr.com/

    Let the games begin.

    Comment by Steve — April 27, 2007 @ 5:25 pm

  143. Marcy, this is new info: The AP also found that “since May 2006 alone ChemNutra also imported 440,000 pounds of the second suspect pet food ingredient, rice protein concentrate, from the same Chinese trading agent that handled exports of the tainted wheat gluten.”

    Comment by Krystal Kubichek — April 27, 2007 @ 5:26 pm

  144. Straybaby-
    I use natural organic supplements from

    http://www.herbalcom.com

    (the 2 coms aren’t a typeo)

    I add spirulina to his food. he loves it. Spirulina.com gives more info on spirulina. I even give it to my horse. I use it sometimes, but if it’s so much I taste it I throw my food away. It’s gross to me. :)

    Comment by shelly — April 27, 2007 @ 5:27 pm

  145. mountainkimmie

    I was just thinking that today.

    I sure wish I had the know how and funds to do it. I’m not a person that settles for anything less than truth and quality.

    Got a good head for administration though…LOL

    Comment by Marcy — April 27, 2007 @ 5:28 pm

  146. Marcy, Shelly: I think I’m gonna go see about checking cans and raising holy hell now…Thank you!!!!!!!

    Comment by Krystal Kubichek — April 27, 2007 @ 5:29 pm

  147. The HEBs where I live have pulled Beneful off of the shelves. They so far have been very good about pulling things very promptly when things are recalled. They did not say there was a recall yet, but they HAVE PULLED BENEFUL OFF OF THE SHELVES!!

    Comment by Angie — April 27, 2007 @ 5:30 pm

  148. I just read your earlier blog Bernie, and thanks for the Info. Just when I start to believe the BS the FDA is telling us I get all confused. It is the Melamine metabolizing into cyanuric acid! Not intended for non-ruminant animals! The U.S. banned melamine as a feed to ruminant animals in 1984 because it is a carcinogen. China’s statement about not going to put it in anymore?? Did I get that right?
    What i don’t Understand is this, If the Melamine has been there for awhile, who knows how long, why did just recently become toxic to so many animals? Did they use too much, or was the scrap melamine laced with somthing else? Or maybe in the manufacturing of it made it more unstable. Or maybe since it was scrap, it had some other chemical that made it more unstable?
    Any brains out there with their thinking caps on?

    Comment by Lori Anderson — April 27, 2007 @ 5:32 pm

  149. Krystal

    you go, girl!!!

    Comment by Marcy — April 27, 2007 @ 5:32 pm

  150. you know…I still keep wondering about the initial finding of rat poison.

    I read somewhere that melamine is a by-product of different pesticides, I think.

    Hmmm…could we have had 2 substances at work here? Could the poison have caused the initial problem, and then the melamine was found?

    Just wondering…

    Comment by Marcy — April 27, 2007 @ 5:36 pm

  151. Krystal
    That same article goes on to say “Ten of the 11 containers of rice protein concentrate imported by ChemNutra over the last year went to undisclosed pet food companies. . .”

    Comment by mountainkimmie — April 27, 2007 @ 5:36 pm

  152. mountainkimmie,

    There is already a pet food company that meets most of your criteria—the Honest Kitchen. They certify their food is 100% human grade (one of very few that get to put in on their packaging). In addition, from their website “We offer four completely gluten-free, grain-free diets and all our products are guaranteed 100% wheat free.
    All our grains are certified organic. Our meats are hormone, antibiotic free and our fruits and vegetables are guaranteed non GMO.” They also say that all their ingredients are from US origin.

    I’m not trying to sell anyone on this food, just to point out that mountainkimmie’s concerns are shared by at least one pet food company. Yes, I do feed it to my dogs, and they do love it. More importantly, I’m comfortable with it. However, it would be great if there were many more such companies.

    Comment by Lisa C — April 27, 2007 @ 5:36 pm

  153. Thanks Shelly!!!! :D

    Comment by straybaby — April 27, 2007 @ 5:36 pm

  154. Thanks Marcy! By the way, anyone who lived by Wawa (mostly in PA, DE, NJ) should go check their own for recalled product! They can’t ignore a bunch of us!

    And that’s GREAT about Beneful finally (maybe) being pulled!

    Comment by Krystal Kubichek — April 27, 2007 @ 5:37 pm

  155. Mountainkimmie,
    I saw that, but accidentally didn’t copy that part! Sorry!!! Thanks for pointing it out!

    Comment by Krystal Kubichek — April 27, 2007 @ 5:38 pm

  156. “since May 2006 alone ChemNutra also imported 440,000 pounds “

    well, at least it wasn’t metric tons like the W.E. RPC?!

    Comment by straybaby — April 27, 2007 @ 5:38 pm

  157. I just ordered a couple of sample packages of the Honest Kitchen food.

    Will give it a try tonight on my two finicky Persians…lol.

    Comment by Marcy — April 27, 2007 @ 5:38 pm

  158. CBS News in LA at 5PM: Actually did about 30 seconds on the pet food recall with emphasis on Menu Foods and ChemNutra.
    But the GOOD news is that they NEVER said “16 deaths.” They DID say “made so many pets sick.” The BAAD news is that while they said “so many pets sick,” they made no mention to any deaths.
    No-win situation.

    Comment by Lynn — April 27, 2007 @ 5:38 pm

  159. Haven’t read comments today yet so if this was brought up already…FORGIVE…
    The Dude at Wibur-Ellis claims found PINK bag/melamine…did he tell anyone?..before this got started..like maybe ANI?
    What brands does ANI have that they own?
    And were they contaminated or at least not admitted to, yet pending more profit before forced to recall.

    Comment by Kathi — April 27, 2007 @ 5:40 pm

  160. RE: Comment by Marcy — April 27, 2007 @ 5:36 pm

    Yes, Melanie, aminopterin comes close to resembling melamine in chemical structure.

    Comment by Lynn — April 27, 2007 @ 5:40 pm

  161. Nupro Supplements http://www.nuprosupplements.com
    Have been using for years for our Labrador’s and works great!

    Comment by NH — April 27, 2007 @ 5:41 pm

  162. lisa, yes, I actually bought a trial package of Honest Kitchen’s Pounce to try with the kitties. They tasted it, then both gave me a look that could have fried an egg. I am starting to believe, however, that I will have to be firmer with them in my quest to change their food to something that is better for them. I know it was hard for me to give up the Little Debbie swiss cake rolls when I went on Weight Watchers, but I feel better for it now. I guess the same applies to the cats. I hate to take away their junk food, but it looks like I’m going to have to.

    My main objection to Pounce is that it just is so different from what the cats have been eating. I wish they made a bigger variety of foods for cats.

    Comment by mountainkimmie — April 27, 2007 @ 5:43 pm

  163. comment 4:56 Krystal Kubichek
    Krystal keep calling the FDA. Perhaps see if you
    can find another phone number. I assume it was the manager who stopped your friend. Try going to Wa-Wa’s corporate offices. Good luck

    Comment by VJ — April 27, 2007 @ 5:43 pm

  164. gotta sign out for now guys…

    keep on keeping on!

    Comment by Marcy — April 27, 2007 @ 5:44 pm

  165. Comment by Lori Anderson — April 27, 2007 @ 5:32 pm

    That is what the laboratories are looking at right now. There may be another toxin not easily identified because of use in minute amounts, especially after digestion (like ricin, but I’m not saying it is that).

    Red wheat has higher levels of phenol and tannins which would be toxic as it’s supposed to only be used in ruminant feeds. That would not explain the rice or corn. I am wondering if the product is soy or some other exotic plant protein and not even what it is reported to be, i.e., wheat, rice, corn.

    It makes my head hurt. I’m leaving it up to the scientists. It’s a very complicated science.

    Comment by Nadine Long — April 27, 2007 @ 5:49 pm

  166. Another comment for Krystal Kubicheck’s 4:56 post
    Krystal after posting the earlier note, I checked the web on Wa-Wa. Part of their “Core Values” is
    “to do the right thing, do the thing right”.
    Phone number of their Headquarters is 610-358-8000. Again, good luck.

    Comment by VJ — April 27, 2007 @ 5:49 pm

  167. mountainkimmie,

    I know what you mean about Honest Kitchen’s lack of variety for cat food. I think it’s a fairly new product for them, though, so maybe they’ll add more. They also suggest adding in a variety of different meats, especially for cats. My dogs have enjoyed that :), of course they’re much less picky than cats though. I really think that this has been much more difficult for cat owners because of that.

    Comment by Lisa C — April 27, 2007 @ 5:51 pm

  168. as a retailer of natural food I found this out today. The latest recalled cans from American Nutrition one in Particular Canine Caviar. I talked with the company today and they informed me about the 2 cans recalled. His quote was Our cans contain nothing other than the turkey meat or Beaver meat the water and chargum. Period thats it nothing else. the fda suggested they pull them because the fda found out that American Nutrition has been adding rice protein to some cans on their own without letting anyone know about it. This is totally against what the company wants in its cans. I was also told that canine caviar was deceived as well. Again a national cannery doing what it wants.I was told we recalled it just incase some of the tainted rice protein was used, they are not sure if it was or not but are taking no chances what so ever, with what was produced by the cannery for them.I think that’s pretty cool a company saying safety first for the pets. Its about time. Think its happening in our people canned food??lets say soups or maybe canned beans or maybe canned baby formula? I bet my last nickle its happening and has been happening for years, its just nobody got caught….yet.I can say just one thing for all the beloved pets across our country who passed, they did not die in vain, they through their passings woke up our country as to what is really going on both in the foods for our pets and the foods we feed ourselves!

    Comment by Jan — April 27, 2007 @ 5:54 pm

  169. Lori Anderson
    I was thinking about that last night. About the scrap melamine. There are a lot of chemicals in adhesives used on formica and those cheap wall coverings. Sometimes the sheets crack or break while applying. Stuff like that happens all the time when the veneers are being layered. I worked with acrylics and fiberglass/resins and we had a lot of scrap material….and a lot of chemicals. Everyone in the shop was required to wear masks. We’d used a lot of different materials to apply as a veneer. Don’t know that melamine was used or not. I didn’t work in the materials dept.

    Comment by Kathi — April 27, 2007 @ 5:55 pm

  170. Kat,

    Notice date:

    “since May 2006 alone ChemNutra also imported 440,000 pounds ”

    Comment by Nadine Long — April 27, 2007 @ 6:02 pm

  171. Does anyone have an educated guess here:

    As an average for any given pet food company,
    how long do think from date of (1)receipt of raw materials; (2)to production; (3)to retail; and, then (4)what would “use by” date be?

    Comment by Nadine Long — April 27, 2007 @ 6:08 pm

  172. Pet Food Recall: Supplier ChemNutra Speaks Out

    Watch Stern spin