Pet Food & Treat Recalls
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News Items
FDA Requests Seizure of Animal Food Products at PETCO
Distribution Center
(added June 19, 2008)
Link
Today, at the request of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), U.S.
Marshals seized various animal food products stored under unsanitary conditions
at the PETCO Animal Supplies Distribution Center located in Joliet, Ill.,
pursuant to a warrant issued by the United States District Court in Chicago.
U.S. Marshals seized all FDA-regulated animal food susceptible to rodent and
pest contamination. The seized products violate the Federal Food, Drug, and
Cosmetic Act because it was alleged in a case filed by the United States
Attorney that they were being held under unsanitary conditions. (The Act uses
the term "insanitary" to describe such conditions).
During an FDA inspection of a PETCO distribution center in April, widespread
and active rodent and bird infestation was found. The FDA inspected the facility
again in May and found continuing and widespread infestation.
"We simply will not allow a company to store foods under filthy and
unsanitary conditions that occur as a direct result of the company's failure to
adequately control and prevent pests in its facility," said Margaret O'K. Glavin,
associate commissioner for regulatory affairs. "Consumers expect that such
safeguards will be in place not only for human food, but for pet food as well."
The distribution center in Joliet, Ill., provides pet food products and
supplies to PETCO retail stores in 16 states including Alabama, Illinois,
Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri,
Nebraska, Ohio, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Texas, and Wisconsin.
FDA has no reports of pet illness or death associated with consumption of
animal food distributed by PETCO, and does not have evidence that the food is
unsafe for animals. However, the seized products were in permeable packages and
held under conditions that could affect the food's integrity and quality.
As a precaution, consumers who have handled products originating from the
PETCO distribution center should thoroughly wash their hands with hot water and
soap. Any surfaces that came in contact with the packages should be washed as
well. Consumers are further advised as a precaution to thoroughly wash products
sold in cans and glass containers from PETCO in the 16 affected states.
If a pet has become ill after eating these food products, pet owners should
contact their veterinarian and report illnesses to FDA state
consumer complaint coordinators.
Dakota Bison/Ocean Blue Reported Issues
(added June 5, 2008)
Timberwolf Organics Customer,
Due to recent reports from some customers, we
have ordered that two formulas from three specific dates be pulled from the
shelves. These are:
• Dakota Bison with 'best by date' of 12 Feb
2009
• Ocean Blue with 'best by date' of 20 Feb 2009
• Ocean Blue with best by date' of 8 March 2009
The reported symptoms include dogs refusing to
eat, diarrhea or vomiting. While the problem is inconsistent (not every dog
eating food from those dates/bag show the symptoms and not every bag), to err on
the side of caution have decided to pull the formulas produced with the above
dates. Initial testing has come back negative for problems and further testing
is pending results.
As soon as the cause of this reported problem
is determined procedures will be put into place to ensure that an event like
this cannot happen again. Please be assured that no other formulas and Ocean
Blue and Dakota Bison with dates other than ones listed above are not affected.
We apologize for any inconvenience or problems
that this may have resulted in. If you do have a bag with those dates please
contact the retailer you purchased it from for an exchange or credit. If you
purchased it directly from us please give us a call or email us at
customer.support@timberwolforganics.com.
Thank you for choosing Timberwolf Organics.
Read the rest of the story at
the
link
Tainted dog food maker to pay for pet deaths
Diamond Pet Food agrees to $3.1 million settlement with owners
Jan. 4, 2008 -
COLUMBIA, S.C. - A company that made contaminated pet
food that killed dozens of dogs nationwide will pay $3.1
million in a settlement with pet owners, an attorney said
Friday.
The pet
food, which contained a mold called aflatoxin, was produced
at Diamond Pet Foods’ plant in South Carolina. The company
will set up a fund to reimburse pet owners for the loss of
their dog, veterinarian bills and the cost of any unreturned
contaminated food, said attorney Jim Andrews, who
represented a Knoxville, Tenn., family that sued the
company.
Diamond
Pet Foods, based in Meta, Mo., acknowledged that workers at
its Gaston, S.C., plant failed to follow internal testing
procedures to ensure its products were safe. The company
made the acknowledgment after the Food and Drug
Administration released a report showing the company has no
record of test results for 12 shipments of corn in 2005,
when grain tainted with the deadly fungus slipped into the
plant.
Read the rest of the story at
the
link
FDA warns dog owners about chicken jerky treats
From
Reuters...
Sept. 26, 2007 - WASHINGTON -- Chicken jerky treats may have sickened dozens
of dogs, federal health officials warned Wednesday despite failing to find any
trace of contamination.
The Food and Drug Administration said it's fielded more than 70 complaints,
involving more than 95 dogs, from owners who believe their animals fell sick
after eating the products, sold variously as chicken tenders, strips or treats.
While most dogs appear to have recovered, an unspecified number died.
The FDA said it's conducted extensive chemical and microbial testing on the
treats but has not identified any contaminant. The agency continues to
investigate.
Separately, the FDA reported it's received preliminary information from
Banfield, The Pet Hospital that suggests a link between dogs that ate chicken
jerky products and signs of gastrointestinal illness, including vomiting and
diarrhea. Banfield is a large veterinary hospital chain that's able to collect
and analyze data about the large number of pets it treats.
The FDA cautions pet owners who feed their dogs chicken jerky products to
watch the animals for signs of decreased appetite or activity, increased water
consumption and urination, and vomiting and/or diarrhea. Owners should consult a
veterinarian if signs are severe or persist for more than 24 hours.
Earlier this year, Wal-Mart Stores Inc. pulled some chicken jerky dog treats
from its shelves after company testing revealed the presence of the industrial
chemical melamine. Subsequent FDA testing failed to find that or other
contaminants.
Interpreting Pet Food Labels
The following consumer information is provided by David A. Dzanis, DVM,
Ph.D., DACVN.
Pet food labeling is regulated at two levels. The Federal regulations,
enforced by the FDA's Center for Veterinary Medicine (CVM), establish standards
applicable for all animal feeds: proper identification of product, net quantity
statement, manufacturer's address, and proper listing of ingredients. Some
States also enforce their own labeling regulations. Many of these have adopted
the model pet food regulations established by the Association of American Feed
Control Officials (AAFCO). These regulations are more specific in nature,
covering aspects of labeling such as the product name, the guaranteed analysis,
the nutritional adequacy statement, feeding directions, and calorie statements.
Much more information at the
link.
Latest Recalls
5/11/07 - NEW RECALL: Royal Canin USA is recalling eight Sensible
Choice dry dog food products and seven Kasco dry dog and cat food products.
Royal Canin states small traces of melamine-related compound were found in the
rice protein concentrate provided by Cereal Byproducts — through
cross-contamination. This supplier received food marked as rice protein
concentrate from the same source as Wilbur-Ellis. More at the
link.
Comprehensive Recall Sites
These sites have up-to-date recall information.
The Pet Food Recall
Help Page
This site has a comprehensive list of recalled dog and cat food, and links for
reporting tainted products and stores who still have recalled products on their
shelves. There is also a link to sign up for the latest recall alerts.
Pet Connection
This is a blog that deals mostly with legislation and hearings dealing with
tainted pet food.
Howl 911's Pet Food Portal
A new site with a comprehensive recall list.
PetSit USA
This site has a list of foods that are NOT on the recall list.
The Pet Food
List
Pet food information, manufacturers, products & ingredients
Brand
names/companies A-H
Brand
names/companies I-Q
Brand
names/companies R-Z
Menu Foods
Recall Information: 1-866-895-2708
As a result of adulterated wheat gluten there have been several additional pet food and pet treat product recalls that are not part of the Menu Foods recall. For information on these additional pet food recalls please go to
www.fda.gov.
Dog Product
Information (update 4/17/07)
Cat Product
Information (update 4/17/07)
FAQ's
for Customers
Blue Buffalo
4/19/07 - Due to the melamine found in the Wilbur-Ellis rice protein,
Blue Buffalo has recalled one production run of their Spa Select Kitten dry food
marked "Best Used By Mar. 07 08 B." Detailed information at the
link.
Royal Canin Canada Co.
3/21/07 - TORONTO (CP) - A Canadian class action lawsuit has been filed against
pet food maker Royal Canin Canada Co. on behalf of dog and cat owners claiming
that certain products contain excessive amounts of vitamin D and have caused
their pets to become sick or die.
CBC News Link
4/20/07 - Royal Canin is recalling several different formulations due to
contaminated rice protein concentrate. No illnesses are confirmed in relation to
these items. The following formulas are recalled:
ROYAL CANIN SENSIBLE CHOICE® (available in pet specialty stores nationwide)
Dry Dog Food
- Chicken Meal & Rice Formula Senior
- Lamb Meal & Rice Formula Puppy
- Lamb Meal & Rice Formula Adult
- Lamb Meal & Rice Formula Senior
- Rice & Catfish Meal Formula Adult
ROYAL CANIN VETERINARY DIET™ (available only in veterinary clinics)
Dry Dog Food
- Canine Early Cardiac EC 22™
- Canine Skin Support SS21™
Dry Cat Food
- Feline Hypoallergenic HP23™
Recall Information
Sunshine Mills
4/5/07: Sunshine Mills, Inc. Issues Voluntary Nationwide Recall of Certain
Branded and Private Label Branded Dog Biscuits
As a precautionary measure, Sunshine Mills, Inc. ("Sunshine"), a branded and
private-label pet food manufacturer based in Red Bay, Alabama, is voluntarily
recalling a portion of its branded dog biscuits made at its Red Bay, Alabama
biscuit plant during part of March 2007. These brands include: Nurture Chicken
& Rice, Nurture Lamb & Rice, Pet Life Large, Pet Life Extra Large, Pet
Life Large Variety, Pet Life Large Peanut Butter, Lassie Lamb and Rice, and Pet
Life People Pleasers Dog Treats. Private label biscuits for six of Sunshine's
customers were also affected. A complete list of affected biscuit brands, sizes,
and codes is available below or at our website,
www.sunshinemills.com.
Sunshine's other biscuit brands and products that include small and medium sized
biscuits were not affected. It is also important to note that dry dog and cat
food and soft and chewy treats for dogs or cats manufactured by Sunshine are not
affected and not included in this recall. The complete list is
here.
Alpo
3/30/07 - Alpo® Brand Prime Cuts In Gravy Canned Dog Food Voluntary
Nationwide Recall. No Dry Purina Products Involved. More at the
link.
Del Monte & Ol' Roy
3/31/07: Del Monte Pet Products Voluntarily Withdraws Specific Product
Codes
of Pet Treats and Wet Dog Food Products
As a precautionary measure, Del Monte Pet Products is voluntarily recalling
select product codes of its pet treat products sold under the Jerky Treats,
Gravy Train Beef Sticks and Pounce Meaty Morsels brands as well as select dog
snack and wet dog food products sold under private label brands. A complete list
of affected brands and products is
here.
Disclaimer:
As with anything else you may find on the Internet, information presented here is opinion only.
It is up to you to consult with a professional (eg, a veterinarian, a dog trainer) before trying
anything on your own pet. The Gold Post offers no guarantees as to the suitability or reliability
of any of the listed links.
