Sparks Still Concerned about Pet Food Recall

While an Ontario-based company is recalling some of its dog and cat food to contain the recent spate of pet food poisonings, Alabama’s Agriculture and Industries commissioner is leaving nothing to chance.

In a press release issued through his department, Commissioner Ron Sparks says that he is “still very concerned about this recall” because there has not yet been a determination of just what caused the kidney failure and deaths of the animals.

Some of the 60 million cans and pouches of food have been blamed for kidney failure in scores of animals and killed at least 16 pets, Associated Press reports. Even so, neither the manufacturer nor authorities have been able to determine the cause of these deaths.

In response to the recent poisonings, the Streetsville, Ontario-based Menu Foods, Inc. is recalling all its “cuts and gravy” style dog and cat food produced at its Emporia, Kan., facility between Dec. 3, 2006 and March 6, 2007.

Since Friday, nearly 100 brands of the cuts and gravy style food have been recalled by Menu Foods of Canada, including popular labels sold at Wal-Mart, Kroger and other large retailers.

Meanwhile, as a further safeguard in Alabama, Sparks say he has dispatched the state’s agriculture compliance and food safety investigators throughout the state to ensure that these products are removed from grocery store shelves. The Agriculture commissioner also says his department is maintaining close contact with the Pet Food Institute, adding that he feels “that is very important that the public is kept aware of any new information and that their pets are protected.”

The products being recalled include only wet food in cans or foil pouches, and Sparks says he’s currently not aware of any problem with dry food products.

A listing of the products and companies affected by the recall can be found at the website www.menufoods.com/recall. Consumers who have any of these products should immediately stop feeding them to their pets.

Dogs or cats who have consumed the suspect feed and show signs of kidney failure (such as loss of appetite, lethargy, excessive water consumption, increased urination, and vomiting) should consult with their veterinarian immediately.

Consumer complaints, which the manufacturer received, prompted the recall. There have been a small number of reported instances of cats and dogs in the United States developing kidney failure after eating the affected product.

As of March 17, Menu Foods, Inc. had reported 14 animal deaths to the Food and Drudg. Nine cats died during routine taste trials conducted by the company. Consumers reported deaths of four cats and one dog. The firm has undertaken extensive testing of the pet food products in question, but to date has been unable to find the source of the problem.

Consumers with questions may contact the company at (866) 895-2708. Consumers who wish to report adverse actions or other problems can visit http://www.fda.gov/opacom/backgrounders/complain.html to reach the FDA complaint coordinator in their state.

Posted by Jim Langcuster at March 22, 2007 04:36 PM | TrackBack