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Pet Connection Blog » Pet-food recall: Timing and triggers

Pet-food recall: Timing and triggers
April 26, 2007

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In Tuesday’s four-hour session of live-blogging the food-safety hearing in the U.S. House of Representatives – work from which her wrists have yet to recover – Christie found herself typing something we at the PetConnection first heard weeks ago, but couldn’t get confirmation on until it came up in the hearing:

Iams stepped up and forced Menu’s recall.

In sworn testimony, Menu Foods CEO Paul Henderson admitted that his company called the recall because Iams told them they’d had enough, that their own quality internal systems had revealed a problem, and that they were pulling their own products even if Menu wouldn’t pull them all.

It was that stand that triggered everything that has followed since. Menu launched the massive and unprecedented recall before Iams could, but only because Iams was ready to do it on their own. Here’s the transcript:

Pet Connection Blog » Pet-food recall: Timing and triggers.

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Sunshine Mills Voluntary Nationwide Recall

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 five 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 company is taking this voluntary action of recalling the dog biscuits listed below after learning from the FDA that wheat gluten supplied to Sunshine from a specific manufacturing facility in China contained melamine. Melamine is a substance not approved for use in food. The FDA made this finding as part of its ongoing investigation into the recent pet food recall.

The recalled dog biscuits are marketed nationwide by many pet food retailers including the mass channel, traditional grocery, and pet specialty stores. No dog illnesses or deaths have been reported to date in connection with these dog biscuits. The recalled dog biscuits contain one percent or less by weight of wheat gluten.

Consumers should immediately stop feeding their dog the dog biscuits with the specified date codes and consult with a veterinarian if they have any health concerns with their dog.

Sunshine’s products are 100% guaranteed. Consumers may receive the full replacement value of the recalled dog biscuits by returning them to the place of purchase or consumers may contact Sunshine’s customer service number at (800) 705-2111 for further information about the recall and for other instructions on obtaining a product refund.

The safety and well-being of pets are Sunshine’s utmost concern. We deeply regret this unforeseen situation.

The following products are being recalled:

Branded Product and Variety
Product Size:
UPC Codes
Plant Code / Best By Date
Nurture Chicken & Rice Biscuit
26 oz.
70155-13606
Plant code:RB
Best by:31208

Nurture Lamb & Rice Biscuit
26 oz.
70155-13607
Plant code:RB
Best by:31308


Pet Life Large Peanut Butter Biscuit
4 lb.
41746-00950
Plant code:RB
RB
Best by:30608
31308

Pet Life Large Biscuit 4 lb.
41746-02545
Plant code:RB
RB
Best by:30308
31908

Lassie Lamb and Rice Biscuit 26 oz.
45352-07005
Plant code:RB RB
Best by:30708
31908

Pet Life Large Biscuit 25 lb.
41746-00008
Best By Date – last 5 digits
Best by:30308
31408

Pet Life Extra Large Biscuit 25 lb.
41746-00010
Best by:
30408
30808
31408
31508

Pet Life Large Variety Biscuit
25 lb.
70155-00073

Best by: 30408
Pet Life Peanut Butter Large Biscuit
25 lb.
41746-00078

Best by:
30308
30808
Pet Life People Pleasers Dog Treat
25 lb.
41746-00266
Best by: 31408
31608
32308

Pet Life People Pleasers Dog Treat
50 oz.
70155-11006
Best By Date – 5 digits
Best by:30208
30508
30808
31308
31408

Pet Life People Pleasers Dog Treat
40 oz.
70155-11007
Best by:
30908
31208
31808


Private Label Product and Variety
Product Size:
UPC Codes
Plant Code / Best By Date
Companion's Best Multi Flavor Biscuit
4 lb.
50700-49270

Plant code:RBRBRBRBRB

Best by:30308
30808
31108
31408
31608

Plant code: RB RB
Best by:32308
32708

Stater Brothers Large Biscuit
4 lb.
74175-18801
Plant code:
RB
RB

Best by:
30908
31308


Ol'Roy Peanut Butter Biscuit
5 lb.
78742-34501
Plant code:
RB RB RB RB RB

Best by:30508
31008
31208
31508
31608

Plant code:RB RB

Best by:
32108
32308


Ol'Roy 4 Flavor Large Biscuit 10 lb.
81131-46959
Plant code:
RB
RB
RB
RB
RB

Best by:
30308
30408
30508
30608
30708

Plant code:
RB
RB
RB
RB
RB

Best by:30808
30908
31208
31308
31408

Plant code:
RB
RB
RB
RB
RB

Best by:
31508
31608
31708
31908
32008

Plant code:RB RB

Best by:32108
32408


Ol'Roy Puppy Biscuit 28.8 oz.
81131-92197
Plant code:
RB RB RB RB RB

Best by: 30208
30308
30408
30608
30708

Plant code:
RB RB RB RB RB

Best by:
30908
31008
31408
31508
31608

Plant code: RB RB RB RB RB

Best by:31708
31808
32108
32208
32308

Champion Breed Peanut Butter Biscuit 4 lb.
72000-26063
Plant code: RB RB

Best by: 32108
32308


Champion Breed Large Biscuit 4 lb.
72000-26065
Plant code: RB RB

Best by: 32208
32308



Perfect Pals Large Biscuit 4 lb.
12333-00260
Plant code: RB
Best by: 31808

Stater Brothers Large Biscuit 26 oz.
74175-18802
Best By Date – 5 digits
Best by: 30308
31008

Sunshine Mills Voluntary Nationwide Recall.

Del Monte Withdraws Pet Treats and Wet Dog Food Products

SAN FRANCISCO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--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 below.

The Company took this voluntary recall action immediately after learning this morning from the FDA that wheat gluten supplied to Del Monte Pet Products from a specific manufacturing facility in China contained melamine. Melamine is a substance not approved for use in food. The FDA made this finding as part of its ongoing investigation into the recent pet food recall.

The adulteration occurred in a limited production quantity on select product codes of the brands below. This recall removes all Del Monte pet products with wheat gluten procured from this manufacturing facility from retail shelves.

No other Del Monte Pet Products treats, biscuits or wet dog food products are impacted by this recall, and no Del Monte dry cat food, dry dog food, wet cat food or pouched pet foods are subject to this voluntary recall. The affected products comprise less than one-tenth of one percent of Del Monte Pet Products’ annual pet food and pet treat production.

Del Monte Pet Products has proactively engaged and fully cooperated with the FDA since the start of its investigation. The adulterated ingredients were used in limited production over the last three months for those items identified by specific product codes. Del Monte Pet Products has not used wheat gluten from this manufacturing facility in China in any other pet products except those described below.

Consumers should discontinue feeding the products with the Product Codes detailed below to their pets.

Del Monte Pet Products are 100% guaranteed and all returned product will be refunded.

Del Monte Pet Products customers can visit our website (www.delmonte.com) or contact our Consumer Hotline at (800) 949-3799 for further information about the recall and for instructions on obtaining a product refund.

Following is a list of the Products and Best Buy Dates that have been voluntarily recalled:


Production Code/Best By Date

BRANDED


Jerky Treats Beef Flavor
Code: TP7C05 TP7B07 TP7B08 TP7B09 TP6B10

Dog Snacks
Best By: Aug 05 08 Aug 07 08 Aug 08 08 Aug 09 08 Aug 10 08

Code: TP7B15 TP7C05 TP7C06
Best By: Aug 15 08 Sep 02 08 Sep 03 08


Gravy Train Beef Sticks
Code: TP7B19 TP7B20 TP7B21

Dog Snacks
Best By: Aug 19 08 Aug 20 08 Aug 21 08


Pounce Meaty Morsels Moist
Code: TP7C07 TP7C12

Chicken Flavor Cat Treats
Best By: Sep 04 08 Sep 09 08



PRIVATE LABEL


Ol' Roy Beef Flavor Jerky Strips
Code: TP7B06 TP7B07 TP7C05 TP7C06 TP7C07

Dog Treats
Best By: Aug 06 08 Aug 07 08 Sep 02 08 Sep 03 08 Sep 04 08

Code: TP7C08
Best By: Sep 05 08


Ol' Roy Beef Flavor Snack
Code: TP7B19 TP7B20 TP7B21 TP7C08 TP7C09

Sticks Dog Treats
Best By: Aug 19 08 Aug 20 08 Aug 21 08 Sep 05 08 Sep 06 08


Ol' Roy Bark'n Bac'n Beef &
Code: TP7C14

Bacon Flavor Dog Treats
Best By: Sep 11 08


Ol' Roy with Beef Hearty Cuts
Code: BC6M21

in Gravy Dog Food
Best By: Dec 21 09


Ol' Roy with Beef Hearty Strips
Code: BC7A19

in Gravy Dog Food
Best By: Jan 19 10


Ol' Roy Country Stew Hearty
Code: BC6M15

Cuts in Gravy Dog Food
Best By: Dec 15 09


Dollar General Beef Flavored
Code: TP7C06

Jerky Strips Dog Treats
Best By: Sep 03 08


Dollar General Beef Flavored
Code: TP7B20 TP7B21

Beef Sticks Dog Treats
Best By: Aug 20 08 Aug 21 08


Happy Tails Beef Flavor
Code: TPY7B08 TP7B09

Jerky Strips
Best By: Aug 08 08 Aug 09 08


Happy Tails Meaty Cuts with Beef
Code: BC7A29

in Gravy Dog Food
Best By: Jan 29 10

As part of the pet community, we value the health and well-being of pets, and we deeply regret this unfortunate situation. We will continue to take any and all actions necessary to ensure the quality and safety of our products.
Contacts

Del Monte Foods
Mary Sestric, 412-222-8091
Or
Melissa Murphy-Brown, 412-222-8713

Del Monte Pet Products Voluntarily Withdraws Specific Product Codes of Pet Treats and Wet Dog Food Products.

ASPCA Advises Caution As Pet Food Recall Crisis Grows: Other

Other Contaminants May Be Involved in the Menu Foods Recall

NEW YORK—Since Menu Foods announced its massive pet food recall on March 16, the ASPCA® (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals®) has been flooded with calls from concerned pet parents and animal welfare professionals alike. Call volume at the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (APCC), which is based in its Midwest Office in Urbana, Ill., has increased significantly over the past 10 days—approximately 14 percent—and the ASPCA’s veterinary toxicologists have been carefully analyzing data from these calls.


Today the ASPCA reports that, based on these data, clinical signs reported in cats affected by the contaminated foods are not fully consistent with the ingestion of rat poison containing aminopterin that, according to Menu Foods, is at the “root” of the contamination issue.


“We’ve seen reports coming in from all around the country that animals that were eating the contaminated foods are definitely suffering from renal failure,” said Dr. Steven Hansen, veterinary toxicologist and senior vice president with the ASPCA, who manages the ASPCA’s Midwest Office, including the APCC. “But the data that we’ve been collecting do not conclusively prove this connection, which is why we strongly recommend that those involved in the investigation continue to search for additional contaminants.”


Dr. Hansen continued, “Aminopterin has been used to treat cancer in people, since it is able to disrupt rapidly-growing cells. In animals, it should result in effects that mimic this function, and these include bloody diarrhea, bone marrow suppression, abortion and birth defects. Further, renal damage—which has been seen in the affected animals—can occur at high doses.


“However, to be consistent with the effects of aminopterin, we should also be seeing a significant number of affected pets showing the accompanying signs of severe intestinal damage, as well as bone marrow suppression, including ‘leukopenia,’ which is a serious reduction in white blood cells.


“This is the missing connection that we want to alert veterinarians around the country to. We are asking all veterinarians treating cats affected by these products, to report their findings to the U. S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA).”


Although Menu Foods announced last week that aminopterin was at the “root” of the contamination issue, the FDA, the agency leading this investigation, has not corroborated this finding.


“There are so many inconsistencies in the purported link between aminopterin and the animals affected, that we urge veterinary toxicologists and veterinary pathologists at diagnostic laboratories to continue looking for additional contaminants,” said Dr. Hansen. “Only continued rigorous testing will uncover the real reason or reasons for this crisis among our pet population.”


The ASPCA strongly recommends that pet parents should have their pet examined by their veterinarian if any signs of illness occur following consumption of the recalled foods, including loss of appetite, lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea, changes in water consumption or changes in urination. Adverse effects or deaths of pets conclusively linked to eating the contaminated foods should be reported to the FDA at http://www.fda.gov/opacom/backgrounders/complain.html . Additionally, the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) has a wealth of resources at http://www.avma.org/aa/menufoodsrecall/default.asp .

What's New?? Beneful Prepared Meals

Link: Beneful Prepared Meals.pdf (application/pdf Object).

BENEFUL® ELEVATES PET FOOD TO NEW HEIGHTS WITH
INTRODUCTION OF FIRST-EVER PREPARED MEALS™ FOR DOGS
Family-Style Food Is Made With Real, Wholesome Ingredients and
Showcased In Ready-to-Serve, Clear Pet Food Containers
St. Louis, Mo., March 21, 2006 – Succulent real meat and poultry, wild rice, barley, pasta, spinach, green beans, and carrots. Sounds like the perfect ingredients for a delicious, nutritiousfamily-style meal . . . fit for a dog.

Beneful, one of the most successful premium dog foods on the market, is reinventing dog food as we know it with today’s launch of Beneful Prepared Meals. Delivering the ideal balance of taste and nutrition, this innovative family-style food for dogs is made with real beef, chicken, turkey, pork and lamb with wholesome grains such as wild rice and barley and tender vegetables. The difference is visible, as Beneful Prepared Meals showcase the eight, mouth-watering varieties and real food ingredients in clear, ready-to-serve, re-sealable plastic containers – a new packaging innovation in pet food. The new product is being launched regionally in 2006 in 50 percent of the U.S.

“One of the biggest trends we are seeing among pet owners is the desire to feed their dogs the way they feed themselves – choosing food that is made with real, high quality ingredients that offer the perfect balance of taste and nutrition,” said Steve Crimmins, vice president of dog food marketing for Nestlé Purina PetCare Company, which manufactures Beneful. “With Beneful Prepared Meals, we’ve added epicurean polish to pet food to meet the needs of today’s devoted pet owners who want food for their dogs, not dog food.”

What's New?? K9 Water Co - Vitamin Water for Dogs

Link: K9 Water Co.
Vitamin water for the dogs
A California company is selling a line of nutrient-fortified bottled waters for canines.

When it comes to satisfying the hydration needs of man's best friend, tap water just doesn't cut it anymore.

K9 Water Co., a Valencia, Calif.-based company, is selling a line of vitamin-enriched bottled waters for dogs over the Internet.
http://www.k9waterco.com/

A four-pack of sells for $7.49 and comes in four flavors -- Toilet Water (chicken), Gutter Water (beef), Puddle Water (liver) and Hose Water (lamb). The water also comes in 12 packs and 24 packs, which cost $19.99 and $35.99, respectively.

"We are dog lovers and pooch parents ourselves, so we had our formula tested in an independent lab by a veterinary nutritionist to make sure it is healthy for your dog," founders Don Magier and Susan Goldberg wrote on the company's Web site