Pet-food recall: The Gray Lady steps up and Monday open thread
By Gina Spadafori
April 30, 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).
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All along, I was waiting, hoping and praying for the media that sets the trends — primarilly the New York Times — to realize that this wasn’t “just” a pet-food story, that it had bigger implications for the human food supply, for global trade, international relations and more.
More than six weeks after the first recall, it’s finally there. The aforementioned New York Times piece (the now you see it, now you don’t … oh, look! it’s back story) is back, and on the front page. No matter the changes from first version to last: It’s still a dramatic and important piece on the decisions we have to make as a country to ensure our food supply is safe, both from people who operate with a bottom-line priority and those who would exploit the flaws in our inspection system and regulations to harm us intentionally.
As a story with greater ramifications, this is moving beyond the scope of a pet-care Web site and blog. We’ll continue to report on the impact for pets and those who love them, but I suspect in the days and weeks to come we’ll see this move into the media big-time as the larger story it always was.
Here’s the New York Times piece (final cut; the “directors cut” is here) and here’s their timeline of events and of all their coverage.
Update: Adding a link to David Golstein on Huffington Post:
In a fit of reverse-homeopathy the [FDA-USDA] press release steps us through the dilution process, tracing the path of melamine-tainted rice protein through the food system. The rice protein is a partial ingredient in pet food, we are told, which is itself only a partial ingredient in the feed given to hogs, who then “excrete” some of the melamine in their urine. And, “even if present in pork,” they reassure us, “pork is only a small part of the average American diet.”
How comforting. But the press release reaches its Orwellian best in its insistence that there is no evidence of any “human illness” due to melamine exposure:
“While the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention systems would have limited ability to detect subtle problems due to melamine and melamine-related compounds, no problems have been detected to date.”
Translation: “We are unable to detect such problems, but don’t worry, no such problems have been detected.”
Adding: The Reuters version:
Melamine, used in making plastic and fertilizers, was blamed for killing pets in the United States and South America last month after it was found in wheat gluten and rice protein exported from China for use in pet food.
More than 100 brands of pet food were recalled, triggering a round of finger-pointing among pet food suppliers in the U.S. China last week said it would ban melamine-tainted protein products from export and from domestic markets.
Melamine scrap is believed to be commonly mixed in animal feed in China to artificially boost the protein level, especially in soymeal, tricking feedlots and farmers into paying more for feed for chickens and pigs.
What a mess this is.
Update: It appears last week that I overlooked this letter from the Pet Food Institute:
Washington, DC, April 26, 2007 – 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.
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Here’s one I posted earlier this morning on another thread (I’m on Eastern time). Not only is the NYT story on page one but it’s THE headline story at that.
I include this again as there’s an entire online page devoted to back issues of NYT articles and a prominent box with links to petconnection.com and others:
More great news about the NYT escalating the story. When you go to nyt.com (registration free for most news stories less than 1 wk old), note that under the tease for the story there’s a link that says “Time Topics: Pet food recall”. Click on that and lo and behold here’s a whole page of links to articles, AND a link to petconnection.com, howl911.com and others.
This article is already #3 in most e-mailed stories today! This is huge. I suspect you can blog about this on the NYT. Look for that feature and register (don’t know if you have to be a subscriber).
Comment by Maureen — April 30, 2007 @ 7:01 am
Here’s the link to the online “Time topics” page that’s associated with the NYT headline story today. Note you have to register for NYT news stories but it’s free for most of them. Gina has the link to the news story in her intro.
http://tinyurl.com/2eljz2
Comment by Maureen — April 30, 2007 @ 7:08 am
We’re Making NEWS!
Per Amee Moir
Producer- Today In L.A.
What China has been doing to the feed will be broadcast this morning.
The note she sent to me is:
“Thanks for the email. This story is actually in our show coming up this morning!”
I had sent them the entire story of what had been removed, etc. that we had been finding.
It’s being broadcast on -
Amee Moir
Producer- Today In L.A.
KNBC- Los Angeles
NBC Universal, KNBC
It was also on the radio this morning, WTOP !!!!!
Keep up the fight!
Comment by Shelly — April 30, 2007 @ 7:19 am
I contacted many, many major news networks with the story yesterday, all over the country. I haven’t been through our blog yet today but I wanted to get some info up. Wanted until I verified some activity WILL take place before mentioning anything since we are clearly being monitored.
Exactly who I contacted I’m not disclosing at this time. But the news should be getting out today. (All who read or knows about the initial story we had discovered on IHT / NY Times yesterday is familiar with which story I’m referring to!)
Comment by Shelly — April 30, 2007 @ 7:22 am
Also on CBS site as breaking news - and they DON’T parrot the FDA number, either. They just say “an unknown number” - glad to see that change.
Find it here -
http://preview.tinyurl.com/2aqscu
And it’s AP, so we may see it showing up in other papers as well…
Comment by Laura — April 30, 2007 @ 7:23 am
just one comment (a line from an old country song) ….thank god and greyhound!
Comment by GingerTom — April 30, 2007 @ 7:27 am
You bet you’ll see it in other papers girlfriend. You bet. It will be on your television too. I worked the entire United States. Everyone wants the story first now.
Can’t wait to get home after work, to watch the NEWS!
Comment by Shelly — April 30, 2007 @ 7:27 am
The Chinese Communist Party has banned melamine as an additive. It’s important to note they didn’t outright ban the use of chemicals to artificially boost protein count, only melamine. You can bet they’re looking for a replacement adulterant and as one feed producer stated, it’s just the way business works in China.
Comment by Frank — April 30, 2007 @ 7:27 am
Great thought Frank.
Next we’ll work on banning food from China. Next as in, today. Work work work.
Comment by Shelly — April 30, 2007 @ 7:29 am
Rocket Fuel Chemical Found in Food, Water Supply
http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/stor.....amp;page=1
The story first came out in 2005. Two studies revealed high levels of Perchlorate may be contaminating the nations lettuce supply. The Bush Administration imposed a gag order on the EPA from publicly discussing it despite the studies.
I would really like to know which 25 states it was found it. I don’t know why they didn’t list them. Of course people want to know!
Comment by Tammy — April 30, 2007 @ 7:33 am
One of the parts that isn’t in the final version - the “wheat, corn, soybean or other proteins’ part.
Most local feed companies do not admit that they use melamine. But last Friday here in Zhangqiu, a fast-growing industrial city southeast of Beijing, a pair of animal feed producers explained in great detail how they purchase low-grade wheat, corn, soybean or other proteins and then mix in small portions of nitrogen-rich melamine…
Comment by Kim — April 30, 2007 @ 7:41 am
The story from Amee Moir
Producer- Today In L.A.
KNBC- Los Angeles
NBC Universal, KNBC
aired this morning on Today in L.A. at 6:25!
Comment by Shelly — April 30, 2007 @ 7:41 am
My advise to the Pet Food Industry is rather then working 24/7 to cover up this fiasco and continuing to do the same thing, actually CHANGE.
Imagine That. What a novel concept.
Comment by Steve — April 30, 2007 @ 7:46 am
Well, it made it onto Fox:
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,269198,00.html
The “spin” downplays the risk. That’s discouraging.
Comment by Pat — April 30, 2007 @ 7:50 am
And here’s the USAToday “version”. Unfortunately they’re still painting it as an “accidental” contamination:
http://www.usatoday.com/money/.....usat_N.htm
Comment by Pat — April 30, 2007 @ 7:55 am
Some of these may be careful with their wording until such time that they can really unload what they know. We’ll need to keep watching how this plays out. They know the truth now, as far as we know it anyhow. There isn’t any major network in the U.S. nor any of their affiliations that are not aware of this story.
Comment by Shelly — April 30, 2007 @ 7:58 am
Comment by Steve — April 30, 2007 @ 7:46 am
“Imagine That. What a novel concept.”
Yeah, but that would entail having an IQ of at least 52.
Comment by Ally — April 30, 2007 @ 7:58 am
The only recent thing I could find on CNN that was KIND of relevant was an article bemoaning China’s failure to keep its promises relating to improvements in human rights issues as a “condition” for hosting the Olympics. Hmmmm . . . . do you suppose selling UNtainted food might POSSIBLY qualify as a “human rights” issue??????
http://www.cnn.com/2007/WORLD/.....index.html
Comment by Pat — April 30, 2007 @ 8:01 am
Be prepared for the worst. These PFI is up to their noses in their own s**t.
So, who in the PFI stepped up to the plate today?
Duane Ekedahl?
Oh, lets see, we did have one brand say they would not use Menu anymore. That was about what 4 weeks ago? Wonder how thats going.
Caveat emptor
Comment by Steve — April 30, 2007 @ 8:01 am
So, what is “melamine scrap”? Is it melamine that is not pure enough for industrial use? If so, is one of its contaminants cynauric acid?
Comment by David — April 30, 2007 @ 8:02 am
Comment by David — April 30, 2007 @ 8:02 am
David, does it matter? One cheap filler is the same as another in their eyes. As long as it’s the status quo dontcha know. Even better if it can be used to manufacture all sorts of oddities non related to food stuffs kiddies.
Oooh lookie: we can use this new poisonous filler for pet food, human food and wow! - even toilet seats & recylable Depends™. Such a useful commodity, innit? Kewl!!!
Comment by Ally — April 30, 2007 @ 8:07 am
REUTERS
http://tinyurl.com/2sod9x
Comment by Nadine Long — April 30, 2007 @ 8:12 am
The New York Times Story is in most major newspapers today.
Comment by Mary Ann — April 30, 2007 @ 8:12 am
David Goldstein makes no bones about it. HUFFINGTON POST:
http://tinyurl.com/2ll2o6
Comment by Nadine Long — April 30, 2007 @ 8:18 am
Comment by Nadine Long — April 30, 2007 @ 8:12 am
I cringe to think of what the next few months is going to bring.
Comment by Steve — April 30, 2007 @ 8:19 am
Ally,
It matters because that would explain why cyanuric acid is in the grain proteins and pet food along with melamine. It appears that the interaction of cyanuric acid and melamine is causing the kidney problems (the reaction produces a crystalline precipitate).
Comment by David — April 30, 2007 @ 8:22 am
Comment by Maureen — April 30, 2007 @ 7:01 am
Maureen - I checked on the Viewer Comments Section on NYT last time to see what everyone else was saying. Once you get to that section there’s a comment that most of their boards have been removed. If you want to comment on opera, you’ll find it listed there :(
Comment by Kat — April 30, 2007 @ 8:24 am
CHOICE QUOTES FROM REUTERS ARTICLE:
On melamine in animal feed:
*********START OF QUOTES FROM ARTICLE*********
“It is a very popular business here. I know people have been mixing this since 1991.”
“Fake” soymeal products were widely sold in Hebei and Shandong provinces, the manager said.”
“I never heard of this stuff. But in general, chemical products shouldn’t be put in animal feed, that’s very dangerous,” said Xie Hong, executive vice president of Sichuan Southhope Industry Co., China’s biggest feed producer and controlling stakeholder in Liuhe Group, the country’s largest poultry producer based in Shandong.
Beijing has issued no regulations to ban the use of the chemical in feed, said a China Feed Industry Association official. He denied any knowledge of use of the additive in feed.
But an official at the Shandong Mingshui Great Chemical Group, which produces urea for fertilizer, said all of its melamine scrap was sold to companies to boost the nitrogen content in their feed products.
“They add very small amount of melamine scrap to the feed, which does not lead to mass deaths of animals. But a few here and there might react,” said the manager at the Shandong feedmill, who had not heard that the product had been linked to pet deaths overseas.
“It might be another story for pets though.”
*************END OF QUOTES****************
http://www.reuters.com/article.....geNumber=2
Comment by petlover — April 30, 2007 @ 8:25 am
Comment by Shelly — April 30, 2007 @ 7:29 am
I’m already on it…
*** It’s a MOVEMENT ***
Comment by Kat — April 30, 2007 @ 8:28 am
“Melamine is so popular as a protein lookalike feed additive that at least one Chinese manufacturer is believed to have torn down buildings to get to leftover scraps, industry officials said on Monday.”
I don’t need to read any further than this first paragraph. It’s this sort of visual that makes an impression on the reader.
Comment by Carole — April 30, 2007 @ 8:29 am
The lone “pink bag” of melamine was the dead giveaway and” needs to be held as evidence of intentional use. The entire U.S. pet food industry has known all along since melamine spiking has been in use in China from 1991. I’d like to see ALL of their lab tests for tolerance.
And for those pet food companies that claimed their additives were NOT from China, more than likely their melamine was from right here in the U.S. We one of the largest(if not the largest) manufacturers of melamine.
Wish the rest of the bunch from the PFI would come forward with their admissions already. I can’t wait.
Comment by Nadine Long — April 30, 2007 @ 8:33 am
“Translation: “We are unable to detect such problems, but don’t worry, no such problems have been detected.”
how much does this sound like AG Gonzales: “I don’t remember why I fired the AAGs, but I’m sure the reasons were legal”
beyond Orwellian…
Comment by pitbullEmily — April 30, 2007 @ 8:33 am
How many lives has the PFI destroyed. Are we keeping track of that?
Comment by Steve — April 30, 2007 @ 8:36 am
Comment by David — April 30, 2007 @ 8:22 am
David, I hear you. My point is in relation to that now you see it, now you don’t, now it’s back again NYT article stating the Chinese have no problems using such a substance as a filler. Sure, with all the hooplah, they’ll most likely pull it from usage in pet food. For a bit. Until all the shit hitting the fan calms down. But you bet your booties they’ll find something else to replace it with. Or even worse, bring it back when they think everyone’s forgotton or aren’t looking.
Sadly, time does amazing things to people’s memories. Look what happened in the case of 911. As heinous as that event was in everyone’s eyes, the fact remains that as time’s gone by, the impact of that atrocity has faded. Sure there are people who will never forget (they would be inhuman or insane to do so), and I highly doubt a pet owner who has lost their fur kid will ever forget this debacle. But agree or disagree with me, my current feeling is as time goes by, people’s memories of this recall will begin to fade. Not all by any means will forget, but some. Perhaps it will be those who didn’t lose a pet or have one become ill. But I do think some will move on with their lives as other urgent situations arise and replace in the news this current catastrophe. In that regard, and without keeping an eye on what’s being used by China (or another source of cheap supply) 24/7, I do think something along these lines could happen again.
Back to your original question - does it matter? Yes, most definitely. My sracastic reaction above wasn’t meant to knock you (apologies if it seemed that way), instead it reflects my feeling that to China, it doesn’t matter. In time, they’ll return to their status quo of what *they* consider as acceptable practice - no matter heinous a route they take to get their money in their hot little hands.
Comment by Ally — April 30, 2007 @ 8:37 am
Comment by Steve — April 30, 2007 @ 8:19 am
I like Goldstein’s take on the FDA. Read the blog comments under the article. Everyone is on to what’s happening in government.
All of this just makes me flash back to reading about the fall of Rome in Latin class.
Comment by Nadine Long — April 30, 2007 @ 8:37 am
Comment by Nadine Long — April 30, 2007 @ 8:37 am
“Fiddling away” . . . Looks like they are bound and determined to risk the lives of us and our pets and they don’t even give s sh*t. Whatever it takes to put the big bucks in their pockets and keep the facade propped up.
Comment by Steve — April 30, 2007 @ 8:41 am
Before I get slammed for my post directly above…..
Trust me people - I am one of those who will NEVER forget what has happened re: this recall. And I’ve been very fortunate not to have lost a pet or have one who became ill. I will not forget.
Comment by Ally — April 30, 2007 @ 8:41 am
Steve, I’ve been home cooking for Mrs. Murphy since I finished the bag that seemed to be okay. Was afraid to buy another. Are you still on Wellness? Haven’t heard a peep from them.
Comment by Nadine Long — April 30, 2007 @ 8:42 am
Comment by Nadine Long — April 30, 2007 @ 8:42 am
Yes.
Comment by Steve — April 30, 2007 @ 8:45 am
FWIW, I spoke to my Mom about banning all imports from China, stopping business with them, etc. She was on Cap Hill for many years, working in committees that involve things like this. She said it just won’t happen, ever. So it seems that energy needs to be expended in another direction rather than trying to ban trade with China.
I do think contacting any and all manufacturer’s of foods (human and pet) that have multiple ingredients of unknown origin is the way to go. If we ask each specific questions such as 1) does any of your ingredients come from China? 2) Is all of your product manufactured in the US? etc., If the answer is yes, give them an unequivocable “I’m not your customer anymore and I’ll be passing the word on to friends and family about your products.” Hit them in the pocket book, every time and that should get a reaction.
And also, everyone that’s be on this tragedy, digging and posting and sending e-mails deserves a HUGE kudo! If not for you, this would never have made front page news like it did today. You all carried the flag for so many pet owners who just don’t understand the scope of this.
Cheers to you all!
Comment by Sharon — April 30, 2007 @ 8:46 am
Ally, I agree with your thoughts. No doubt that this will become just another episode in our country’s saga.
Since there are so many now who don’t even give it a second thought, I think it will fade quickly unless there is a catastrophe like 911, and then it will just take longer.
Comment by Carole — April 30, 2007 @ 8:48 am
Comment by Steve — April 30, 2007 @ 8:41 am
I just hope this is a wake-up call to Americans who would like to extend their lives beyond this year. God only knows what else we’ve been eating. I hate to keep repeating myself, but, in ‘Soylent Green’, the world was out of food. We’ve tainted just about everything we can think of with the glutens. I made a list for all protein uses yesterday but apparently it was moderated.
Comment by Nadine Long — April 30, 2007 @ 8:49 am
Comment by Carole — April 30, 2007 @ 8:48 am
Carole, thanks for understanding the point I was trying to make. I didn’t want David to think I didn’t think his question was valid - it is. I think I woke up feeling a bit snarky this morning. Somehow it helps me get through reading what appears to be a never ending saga concerning this recall.
Comment by Ally — April 30, 2007 @ 8:55 am
Nadine … we didn’t moderate your post. We have been getting a ton of spam, and a few comments have been swept away with those even though we try to rescue them.
Comment by Gina Spadafori — April 30, 2007 @ 8:59 am
Comment by Nadine Long — April 30, 2007 @ 8:49 am
The U.S. is going to have to change the Life Expectancy. From 75 or whatever it is to 75 with extensive medical care and disease management beginning at 30.
Comment by Steve — April 30, 2007 @ 8:59 am
Gina open a one time Spam Thread and let it fly so we can all see what the trolls and haters are saying.
Comment by Steve — April 30, 2007 @ 9:01 am
It’s not “troll” spam. It’s 99 percent automated porn and drugs crap. Believe me, you don’t want to read it. I never knew so many fetishes existed … but then, I guess I’ve led a sheltered life.
Christie and I *do” try to review the spam quickly and “unspam” the couple of legitimate comments that are in each batch. But in the last week we’ve been getting a couple hundred porn spams an hour. Ick. Ick. Ick.
Comment by Gina Spadafori — April 30, 2007 @ 9:08 am
Thinking about those crystals they found at Guelph http://www.labservices.uoguelp.....m#crystals
They show up at 400x pretty well.
They sell microscopes at eBay for about $10 - $50
I’m really starting to think about checking my entire family’s urine.
Comment by Peggy — April 30, 2007 @ 9:11 am
Gina—don’t know how you guys are doing all of this anyway. You are both amazing. I ask in all seriousness, were it not for all the efforts by every contributor to the Pet Connection, Itchmo, Howl911, etc., how long, if ever, would it have taken to expose this crisis? There are still people out there who are clueless but it won’t be long now.
Comment by Nadine Long — April 30, 2007 @ 9:16 am
For ALL of the ills and deficiencies of our own government’s handling of this mess - i.e., the FDA, the USDA, the media, etc. etc., I have been closely monitoring the government-controlled, two most popular media outlets in China for the last few weeks. There has not been a single mention, or reference to any of this. Inserting keywords such as “melamine,” “FDA,” “pet food recall,” comes up with absolutely nothing.
It’s rather scary that the largest populated country on earth has no idea of what their country is like let alone what their being fed!
Below are two sites that I have been monitoring daily.
http://www.xinhuanet.com/english/
http://english.people.com.cn/
Comment by Don — April 30, 2007 @ 9:24 am
Gina - been there, done that on a forum I moderate. You’re right: peops do NOT need or want to see all those prOn ebots!
Comment by Ally — April 30, 2007 @ 9:26 am
Looks like the University of Guelph is getting closer to a ‘why’:
From today’s Toronto Star:
Guelph scientists may be closer to figuring out why North American pets are dying from contaminated food.
Two of the chemicals U.S. authorities say they’ve found in food additives from China – melamine and cyanuric acid – can react to form crystals that could block kidney function, according to the University of Guelph’s Agriculture and Food Laboratory.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration found melamine, which is used to make plastic, in wheat gluten and rice protein concentrate in some pet foods. They’ve also found cyanuric acid, a chemical used to treat water in swimming pools, in wheat gluten.
http://www.thestar.com/article/208343
Comment by Lisa — April 30, 2007 @ 9:26 am
hello, what about the fact that melamine was used in HUMAN GRADE gluten!!!!
Comment by carol — April 30, 2007 @ 9:27 am
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
Sierra Pet Products, LLC Issues Nationwide Recall of “Harmony Farms” Canned Dog Foods, “Harmony Farms” Canned Cat Foods and “Harmony Farms” Dog Treats Manufactured at American Nutrition, Inc.
Contact:
Caryn Cox
203-762-2525 EXT. 20
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE — April 27, 2007 — SIERRA PET PRODUCTS, LLC, Wilton, CT, is initiating a nationwide recall of all canned dog foods, all canned cat food and all dog treats sold under its “Harmony Farms” brand. The Company is taking this voluntary action after learning that the FDA has confirmed the presence of melamine, a substance not approved for use in food, in rice protein concentrate used by the contract manufacturer in the production of some of these products.
It should be noted the “Harmony Farms” canned dog and cat food products were not formulated or labeled to contain rice protein concentrate, and that the manufacturer, American Nutrition, Inc. added the rice protein concentrate to these products without Sierra Pet Products’ knowledge or consent. For this reason, Sierra Pet Products is concerned that it can not have any faith in the integrity, or the accuracy of the ingredient labels of any of its products manufactured by American Nutrition. Therefore Sierra Pet Products is withdrawing all products manufactured by American Nutrition, including products that American Nutrition claims do not contain rice protein. The FDA investigation into the inclusion of the rice protein by American Nutrition in the “Harmony Farms” products is ongoing.
Consumers who have any of the “Harmony Farms” can dog foods, can cat foods, or dog treats that are being recalled should stop using the products immediately, and return any unused or partially used products to the retailer where they were purchased, for a full refund.
Sierra Pet Products has not received any reports of pet illness from any of the recalled products, but consumers are advised to speak with their veterinarian about any concerns for their pet’s health.
The recall includes the following:
* All Cans of “Harmony Farms” dog food
* All Cans of “Harmony Farms” cat food
* All “Harmony Farms” dog treats
NO HARMONY FARMS DRY DOG OR CAT FOODS SOLD IN BAGS ARE MANUFACTURED AT AMERICAN NUTRITION. NONE OF THESE DRY DOG OR CAT FOODS ARE INVOLVED IN THIS RECALL.
FDA has been apprised of this action, and Sierra Pet Products will continue to cooperate with the FDA in its investigation of this matter.
Sierra Pet Products has not received any complaints of illness or renal failure associated with the use of any of the recalled products.
Sierra Pet Products has notified its distributors and retailer customers of this recall by phone and letter and is arranging for return and credit for all recalled products.
Consumers with questions may contact the company at 1-800-808-1664.
####
Comment by Nadine Long — April 30, 2007 @ 9:27 am
I’ve considered the fact that we, the United States and Our beloved Pet Food Companies, were the ones adding the Melamine for some time - so the Chinese Companies may be adding it (and heaven knows what else) our U.S. companies are adding it - and then playing dumb - and the FDA is playing dumb too and everyone is taking the 5th or will shortly and pointing fingers abroad, and yes I believe the investigators will find some abuse in China, but what about that pink bag - that bag has bothered me for a long time - and now the delay in discovering the truth has given the needed time for these companies to clean up their act, feed the toxic waste to livestock, until next time and then it’s business as usual.
Comment by Linda — April 30, 2007 @ 9:31 am
Gina, just curious, are you using a spam filter service called Akismet? I hear it’s great.
Comment by Gary — April 30, 2007 @ 9:31 am
Judi McLeod knows
Consumers, knowing that some of the recalled pet foods are still available on supermarket shelves and having heard about new recalls only last week, hardly believe that commercial pet food can be purchased with much confidence.
They worry that pet food manufacturers will resume using more cheap Chinese ingredients, which may be contaminated with something else.
“Sorry sir, the smoke screens and mirrors aren’t going to work anymore.” Michael Giacco, of Orlando, Florida wrote in an open letter to Ekedahl, care of Canada Free Press (CFP).
“You’re facing a different consumer mentality now, no longer the pre-March 16 trusting and innocent willingness to believe anything told to us in commercial advertising and food labels.
“Over are the days when consumers like myself, believing I am buying “better” “safer” foods, go out of my way to purchase an IAMS, or a Nutro, or a Science/HillsÉand risk the chance that the same contaminant that makes the 22-cent Special-Kitty toxic to my cat is also present in the 400 percent pricier “name” brand.
Comment by Steve — April 30, 2007 @ 9:33 am
Get ready folks—-here they come!
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 Company, Ltd Issues Nationwide Recall of “Blue” Canned Dog Foods, “Blue Spa Select” Canned Cat Foods and “Blue” Dog Treats Manufactured At American Nutrition, Inc.
Contact:
David Petrie
203-762-9751 EXT. 17
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE — April 27, 2007 — Blue Buffalo Company, Ltd, Wilton, CT, is initiating a nationwide recall of all canned dog foods sold under its “Blue” dog food brand, all canned cat food sold under its “Blue Spa Select” cat food brand, and all dog treats sold under its “Blue” dog food brand. The Company is taking this voluntary action after learning that the FDA has confirmed the presence of melamine, a substance not approved for use in food, in rice protein concentrate used by the contract manufacturer in the production of some of these products.
It should be noted the “Blue” canned dog and cat food products were not formulated or labeled to contain rice protein concentrate, and that the manufacturer, American Nutrition, Inc. added the rice protein concentrate to these products without Blue Buffalo Company’s knowledge or consent. For this reason, Blue Buffalo Company is concerned that it can not have any faith in the integrity, or the accuracy of the ingredient labels of any of its products manufactured by American Nutrition. Therefore Blue Buffalo is withdrawing all products manufactured by American Nutrition, including products that American Nutrition claims do not contain rice protein. The FDA investigation into the inclusion of the rice protein by American Nutrition in Blue Buffalo’s products is ongoing.
Consumers who have any of the “Blue” can dog foods, “Blue Spa Select” can cat foods, or “Blue” dog treats that are being recalled should stop using the products immediately, and return any unused or partially used products to the retailer where they were purchased, for a full refund.
Blue Buffalo has not received any reports of pet illness from any of the recalled products, but consumers are advised to speak with their veterinarian about any concerns for their pet’s health.
The recall includes the following:
* All Cans of “Blue” dog food
* All Cans of “Blue Spa Select” cat food
* All “Blue” dog treats
NO BLUE DRY DOG OR CAT FOODS SOLD IN BAGS ARE MANUFACTURED AT AMERICAN NUTRITION. NONE OF THESE DRY DOG OR CAT FOODS ARE INVOLVED IN THIS RECALL.
FDA has been apprised of this action, AND Blue Buffalo will continue to cooperate with the FDA in its investigation of this matter.
Blue Buffalo has not received any complaints of illness or renal failure associated with the use of any of the recalled products.
Blue Buffalo has notified its distributors and retailer customers of this recall by phone and letter and is arranging for return and credit for all recalled products.
Consumers with questions may contact the company at 1-800-919-2833.
####
Comment by Nadine Long — April 30, 2007 @ 9:34 am
Comment by David — April 30, 2007 @ 8:02 am
They sell scrap melamine on the world market boards, as chunk pieces from broken plates, etc. I don’t know if this is the form that these feed swindlers are purchasing it in.
I’m on & off here as I have other stuff I gotta do. PLUS, San Antonio area has major storms & flooding 1”-3” rain per hr, major flooding & high winds!
I’m not surprised about the AP, LA, etc picking it up — that’s GOOD — just a long time coming for most of the media.
San Antonio KENS5 has yet to mention a word. I guess they STILL have the ostrich-complex. :(
Comment by Kat — April 30, 2007 @ 9:37 am
**** HEADS UP to the FEED INDUSTRY * GROWERS ****
!! GEAR UP !! BUY U.S.A GROWN INGREDIENTS & SEEDS !!
!!! State COUNTRY OF ORIGIN for your ingredients !!!
Or, you’ll likely have minimal business!
Subsequently going out of business.!
Comment by Kat — April 30, 2007 @ 9:41 am
This recall is not about pet food, it’s about cheese from Mexico, but there’s an encouraging statement by the State of Florida that demonstrates their willingness and intent to test foods. Good for you, Florida! Now all the others need to step up to the plate.
Recall — State Press Release
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
Bronson Advises Consumers To Check Refrigerators For Potentially Tainted Cheeses
Contact:
Dr. John Fruin
(850) 245-5520
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE — Tallahassee, FL — April 27, 2007 — Florida Agriculture and Consumer Services Commissioner Charles H. Bronson is urging consumers to check their refrigerators for Ole Mexican Foods’ Verole Queso Fresco Authentic Mexican Crumbling Cheese and Ole Fresco Authentic Mexican Crumbling Cheese. The two products may be contaminated with E. coli bacteria.
The potential for this contamination was determined after random testing performed by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services revealed the presence of E.coli bacteria in samples of both of the cheeses.
[…]####
Comment by Nadine Long — April 30, 2007 @ 9:45 am
is ennova lite cat food safe? i just found out it is made by Menu.
Comment by m stanco — April 30, 2007 @ 9:45 am
“I’m not surprised about the AP, LA, etc picking it up — that’s GOOD — just a long time coming for most of the media.”
They’re here though. They’re here now. We need to encourage further communication and build great relationships within the media industry in order to keep it out there, let them know this is important to us.
Comment by Shelly — April 30, 2007 @ 9:46 am
Comment by Nadine Long — April 30, 2007 @ 9:34 am
I this NEW? They pulled everything Thurs or Fri(?)
I think it’s the same, just made it to the FDA site. Although this is the first I’ve seent he dog foods on there except for salmonella, etc
Comment by Kat — April 30, 2007 @ 9:48 am
Just received from the FDA—SmartPak—I guess it’s ‘official’ now.
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
SmartPak Canine Voluntarily Recalls LiveSmart Weight Management Formula
Contact:
Paal Gisholt 774 773-1100
Consumers:
800 461-8898
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE — PLYMOUTH, MA (April 25, 2007) - Wilbur-Ellis, a San Francisco-based supplier of pet food ingredients, has asked all pet food producers that used their rice protein concentrate to recall dog food produced using that ingredient due to a risk that it may have been contaminated with melamine. Melamine is an industrial chemical used to make plastics and fertilizers that can lead to illness or fatalities in animals if consumed.
[…] [Gina note: PLEASE DON’T POST ENTIRE ARTICLES AND MEDIA RELEASES. Just a couple of paragraphs and a link will do. We’re going to start deleting these, without warning. I don’t have time to go in and fix them. So please … be considerate of readers (and copyright, for articles so covered). Post a couple of graphs and a link to the entire article. Thanks.]
Consumers with questions about the pet food they use should visit the FDA Web site at http://www.fda.gov. For more information regarding Wilbur-Ellis’ recall, their press release may be viewed at: http://www.fda.gov/oc/po/firmr.....04_07.html
####
Comment by Nadine Long — April 30, 2007 @ 9:51 am
Did something just happen to the blog homepage? The HSUS article is truncated in the center, and none of the righthand column stuff is showing up for me.
Comment by Pat — April 30, 2007 @ 9:54 am
Comment by Shelly — April 30, 2007 @ 9:46 am
I’ve been emailing the media for weeks. Hope others do the same. They now know that we’re not “kooks” or “alarmists” and may be more willing to publish from now on.
Comment by Nadine Long — April 30, 2007 @ 9:56 am
Thought for today’s open thread discussion:
I keep wondering who is going to be first to jump on the bandwagon to market an in-home testing kit for melamine and/or insert-tainted-food-poisoning-of-choice here? You know, along the lines of current in-home pregnancy test kits?
The mind runs amok wondering how low people are going to stoop trying to make a buck off of this recall debacle….
Comment by Ally — April 30, 2007 @ 9:59 am
I’m kind of curious if we’re going to see any recalls now from some of the larger pet food companies that’s been flying under the radar. They keep spouting the rhetoric “Our food is safe” when it has become obvious to many that it isn’t. I want to know where they get those teflon coats cause nothing seems stick to them.
Comment by Sandy C — April 30, 2007 @ 9:59 am
Comment by Linda — April 30, 2007 @ 9:31 am
Apparently, they are continuing to feed those hogs the toxic feed and indicate there will be no change. I’ll surely miss bacon and ham.
Comment by Nadine Long — April 30, 2007 @ 10:03 am
Nadine - and a lot of other stuff too.
Comment by Linda — April 30, 2007 @ 10:05 am
The HSUS post is fixed, thanks Pat.
And everyone: Please don’t post entire articles or media releases. A couple of paragraphs and a link will do. Thanks!
Comment by Gina Spadafori — April 30, 2007 @ 10:09 am
Comment by Ally — April 30, 2007 @ 9:59 am
I think I posted the same thing in March. Not only your mind isn’t running amok—-you have company!!!
Comment by Nadine Long — April 30, 2007 @ 10:10 am
Comment by Nadine Long — April 30, 2007 @ 10:10 am
Wow. Good to know I’m not alone, Nadine. It’s something I’ve been thinking about for days but forgot to post. March was a little before my time here!
Comment by Ally — April 30, 2007 @ 10:12 am
Ally,
We could demand that ‘litmus’ test packets be at every restaurant table and hot dog stand, along with the salt, pepper and sugar. Also the contamination test paks can be purchased in bulk at Costco for home use.
I need a break I think.
Comment by Nadine Long — April 30, 2007 @ 10:14 am
I received a two-page questionnaire in the mail today from Hills’ wanting to know about my cat and his death even though the Prescription c/d is not on the recall list. They stated they would also review the vet’s records for consideration of possible reinbursement.
Comment by Janice — April 30, 2007 @ 10:15 am
Ally,
And then, I posted about the little mini-dialysis units that we could strap to our waists like fanny packs, and for our pets, too.
Oh boy creative minds…
Comment by Nadine Long — April 30, 2007 @ 10:17 am
Yes, Askimet is our spam filter. I want to hug the people who made it. They’ve snared more than 32,000 spam comments (mostly icky-icky porn) since we installed in early February.
Comment by Gina Spadafori — April 30, 2007 @ 10:18 am
Located 4 more safe choices for food.
Wet Noses - http://www.wet-noses.com/
All the Best Pet Care - http://www.allthebestpetcare.com/
Darwin’s - http://www.darwinspet.com/
Mud Bay - http://www.mudbay.us/
Comment by Shelly — April 30, 2007 @ 10:20 am
Comment by Nadine Long — April 30, 2007 @ 10:14 am
“I need a break I think.”
I think we all do, Nadine. This past several weeks have been intense. I know I need to step away for a bit but keep worrying when I do, that will be the time the food I’m feeding my pets gets recalled & I’ll miss the initial announcement.
But for the sake of my own sanity, which in turn affects my pets, I’m making the effort to take breathers from all this mess. I’m scheduling regular check-ins, but can’t take reading all this 24/7 anymore. I think I’ll abosrb the latest news better by taking the breaks as well. Brain overload anyone?
Comment by Ally — April 30, 2007 @ 10:20 am
195 melamine fed hogs go to Tyson plant in Nebraska..not being recalled. (check next to last paragraph)
http://tinyurl.com/3bc3ye
Comment by Sandy C — April 30, 2007 @ 10:21 am
has there been any news at all about the second company that wasimporting rice protien the fda did not want to release their name
Comment by linda k — April 30, 2007 @ 10:24 am
Comment by Ally — April 30, 2007 @ 10:20 am
Ally, I’m waiting for my suspect food to be recalled as well. The wait is nerve wracking. Taking that long break right now.
Comment by Nadine Long — April 30, 2007 @ 10:26 am
How does stating that we do not buy our “rice protein concentrate” from Wilbur Ellis absolve any pet food company from the stain of Melamine spiking?
If it is an industry wide practice, in the U.S. too evidently, then the above statement means only: Since we do not use Wilbur Ellis, your pet will not be overdosed on our toxic poison.
Most of these major pet food companies are trying to dodge the bullet by selling inferior products that test high in protein and are not - no matter what they are doing to the pet food, it surely isn’t good – using scrap Melamine and similar cheap chemical additives.
The sorry truth will come out when they sue each other: distributors, manufacturers, and contracting companies (the pet food brand names) and the likes.
We are experiencing the unjust deserts of a free market system consumed by greed and like a stack of dominoes - tumbling down and crushing the life from our pets.
Let’s hope that all their shady dealings are rightfully exposed and no more pets will have to suffer at the hands of these criminals.
Comment by Linda — April 30, 2007 @ 10:35 am
Comment by Sandy C — April 30, 2007 @ 10:21 am
http://tinyurl.com/3bc3ye
“… 195 hogs that had eaten feed from China that had been treated with the banned chemical melamine did go to a Tyson pork plant in Nebraska. Bond said there is no indication of harm to humans and that the meat was not recalled.”
Check my logic for me folks:
1)It is illegal to sell adulterated food.
2)Melamine is not cleared for use in food.
Therefore: It is illegal to sell melamine adulterated food.
Tyson is breaking the law.
The FDA is allowing it.
Did I miss anything?
Comment by Peggy — April 30, 2007 @ 10:37 am
About the Reuter’s article above:
“Melamine, used in making plastic and fertilizers, was blamed for killing pets in the United States and South America last month after it was found in wheat gluten and rice protein exported from China for use in pet food.”
*** They mention South Africa, but not CORN GLUTEN. ***
Oh, but wait - we’ll have to grant them some leniency — they’re just catching up!
Comment by Kat — April 30, 2007 @ 10:39 am
I’m a bit confused about this plastic pig deal. Were there not hogs quarantined because they ate the tainted food?? And did I not read yesterday that the hog farmer would be reimbursed for hogs that had to be destroyed because of eating tainted food?? Soooo…some are quarantined to be destroyed? And some are being slaughtered and sent to market. Well…how do they decide which little piggy goes to market?
Comment by Sandy C — April 30, 2007 @ 10:56 am
Backyard gardening, anyone?
I wonder how upset my neighbors would be if I started raising chickens?
Comment by Peggy — April 30, 2007 @ 10:59 am
CFIA on border lookout for plastics chemical that could enter food chain
Last Updated: Friday, April 27, 2007
Canada’s food inspectors have issued border lookouts for vegetable proteins coming from China to prevent melamine — a chemical used to make plastics — from contaminating the human food chain, CBC News has learned.
Inspectors will seize wheat gluten, soy proteins, corn glutens and rice proteins from China — ingredients already found to contain melamine and other contaminants in hundreds of pet-food products. The proteins are destined for human food.
http://tinyurl.com/2os7on
Comment by Steve — April 30, 2007 @ 11:00 am
Maybe you should ask the question why so much filler is being used in our food. Could it be that our supply of good wheat,corn,rice, and soy are running out. Now you have to use crap from china to fill our bread and pizza dough!! Try to buy bread without wheat gluten added.
Comment by 6catmommy — April 30, 2007 @ 11:06 am
Don’t return any suspected Pet Food. Store it so it doesn’t end up back in some Sunny Natures Farm Brand Happy Pet or cattle feed, and for evidence.
Comment by Steve — April 30, 2007 @ 11:08 am
If it wasn’t for our sick cats and dogs, we would not be any wiser.
Comment by 6catmommy — April 30, 2007 @ 11:09 am
Thanks to Nutro and Natural Balance, I’ve developed a mental block/barrier to any product with the “N”-word so now I can’t seem to recall what was said about Nature’s Variety. The only pet food store in town that sells raw frozen offers NV or the larger sized BilJac. I need the smaller sized medallions for my cat and dog. And I’ve considered the NV Raw Instint Kibble for their munchies.
Anyone care to refresh me on whether this would be a good choice?
My apologies for my “N”-word mental block 8)
Thanks
Comment by Kathi — April 30, 2007 @ 11:11 am
Comment by 6catmommy — April 30, 2007 @ 11:09 am
“If it wasn’t for our sick cats and dogs, we would not be any wiser.”
Scary, isn’t it?
The travesty is that it took the death & illness of defenseless, trusting pets, only wanting to provide unconditional love, to bring this to light.
That is a fact I’ll never be able to forgive. Ever.
Comment by Ally — April 30, 2007 @ 11:14 am
I only ask because I’m in a hurry here and don’t have time to go back through the comments, not to mention my eyes are still messed up from weeks of staring at this screen.
Apologies again and thanks 8)
Comment by Kathi — April 30, 2007 @ 11:14 am
Steve
You are just so right about that. I was wondering what they were going to do with all that pulled product, you know how they like to profit from scrap materials. Need I say more? 8)
Comment by Kathi — April 30, 2007 @ 11:21 am
Are others here also fed up with the ‘The employees of [insert pet food ‘manufacturer] are animal lovers…. yaddayadda’?
My question is: Did said employees know what *really* went into pet food?
If so, did they *really* feed their animals that stuff?
If so, can we *really* call them ‘animal lovers’?
Still angry and anxious after trying to keep the cats alive for weeks,
MaKo
Comment by MaKo — April 30, 2007 @ 11:22 am
Kathi,
From http://www.thepetfoodlist.com/petfoods_pg2.htm
*************
Nature’s Variety
Brands include Nature’s Variety, Nature’s Variety Prairie, and Nature’s Variety Raw Instinct.
Canned foods made by Menu Foods but not involved in the recall.
Dry foods are outsourced, but not by Menu Foods.
Frozen and freeze-dried raw foods are made in house.
All grains used are of US origin, except flax seed, which they get from Canada.
No wheat gluten is used in their products, or in the plant that manufactures their dry foods.
There is no rice protein concentrate used in any of our Nature’s Variety diets (kibble, cans, or raw). Furthermore, rice protein concentrate is NOT used anywhere within the kibble manufacturing facility. (from website 4/18/07)
*************
I just bought some Nature’s Variety Raw Instinct frozen organic chicken medallions to try with my cats. I don’t like the fact that they have any relationship with Menu, but am somewhat mollified by the fact that supposedly their frozen product is made “in-house”. We are going to try various frozen diets, with the idea of eventually going to homemade. I may not stick with these folks permanently, bot for the time being I feel it is important to get them off the Friskies and Fancy Feast, etc.
Comment by mountainkimmie — April 30, 2007 @ 11:34 am
I believe shelly is using Nature’s Variety and is happy with it.
Comment by Pat — April 30, 2007 @ 11:37 am
RE: Comment by Nadine Long — April 30, 2007 @ 10:14 am
Litmus paper test is great idea, Nadine!
I think EVERY CEO/Pres of every single food company in America should do a public service ad — hooked up to a lie detector machine — and tell us just how the have taken care of the problems. Aired each week across America! Prime Time!
Hey! This could be the NEXT REALITY SHOW! Watch ‘em squirm! Watch them compete for better standards! Watch ‘em go bankrupt on national TV! Iiii —- like it!!! :)
Mark Barnett, are you reading??
Comment by Kat — April 30, 2007 @ 11:41 am
Re: 6catmommy’s comment:”Maybe you should ask the question why so much filler is being used in our food. Could it be that our supply of good wheat,corn,rice, and soy are running out. Now you have to use crap from china to fill our bread and pizza dough!! Try to buy bread without wheat gluten added.”
It is all about money! I bet a lot of our own kidney’s look like a “tupperware party”! This is absolutely shamefull. I will cook for my baby and try to eat as little processed food as possible. BTW I remember Soylent Green, a very scary movie.
Comment by Shawn — April 30, 2007 @ 11:41 am
That Reuter’s article is sickening!
And, EYE-OPENING FOR THE AMERICAN PUBLIC.
We NEED to send these articles to everyone in our address books!
Comment by Kat — April 30, 2007 @ 11:45 am
Well it’s obvious by now the Pet Food Industry has made ZERO changes and are going to plow ahead doing the same old thing. People will continue to catalogue these crimes of trade, finance, and greed across the blogosphere. With any luck at all justice will be served.
Comment by Steve — April 30, 2007 @ 11:46 am
Big Thanks to mountainkimmie and Pat. 8)
I thought they had positive results but that darn “N”-word with Nutro and Natural Balance was skewing my memory.
I’m also making them home-made chicken “soup” with sweet potato, broccoli and carrots. I know Anna (Peke/Chi) will eat it but Beans (cat) will no doubt give me that “look” again.
Anna usually sits on my lap and helps me eat my plate of food. She’s definitely not a kibbler.
Again thanks for the fast response. Gotta go get chow now.
Comment by Kathi — April 30, 2007 @ 11:51 am
Comment by Kat — April 30, 2007 @ 11:41 am
I wish.
Thank you for that image, even if it never comes true I shall implant it in my brain tonight before sleep and have very sweet dreams!
Every lie gets a shock that makes em twitch like a spastic chihuahua. I like it very much.
Comment by E. Hamilton — April 30, 2007 @ 11:52 am
Blue Buffalo just issued a second recall.
Comment by Eva — April 30, 2007 @ 11:54 am
Quick note for Steve. Do you have handy that page with the member list from several weeks back? I thought I saved it but can’t find it now. It was maybe the AFI or one of those company membership dealies. Natural Balance was one of the companies listed.
I’ll check back here later if you should happen to post it again. And thanks, all. 8)
Comment by Kathi — April 30, 2007 @ 11:57 am
Comment by Kathi — April 30, 2007 @ 11:57 am
Did you mean this?
http://www.petfoodinstitute.org/
Comment by Steve — April 30, 2007 @ 11:58 am
Eva, where did you see that?
Comment by Carole — April 30, 2007 @ 11:58 am
Eva,
Unless I’m missing something, I think that recall of all their canned goods occurred last week.
Comment by Krystal Kubichek — April 30, 2007 @ 12:00 pm
Never mind, I see what you are talking about. From all appearances, I don’t believe anything new has been added. I believe this is the FDA’s way of saying that they confirmed melamine in the food - something that had not yet been confirmed last week.
Good thing some of these companies started pulling these products last week, before final test results.
Comment by Carole — April 30, 2007 @ 12:03 pm
it’s 3pm here in Mi and the FDA’s 3 bulletins 2 dated Apr 27 & one for Apr 25 recalling foods has just hit my emails. What a sorry state of affairs this is.
Comment by VJ — April 30, 2007 @ 12:03 pm
I have to admit, I like Blue Buffalo’s reaction. I think their approach should be used by everyone with contaminated food. Recall everything to be safe (at least until it’s tested), and make it the main page of your website, so that you cannot avoid seeing it. Plus, looking for a new manufacture that they can trust. I think they’ve handled this right. Wish more companies would follow their lead. IF I were to ever use a formally recalled food again, I’d probably look at them, for the simple reason that they seem to actually care.
Comment by Krystal Kubichek — April 30, 2007 @ 12:04 pm
Krystal, when I talked with Blue last week they did tell me that the FDA was doing further testing on food even though a lot of it had come back negative.
Now we are seeing the results of their testing.
Comment by Carole — April 30, 2007 @ 12:04 pm
Steve
Yes, thank you and that was quick. I saved it in my special folder this time. 8)
Now I really gotta get going here. Thanks again.
Comment by Kathi — April 30, 2007 @ 12:07 pm
Although I feel this country is bogged down with frivolous lawsuits, I wouldn’t hesitate to sue some of these manufacturers had I been duped by their unethical practices.
As for Blue, when they return with a new manufacturer they won’t have any problem building their customer base.
Comment by Carole — April 30, 2007 @ 12:09 pm
Have not been able to keep up with all the blogs everyday. Please update any info on Friskies and Fancy Feast that my cat owner friends are still feeding> you folks are GREAT!
Comment by Karen — April 30, 2007 @ 12:09 pm
These ‘protein powders’ and their various forms are a staple food for me since I don’t eat meat. There is some form of (and often many forms of) soy protein or wheat gluten or whatever else in snack bars, powdered drink mixes, “fake meat” products - on and on - all of which I eat regularly. I wonder what the long terms effects on a human might be from ingesting melamine?
That’s the bad news for me. The good news: I’m now slightly less worried about poisoning my pets (cos I’m now worried I’ve been poisoning myself). Um, ha ha?
Comment by slt — April 30, 2007 @ 12:13 pm
Is the concern with Friskies dry or wet? We’ve been feeding Friskies dry to our extended family outside and they all seem great.
Comment by Carole — April 30, 2007 @ 12:14 pm
China quickly banned American beef after Mad Cow Disease is discovered, (I think ban is till in place since 2003).
Why can’t we ban inported Chinese wheat, rice, soy, fat, fish, and pea (powered) products? (These are main protein powdered additives available from China.)
http://tinyurl.com/2ljdky
Comment by Rose L — April 30, 2007 @ 12:16 pm
I have been reading all this and was waiting for it to hit the human food chain, and it has. This article lists more pet food brands that were added this week, remember, the 5 new brands that we were waiting for:
Salt Lake Tribune, Mon April 30
Samples of rice protein from an Ogden pet-food manufacturer were positive for the industrial chemical melamine in federal testing, and products made by American Nutrition, Inc. (ANI) are now part of a nationwide pet food recall.
Those companies are:
Other companies making similar allegations are The Blue Buffalo Co., Natural Balance, Canine Caviar, Diamond Pet Foods and Mulligan Stew Pet Food.
It looks to me that even the Organic Brands, that claim to be healthier, are going to have to face a stricter guide. And yes, how far does the pet food have to be to qualify for Organic, much less the human Organic foods…just because it’s american, doesn’t mean 3 steps back foreign sources weren’t used.
Comment by janetc — April 30, 2007 @ 12:22 pm
Where is the new info about Blue testing positive for melamine?
Comment by slt — April 30, 2007 @ 12:22 pm
Heather is beautiful. I hope everything is fine with her. I know as soon as anyone here sneezes or hits the litter box or the back yard an extra time I’m in a panic.
Comment by Maureen (Lilly and Lucy's mom) — April 30, 2007 @ 12:22 pm
It’s the Friskies and Fancy Feast wet cat food.
Comment by Karen — April 30, 2007 @ 12:23 pm
There is a new release at the AVMA which indicates that the FDA in Denver confirmed melamine in the products from Blue, Kirkland, etc.
This is also the first time the FDA has officially “urged” ANI to recall.
Comment by Carole — April 30, 2007 @ 12:25 pm
SLT: “whole” foods safer for protein. Try nuts. Organic Goji berries (gazillion amino acids).
Comment by 4lgdfriend — April 30, 2007 @ 12:27 pm
DITTO ROSE L: China quickly banned American beef after Mad Cow Disease is discovered, (I think ban is till in place since 2003).
Why can’t we ban inported Chinese wheat, rice, soy, fat, fish, and pea (powered) products? (These are main protein powdered additives available from China.)
http://tinyurl.com/2ljdky
Comment by 4lgdfriend — April 30, 2007 @ 12:28 pm
janetc, these companies issued recalls last week.
I think it will be confusing for some folks because these were recalled last week however the FDA just issued their recall announcement today.
Shows you why it pays not to wait on testing from the FDA.
Comment by Carole — April 30, 2007 @ 12:36 pm
RE:Get ready folks—here they come! BY NADINE
Recall — Firm Press Release
http://www.fda.gov/opacom/Enforce.html
This drug recall is rather interesting:
RECALLS AND FIELD CORRECTIONS: DRUGS — CLASS III
___________________________________
PRODUCT
50% Urea Ointment In a vehicle containing Vitamin E, Lactic Acid and Zinc, Rx Only, Net Wt. 1.5 oz (45 g), NDC 68032-130-45, Recall # D-782-2007
CODE
Lot numbers: 5553, 5554 and 5555
RECALLING FIRM/MANUFACTURER
Recalling Firm: Rivers Edge Pharmaceuticals, Suwanee, GA., by letter/email on October 16, 2006.
Manufacturer: Sonar Products, Inc., Carlstadt, NJ. Firm initiated recall is complete.
********************************
REASON
Crystallization; Urea crystals are forming in the ointment base.
**********************************
VOLUME OF PRODUCT IN COMMERCE
1,524 units
DISTRIBUTION
Nationwide
Comment by mal — April 30, 2007 @ 12:37 pm
Quagmire
Comment by Steve — April 30, 2007 @ 12:39 pm
Comment by 4lgdfriend — April 30, 2007 @ 12:27 pm
The organic nuts and seeds I have in my cupboard right now are labeled as if they come from a local farm. I only recently noticed (in small print on the label) they are in fact from China. : (
Comment by slt — April 30, 2007 @ 12:42 pm
I believe I read somewhere that Tyson also does private label cold cuts.
Comment by petlover — April 30, 2007 @ 12:44 pm
Maybe we need to have a site such as this to help us keep track of contaminated foods.
http://foodsafetynetwork.ca/
Comment by petlover — April 30, 2007 @ 12:45 pm
The FDA’s Pet Food Recall page now has (RICE GLUTEN) mentioned beside the ever increasing list of pet foods:
http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/.....ecall/#All
Comment by Kat — April 30, 2007 @ 12:48 pm
Just a reminder:
you can add your lost or recovering pet’s pic, plus a few words to a map that is ‘in process.’ New pets are being added daily.
You can access it at Pets Need a Voice Too
http://www.pnv2.com
or at my own website:
http://www.alphava.com
This map helps to put the faces with the numbers. It also helps to identify that there are more than “16.” Our pets count!
Comment by Marcy — April 30, 2007 @ 12:48 pm
Comment by slt — April 30, 2007 @ 12:42 pm
Welcome to the club. People are being screwed blue by global economic pillage, and it is marching in our direction this time.
Comment by Steve — April 30, 2007 @ 12:48 pm
Has anyone found out if Dennis Stupak will be holding another House committee meeting this week with the FDA called in to testify. Didn’t he say in the previous meeting there would be a meeting with the FDA in about 2 weeks.
Comment by VJ — April 30, 2007 @ 12:49 pm
“Why can’t we ban inported Chinese wheat, rice, soy, fat, fish, and pea (powered) products? (These are main protein powdered additives available from China.)”
Because we have a touchy-feely government that doesn’t want to disrupt relations with China. We want to be amicable, they could care if we fell in the ocean.
It’s obvious we need them more than they need us. Given their standards and conditions, I don’t think they’re too picky about eating food that doesn’t come from the US.
Comment by Carole — April 30, 2007 @ 1:00 pm
The new - FDA BIG LIST - now has 5630 line items: ALL UPC & date code batches.
ANI is listed, so this appears to be up-to-date -although they lag behind usually.
Comment by Kat — April 30, 2007 @ 1:04 pm
1) How did IAMS know before anybody that it was Melamine that was contaminating the pet foods? They were the ones, weren’t they, that told the FDA?
2) How are Nestle & Mars escaping virtually unscathed from most of this?
Ann
Comment by Ann — April 30, 2007 @ 1:04 pm
Comment by Sandy C — April 30, 2007 @ 10:21 am
“195 melamine fed hogs go to Tyson plant in Nebraska..not being recalled. “
Someone please tell me that this meat was exported to China…
Comment by David — April 30, 2007 @ 1:05 pm
We’ve gotten hit hard with rain this afternoon — nearly 3” in a 90 mins!! blurp!!
Comment by Kat — April 30, 2007 @ 1:11 pm
There’s a recall in there (FDA site) about Ben & Jerri’s Ice cream being recalled.
Ok. Now I’m REALLY mad. Don’t mess w/ a girls ice cream, or her chocolate.
Have you guys seen Ben & Jerry’s website recently? Here’s the link. They’ve taken up the cause against cloning. You’ve gotta see their singing/dancing cow:
http://www.benjerry.com/
Comment by shelly — April 30, 2007 @ 1:14 pm
“2) How are Nestle & Mars escaping virtually unscathed from most of this?”
Comment by Ann — April 30, 2007 @ 1:04 pm
Because recalls are volunatary. They can kill you but they don’t have to get in trouble unless they’re in the mood.
Comment by shelly — April 30, 2007 @ 1:16 pm
I am way behind with the news & reading this blog —
Comment by Steve — April 30, 2007 @ 9:01 am
I’m STILL emailing that CNN video to all the spammers. If I don’t have time when they come in, I’ve created a special folder for them & will send it later.
Comment by Kat — April 30, 2007 @ 1:21 pm
Re: Ben and Jerry’s
The voluntary recall was initiated after it was discovered that the product, which contains wheat, was distributed in packaging that did not reveal the presence of wheat on the ingredient label.
Sound familiar? Wonder how many folks will start calling ice cream companies before they eat it.
And their timing couldn’t have been worse…wheat product on March 16.
Comment by Carole — April 30, 2007 @ 1:22 pm
Pet Food Institute (PFI) — SHOVE IT!
Comment by Kat — April 30, 2007 @ 1:23 pm
The government has long been a supporter of lobbyists in the food industry.
Sadly, that is the reason the FDA is so pitiful. But, maybe they know and expect the outrage- by now they have pretty thick skins.
Where is that going to leave the issues of our pets and the pet food industry?
Maybe we’re fighting something Americans can understand - imports & danger to humans. Then again, maybe that’s not enough.
What happens when they smile and say all is well?
Then, we find that not a heck of a lot has really changed.
http://tinyurl.com/2fykkz
Will our pets canaries again?
I think from some of the topics we’ve discovered that are many issues impacting the pet food industry - our vigil isn’t over, even after the melamine.
Ann
Comment by Ann — April 30, 2007 @ 1:27 pm
Shame Ben and Jerry’s sold to giant global conglomerate Unilever. I wonder if they regret it.
Doesn’t take much to destroy your name.
Comment by Steve — April 30, 2007 @ 1:28 pm
Comment by Ann — April 30, 2007 @ 1:27 pm
Nothings changed at all.
Hows it changed? Someone want to enlighten us?
Comment by Steve — April 30, 2007 @ 1:29 pm
Ann,
IAMS conducted internal tests and found something wrong with their products. They forced the recall with Menu Foods by threatening to do their own recall if Menu Foods did not.
Comment by Jeanette/Ohio — April 30, 2007 @ 1:30 pm
Comment by shelly — April 30, 2007 @ 1:16 pm
I think that Mars is also Master Foods. I guess they own Royal Canin. Maybe just don’t want the Mars name to be associated with them, to keep the Mars name clean.
Three years ago, Pedigree had recalled product in Asia. They were having problems with animals developing kidney failure. Maybe they already knew something that the other companies didn’t know yet (2007).
Comment by Stephanie — April 30, 2007 @ 1:32 pm
Just for your infomation……
Proceed with caution……
I just came from a Petco here in NY. A very well dressed gentleman asked the manager if the Science Diet food, canned and dry, he was buying for his 12 week old puppy was safe. The manager said yes, BUT, just to be on the safe side, the customer should buy the food, take it home AND check the Science Diet web site for additional “security”!!!!!
I bit off my entire tongue and then approached the manager with the following question,
“Why would you advise buying the food and then checking web sites for each manufacturer?”
His reply, “We don’t have the codes or the lot numbers.”
Me, “Available on many web sites. I’ll be happy to write some down for you.”
Him, “We can’t take the time to go through everything.”
Some woman in Petco called me a nut. I didn’t raise my voice once, although I wanted to shreek like a banshee. Someone else asked me why was I only buying cat litter. Am I a nut or should I plan on notifying the FDA about my neighborhood Petco? Folks, I await your feedback. This is why this thing will not go away for a VERY LONG TIME…..
Comment by Peg — April 30, 2007 @ 1:34 pm
So, where will the melamine soaked organs from the hogs go? Back into the pet food? or into hot dogs for kids?
If the FDA wouldn’t mind using their collective half-neuron to think about the potential chain of events, I would really appreciate it.
Comment by Cynthia — April 30, 2007 @ 1:36 pm
Tomorrow/TUESDAY on CSPAN3
HOUSE HEARING on the Food & Drug Administration (10am ET) - LIVE
This just came in an email alert from CSPAN. Note that CSPAN3 may not be on all cable networks. In my area you have to subscribe to more than basic cable to get it.
It’s probably available through the House webcam system. Hope someone tracks that down.
Comment by Maureen — April 30, 2007 @ 1:38 pm
Nestle just gets breastfeeding moms hooked on formula in third world countries….too busy for recalls. Their rice protein is probably in the formula, not in their pet food.
Comment by Joyce — April 30, 2007 @ 1:40 pm
Here is a link for the 2004 Asian Pedigree Recall.
http://tinyurl.com/2k4s7f
I can’t find any info as to whether they ever found a cause.
Comment by Stephanie — April 30, 2007 @ 1:42 pm
Melamine SCRAP
I think the word SCRAP maybe the most important indicator.
I worked for a manufacturing company for 14 years. SCRAP is not a CLEAN piece of melamine or any other substance. It can be contaminated by rat droppings, pesticides (rat poison,etc), fertilzer, industrial solvents, lubricants or cleaners. It gets dropped, or thrown on the floor, in a dumpster, out the back door, etc. Basically, it is TRASH that someone has “salvaged.” This may explain why rat poison was found in some pet foods and not in others (the melamine SCRAP came from multiple sources).
If they are allowed to put any kind of SCRAP in any food, we (and our pets) could be eating anything.
Comment by Jeanette/Ohio — April 30, 2007 @ 1:42 pm
Question - ChemNutra imports wheat gluten, rice protein along with other amino acids and minerals. I know taurine is now in most dog foods. Should we be concerned about the quality of other ingredients like taurine?
Comment by Donna — April 30, 2007 @ 1:42 pm
Itchmo has a link to this very interesting article about a US firm that spiked wheat with urea to increase nitrogen. Old news by now, but particularly relevant as it illustrates what now appears to be an industry-wide problem:
http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1G1-9246932.html
Comment by mountainkimmie — April 30, 2007 @ 1:43 pm
First of all, let me emphasize that I am VERY thankful for everything that petconnection.com has done to inform us about his tragic situation. I am certain without them many, many more pets would have died unnecessarily, possibly even my own. That being said, why has petconnection moved this story to the bottom of their blog page? Hardly anyone is commenting about he other stories listed above this one. How can we expect the main stream media to put this at the top of the news if petconnection does not continue to do the same?
I am not attacking anyone here, just being honest.
Comment by FMtz — April 30, 2007 @ 1:43 pm
Tammy
In response to your question about the location of perchlorate contamination sites. I will post a link.
http://www.epa.gov/fedfac/pdf/percrele0403.pdf
This is a map as of 2003. Can’t find a more recent one.
One of the reasons my cat drinks purified water.
Comment by MySimon — April 30, 2007 @ 1:47 pm
Comment by Donna — April 30, 2007 @ 1:42 pm
ChemNutra Inc.
We import raw materials from China for distribution to the energy drink and nutritional supplements industries.
http://tinyurl.com/2jarqo
Comment by Steve — April 30, 2007 @ 1:48 pm
I personally have stopped going to Petco. This is ever since the first recall, when they didn’t take the recalled items off the shelves, they just put plastic over them, and put up a sign that they had been recalled, and weren’t for sale. Go to your smaller, independant stores.
Comment by Joyce — April 30, 2007 @ 1:48 pm
Peg,
If what happened to you at Petco happened to me, I’d sit down and write a blistering but civil letter to that store’s manager, and send copies all the way up the management chain to the top of the corporate ladder. I would also copy the local newspaper. And I would indicate in my letter that I would no longer be doing business with them and would be discouraging friends and family from doing business with them as well. It might or might not do any good, but it would at least communicate to Petco that customers are watching how they handle this situation and expecting a higher level of reponsibility from them. I don’t like Petco very much. I’ve never had good experiences there or gotten a good feeling about them. PetSmart seems better.
Comment by mountainkimmie — April 30, 2007 @ 1:50 pm
So, where will the melamine soaked organs from the hogs go?
Comment by Cynthia — April 30, 2007 @ 1:36 pm
Yum, pork kidneys soaked in melamine with a light cyanuric acid sauce…
Comment by slt — April 30, 2007 @ 1:51 pm
Re: Story placement on the blog. Web logs ALWAYS put more recent entries at the top. It’s the way they work.
On our home page, the recall is still on top.
Comment by Gina Spadafori — April 30, 2007 @ 1:55 pm
“I can’t find any info as to whether they ever found a cause.”
Comment by Stephanie — April 30, 2007 @ 1:42 pm
There was mold in their silos.
Comment by Carole — April 30, 2007 @ 1:58 pm
Comment by Steve — April 30, 2007 @ 1:48 pm
This is what we’ve feared since Day One when we found that company on the Internet.
God help us all.
Comment by Nadine Long — April 30, 2007 @ 1:59 pm
Statement by the pet food inst. just kills me. They just can’t wait to get back to buying the cheapo poison from China again. Any of them who puts the china stuff in the bag or can can keep it. How could they ever trust these suppliers again? All these jerks care about is the bottom line.
Comment by Robin — April 30, 2007 @ 1:59 pm
Comment by Carole — April 30, 2007 @ 1:58 pm
Mold in their silos by whose account? Guess. Yeah right. A little too much spike maybe.
Comment by Nadine Long — April 30, 2007 @ 2:02 pm
Re: recent posting re: CSPAN3 alert that they are webcasting the House Hearing on the FDA tomorrow at 10 a.m.. It’s not on the Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations schedule online. I also called the DC committee’s office and they don’t have it on the schedule. So perhaps it’s another FDA hearing…sorry to alarm or excite people unnecessarily. However, there should be another hearing by Rep. Stupak coming up with the FDA soon, as he announced.
Comment by Maureen — April 30, 2007 @ 2:06 pm
Comment by Robin — April 30, 2007 @ 1:59 pm
They didn’t stop. That crap is going into new manufacturing runs right at this minute.
Reptile Capitalism.
Comment by Steve — April 30, 2007 @ 2:06 pm
I hope that pet food companies are wise enough to realize that “the jig is up”. Not only do we no longer trust the safety of the foods they produce but we no longer trust the labels to be honest reflections of what ingredients are included. Relationships are built on trust. With the pet food industry the trust is gone. GONE. With, or without government intervention the pet food manufacturers who make immediate pro-active changes in their formulas, ingredients and their marketing as a result of this catastrophe will thrive. Others, not so much.
Comment by elizabeth R. — April 30, 2007 @ 2:08 pm
The more I learn about all of this, the deeper my grief goes for not only my own best buddy, but for all the cats and dogs who have been sacrificed in the name of world *progress*.
It’s one thing to guess at theories, to discuss and contemplate all of it, and wonder what the facts truly are. It’s another thing to finally know the truth.
Today, I am struggling with the shock of the enormity of lies and betrayal. Lots of tears in Heaven. Not a good day at all. Anyone else?
Comment by Nadine Long — April 30, 2007 @ 2:17 pm
Mold in their silos by whose account? Guess. Yeah right. A little too much spike maybe.
Yeah, I wonder about that now with the new info coming out. The first South African recalls were blamed on ethylene glycol.
Comment by Stephanie — April 30, 2007 @ 2:17 pm
Comment by elizabeth R. — April 30, 2007 @ 2:08 pm
The whole industry is affected. From Pet Foods to Veterinarians to Pet Stores, etc, etc . . . .
The whole industry has collapsed into a seamy heap of fear, mistrust, backstabbing, misinformation, spin and malfeasance.
Translation. Dysfunctional to the point of being dangerous.
Comment by Steve — April 30, 2007 @ 2:18 pm
“The whole industry has collapsed into a seamy heap of fear, mistrust, backstabbing, misinformation, spin and malfeasance.
Translation. Dysfunctional to the point of being dangerous.” Comment by Steve
They CAN’T be in their right minds. They’re going to kill us all, and themselves.
Comment by Nadine Long — April 30, 2007 @ 2:23 pm
The usual pablum. Self-serving blah, blah from the PFI. The Chinese government saying they are banning melamine for food purposes is a joke. It only means, if anything, that some higher up officials will get bigger bribes to look the other way.
It is up to the FDA and the rest of the US Government to ensure food safety and not rely on hollow promises from a government that has a long history of making promises they don’t keep.
Comment by MFEMFEM — April 30, 2007 @ 2:25 pm
Mold in their silos by whose account? Guess. Yeah right. A little too much spike maybe.
Comment by Nadine Long — April 30, 2007 @ 2:02 pm
Animal health specialists and veterinarians were the ones who figured out that the illness was caused by toxin emmitted by mold in the factory’s corn and rice bulk supplementary storage area.
Comment by Carole — April 30, 2007 @ 2:30 pm
Comment by Nadine Long — April 30, 2007 @ 2:23 pm
Perhaps there is no better example of a society caught in the stranglehold of greedy government and corporate institutions than our own.
Comment by Steve — April 30, 2007 @ 2:32 pm
Quote:
It is up to the FDA and the rest of the US Government to ensure food safety and not rely on hollow promises from a government that has a long history of making promises they don’t keep.
Comment by MFEMFEM — April 30, 2007 @ 2:25 pm
—————————-
I would like to respectfully contradict that statement:
it is up to us.
We are the ones who decide.
We are the ones who can vote with their wallets.
We are the ones who are responsible for the lives of our pets.
It is in our hands.
I learned my lesson, I will draw my consequences.
Comment by MaKo — April 30, 2007 @ 2:34 pm
“Maybe we need to have a site such as this to help us keep track of contaminated foods.
http://foodsafetynetwork.ca/
Comment by petlover — April 30, 2007 @ 12:45 pm “
Excellent idea, along with alternative foods to fill in the gap for both humans and our pet companions.
We just purchased Kal bone meal from an organic/whole foods store and hope it’s ok for supplementing their home - cooked meals. We humans are definitely eating healthier too..we’ve made good healthy food a priortiy -
Thanks to all you folks and Pet Connections for all the support..I’m crying now for Mitzi’s memories - then, the Lord and the new Pups just tap me on the shoulder and say “Mitzi’s here already Mom”. I just apologize, say I’m sorry, and thank the Lord for our memories & the relationship with her - It’s just we miss so much our conversations and plain ‘ole fun together…she was my girlfriend and Daddy’s little girl….
Comment by Bee — April 30, 2007 @ 2:35 pm
Mold in their silos by whose account? Guess. Yeah right. A little too much spike maybe.
Comment by Nadine Long — April 30, 2007 @ 2:02 pm
Independent studies were conducted by animal health specialists and veterinarians who found that the illness was caused by toxin emmitted by mold in the factory’s corn and rice bulk supplementary storage area.
Comment by Carole — April 30, 2007 @ 2:35 pm
My best guess is that the major players that say they do not use the rice protein, really do. They hope theirs isn’t spiked too much and they will dodge the bullet.
They are doing just what NB did, using it without listing it as an ingredient.
I am still suspicious of web sites that claim they do not use it, and if they are caught, they can, just like all the others, claim - oh, we didn’t know.
Comment by Linda — April 30, 2007 @ 2:38 pm
What have learned since March 16. That the Pet Food Industry is willing to go to ridiculous and sometimes criminal lengths to get what they want because they are backed by enormous money and influence to make up for their shortcomings?
Apparently
Comment by Steve — April 30, 2007 @ 2:38 pm
wonder how upset my neighbors would be if I started raising chickens?
Comment by Peggy — April 30, 2007 @ 10:59 am
Peggy I thought about that too but unfortunately the eagles here will carry them off for their food unless of course the poor things stay in the coop 24/7….
Comment by Sandi K — April 30, 2007 @ 2:39 pm
Comment by Sandi K — April 30, 2007 @ 2:39 pm—-and Peggy, too
You are not the only ones giving thought to that! Half-humorously my husband already asked me what kinds of chickens would I like; we’re checking into the city ordinances just for the heck of it.
Comment by Nadine Long — April 30, 2007 @ 2:45 pm
Any predictions on when we can expect the next the next “shearing”?
Certainly, semi truck loads of “fresh n’ natural” pet foods are going to start being unloaded at the nations stores and warehouse loading docks. To replace the bad stuff.
Comment by Steve — April 30, 2007 @ 2:45 pm
Has anyone heard of this? Sat. night My dog was sick and vomiting. there is no recall on Her food. But yesterday, I noticed She was eating some of the chicken food I threw out for the chickens? Could that have made Her sick? Now that We know it’s also in chicken food. Thanks, Trudy
Comment by Trudy Jackson — April 30, 2007 @ 2:52 pm
Nadine, your comment:
It’s one thing to guess at theories, to discuss and contemplate all of it, and wonder what the facts truly are. It’s another thing to finally know the truth.
Today, I am struggling with the shock of the enormity of lies and betrayal. Lots of tears in Heaven. Not a good day at all. Anyone else?
Yeah, me too. Until today there was that teeny tiny bit of hope we were wrong. But now we *know*. It’s horribly sad, and horribly wrong.
Comment by Kim — April 30, 2007 @ 2:52 pm
With this being such a long-term thing, it really makes me think even more that Menu Foods and others who imported thi