Recalls, 2009

Pet Carousel Conducts Nationwide Recall of Beef Hoof Products and Pig Ears Because of Salmonella Risk– December 9, 2009 – Sanger, CA-- Pet Carousel has initiated a recall of all Pig Ears and all varieties of Beef Hoof pet treats because the products may be contaminated with Salmonella. The problem was discovered after FDA testing found positive results for Salmonella in pig ears and beef hoof products.These products were recalled because they have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella. Salmonella can affect both humans and animals. People handling dry pet food and/or pet treats can become infected with Salmonella, especially if they have not thoroughly washed their hands after having contact with the treats or any surfaces exposed to these products.





Diamond Pet Foods Announces Recall of Premium Edge Adult Cat and Premium Edge Hairball Cat Food - November 27, 2009
On September 23, Diamond Pet Foods issued a voluntary recall for Premium Edge Finicky Adult Cat and Premium Edge Hairball cat because they have the potential to produce Thiamine Deficiency. Today’s announcement provides additional information from the company’s posted announcement of September 23 when the initial recall information was provided.

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.

PetSmart Voluntarily Recalls Dentley's Beef Hooves - Phoenix, AZ, Nov 4, 2009 - PetSmart (NASDAQ: PETM) is voluntarily recalling two Dentley's Beef Hoof products for potential salmonella contamination. The products were manufactured by Pet Carousel, Inc. in Sanger, Calif.

This isn't a "food" item, but very important for the groups I run:
FDA’s Center for Veterinary Medicine Alerts Veterinarians About Problems with Vetsulin® to Treat Diabetes in Dogs and Cats - November 2, 2009 - The Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) Center for Veterinary Medicine (CVM) and Intervet/Schering-Plough Animal Health are alerting veterinarians and pet owners that Vetsulin®, a porcine insulin zinc suspension used to treat diabetes in animals, may have varying amounts of crystalline zinc insulin in the formulation. Because this Intervet/Schering-Plough Animal Health product is out of specification it could cause a delay in insulin action and an overall longer duration of insulin activity.

FDA Alerts Pet Owners to Voluntary Recall of Premium Edge Cat Food -  October 20, 2009
The affected brands were found to contain an inadequate level of thiamine, which may cause clinical signs of thiamine deficiency in cats eating this food. FDA is working on this situation and will provide additional information as it becomes available.

FDA shuts down manufacturer of generic animal drugs - September 15, 2009
Teva Animal Health halted manufacture of veterinary drugs in August in response to an injunction filed by the Food and Drug Administration, which says the company failed to adhere to current good manufacturing practices.Nature’s Variety recently identified two lots of Freeze Dried product that didn’t meet our quality standards. These products do not represent a health hazard to your pet.

Freeze Dried Raw Product
Nature's Variety News - June 12, 2009


FDA Suspends Temporary Emergency Permit of Pet Food Maker
June 12, 2009
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced today it was suspending the temporary Emergency Permit issued to Evanger's Dog & Cat Food Co., Inc.Evanger's, operating in Wheeling, Illinois, deviated from the prescribed process, equipment, product shipment, and recordkeeping requirements in the production of the company's thermally processed low acid canned food (LACF) products. The deviations in their processes and documentation could result in under-processed pet foods, which can allow the survival and growth of Clostridium botulinum (C. botulinum), a bacterium that causes botulism in some animals as well as in humans.

Cats susceptible to neurological problems when fed irradiated diets -- June 8, 2009
The Australian government in late May ordered an immediate stop to sterilizing cat food via irradiation after reviewing scientific studies pointing to food irradiation as the culprit behind illnesses characterized by ataxia or paralysis of the limbs, especially the hind limbs. How irradiation may be causing food to become toxic to cats is unknown.

Virbac recalls VeggieDent chews in Australia -- June 4, 2009
VeggieDents have not been proven to cause the renal disorder, also known as Fanconi-like syndrome. The company took action as “a precautionary measure in the interests of animal welfare and the veterinary profession,” according to a prepared statement by Bruce Bell, general manager of Virbac (Australia) Pty. Ltd.

NUTRO® NATURAL CHOICE® COMPLETE CARE® -- May 21, 2009
Today, Nutro Products announced a voluntary recall of select varieties of NUTRO® NATURAL CHOICE® COMPLETE CARE® Dry Cat Foods and NUTRO® MAX® Cat Dry Foods with “Best If Used By Dates” between May 12, 2010 and August 22, 2010. The cat food is being voluntarily recalled in the United States and ten additional countries. This recall is due to incorrect levels of zinc and potassium in our finished product resulting from a production error by a US-based premix supplier.

Alaska Canine Cookies -- March 10, 2009
Alaska Canine Cookies of Anchorage, Alaska is recalling Peanut Butter, Power Bone and Carrot Cake flavors of Canine Cookies because they were manufactured using peanuts recalled by Peanut Corporation of America which have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella.

Deerfield Beach, Florida – Jan. 23, 2009
Salix Voluntarily Recalls Dog Treat Due to Possible Health Risk
Salix, a manufacturer of rawhide dog chew products, is voluntarily recalling its Healthy-hide Deli-wrap 3-Pack 5” Peanut Butter-Filled Rawhide dog treats that contain peanut butter made by Peanut Corporation of America (PCA). PCA is the focus of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration investigation into potential salmonella contamination of peanut butter and paste.

Murphy, North Carolina – Jan. 27, 2009
Carolina Prime Pet Announces Nationwide Recall of Dog Treats
Carolina Prime Pet, a manufacturer and distributor of dog treats, is voluntarily recalling four of its dog treats that contain peanut butter made by Peanut Corporation of America (PCA). PCA is the focus of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration investigation into potential salmonella contamination of peanut butter and paste.


Tue, 20 Jan 2009 17:39:00 -0600
PetSmart is voluntarily recalling seven of its Grreat Choice Dog Biscuit products that contain peanut paste made by Peanut Corporation of America (PCA). PCA is the focus of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration investigation into potential salmonella contamination of peanut butter and paste made at its Blakely, Georgia facility.

Recalls, 2008

December 19, 2008
FDA Continues To Receive Complaints about Chicken Jerky Products for Dogs and Cautions Consumers
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) continues to caution consumers of a potential association between the development of illness in dogs and the consumption of chicken jerky products also described as chicken tenders, strips or treats. FDA continues to receive complaints of dogs experiencing illness that their owners or veterinarians associate with consumption of chicken jerky products. The chicken jerky products are imported to the U.S. from China. FDA issued a cautionary warning to consumers in September 2007.

December 15, 2008
Solid Gold Voluntary Product Withdrawal - Turkey Canned Food
(dog food pop top cans)
Solid Gold has received several complaints regarding mold found in a batch of 13.2 oz canned Turkey, Ocean Fish, Carrot, & Sweet Potatoes Formula, with Pop-Tops. As a precautionary measure, they ask that you return any of this product with the 'Use By Date 01/02/2010'; you will find these numbers on the bottom of the cans.
November 26, 2008
Orijen Udate Australia
On November 20th, 2008 Champion Petfoods announced a VOLUNTARY RECALL of ORIJEN brand cat food sold in Australia.
The recall is restricted to AUSTRALIA ONLY and was issued in response to reports from the Australian veterinary community of 27
cats showing neurological symptoms after consuming ORIJEN.
While there is no definitive link between ORIJEN CAT food and illness in the Australian cats, we have recalled our product from
Australia as a precautionary measure.

November 26, 2008
Mars recall update:
"The pet food is being voluntarily recalled because of potential contamination with Salmonella. This voluntary recall affects product sold at BJ’s Wholesale Club, ShopRite Supermarkets, and Wal-mart locations in Connecticut, Delaware, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, North Carolina, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Virginia, Vermont, and West Virginia."

October 27, 2008
"Mars Petcare US Issues Voluntary Recall of a Limited Number of Bags of SPECIAL KITTY® Gourmet Sold at Wal-Mart locations in Fifteen States due to Potential Salmonella Contamination
The pet food is being voluntarily recalled following a positive test result indicating a potential contamination with Salmonella. "

October 20, 2008
The Hartz Mountain Corporation Voluntarily Recalls One Specific Lot of Nationwide Chicken-Basted Rawhide Chips Because of Possible Health Risk
The Hartz Mountain Corporation, Secaucus, NJ is voluntarily recalling one specific lot of Hartz Chicken-Basted Rawhide Chips due to concerns that one or more bags within the lot are potentially contaminated with Salmonella. Hartz is fully cooperating with the US Food and Drug Administration in this voluntary recall.

September 12, 2008
Mars Petcare US Issues Voluntary Recall of Everson, PA Plant Dry Pet Food Product due to Potential Salmonella Contamination *
Today, Mars Petcare US announced a voluntary recall of products manufactured at its Everson, Pennsylvania facility. The pet food is being voluntarily recalled because of potential contamination with Salmonella serotype Schwarzengrund. This voluntary recall only affects the United States.
*PLEASE NOTE THAT THERE ARE A NUMBER OF BRANDS LISTED ON THE PAGE ABOVE, NOT JUST "PEDIGREE"

August 11, 2008
PEDIGREE® Complete Nutrition Small Crunchy Bites - localized recall by manufacturer. May contain Salmonella.

August 08, 2008 – FDA announcement: Mars Petcare US today announced a voluntary recall of limited bags of PEDIGREE® Complete Nutrition Small Crunchy Bites sold in Albertsons stores in Southern California and Las Vegas, Nevada. The pet food is being voluntarily recalled because of potential contamination with Salmonella. There have been no complaints or reports of injury resulting from consumption or handling of the recalled product.

June 25, 2008
List of recalls for Dog Food from Brand 'Champion Breed Peanut Butter Biscuits'

June 19, 2008
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.

April 24, 2008
FDA Orders Pet Food Maker to Obtain Emergency Operating Permit
A recent inspection revealed significant deviations from prescribed documentation of processes, equipment, and recordkeeping in the production of the company's thermally processed low acid canned food (LACF) products. These problems could result in under-processed pet foods, which can allow the survival and growth of Clostridium botulinum (C. botulinum), a bacterium that causes botulism in some animals as well as in humans.

April 3, 2008
Prairie™ Lamb Meal and Oatmeal Medley for Cats
Information for our CustomersNature’s Variety has withdrawn distribution of Prairie Lamb Meal and Oatmeal Medley for Cats with the “best if used by” dates of 12/20/08 and 1/25/09. If you purchased a bag of Prairie Lamb Meal and Oatmeal Medley for Cats with those specific “best if used by” dates, please return it to the store for a replacement or refund. The “best if used by” dates are located on the back of the package.

March 14, 2008
Nature's Variety
Update on Instinct™ Chicken Meal Formula ProductionAs we communicated on 02-27-08, some of our customers who are feeding Instinct Chicken Meal Formula grain-free kibble for dogs may have noticed loose stools and occasional vomiting in their pet. Again, if your dog has experienced this and your bag of Instinct Chicken Meal Formula displays a “best if used by” date of 1/3/09 or 1/10/09, you may return it to your retail store for a replacement or refund. The “best if used by” dates are located on the back of the package.

March 13, 2008
SAFETY ALERT - PRESENCE OF SALMONELLA BACTERIA IN ROLL OVER PORK TENDERS PREMIUM DOG TREATOTTAWA, March 13, 2008 - The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) and Rollover Premium Pet Food Ltd. are warning consumers not to purchase or use the Roll Over Pork Tenders Premium Dog Treat described below. This product may be contaminated with the bacteria responsible for salmonellosis in humans. The affected Roll Over Pork Tenders Premium Dog Treat was sold in 50 g packages bearing UPC 0 60766 88138 1. All lots up to and including 07 MAR 10 are affected by this alert.

March 7, 2008
Hartz Mountain update from 2007 recall in November. Added Lot No. SZ 22771 Not yet reported by FDA

February 6, 2008
FDA Investigation Leads to Several Indictments for Importing Contaminated Ingredients Used in Pet Food
Pet Food Recall (Melamine)/Tainted Animal Feed
"As a result of FDA and USDA's comprehensive investigation, on February 6, 2008, FDA announced that two Chinese nationals and the businesses they operate, along with a U.S. company and its president and chief executive officer, were indicted by a federal grand jury for their roles in a scheme to import products purported to be wheat gluten into the United States that were contaminated with melamine. "

January 22, 2008
We are assuming that the massive recall below follows from a listing made at the FDA on January 7, 2008 IA #99-29 which was slipped in to replace one published on April 23, 2007
The following is presented by the FDA as an "updated list". The unfortunate part here is that not even the FDA is able to provide specific reasons for most of the listed products, and I am not finding links to specific brands as has been done in the past. The pet food companies seem to be ducking for cover and the new list of foods is at a web link attached to the April 2007 site. You may note there are a number of items on there which were not listed in the 2007 alerts.

Recalls, 2007

The Hartz Mountain Corporation Recalls Vitamin Care for Cats Because of Possible Health Risk
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE --Baconton, GA -- November 2, ,2007
---The Hartz Mountain Corporation is voluntarily recalling one specific lot of Hartz Vitamin Care for Cats due to concerns that one or more bottles within the lot may have been potentially contaminated with Salmonella. Hartz is fully cooperating with the US Food and Drug Administration in this voluntary recall.


FDA Cautions Consumers about Chicken Jerky Products for Dogs
September 26, 2007
The Food and Drug Administration is cautioning consumers of a potential association between development of illness in dogs and the consumption of chicken jerky products also described as chicken tenders, strips or treats. FDA has received more than 70 complaints involving more than 95 dogs that experienced illness that their owners associated with consumption of chicken jerky products.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE --Vernon, CT -- Sept. 18, 2007--- Bravo! announces a voluntary recall of select tubes of three of its poultry products for cats and dogs. The pet food is being recalled because two of the products have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella and Listeria monocytogenes, while the other product has the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.

September 14, 2007
The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) has recently been made aware of several complaints from pet owners and veterinarians that multiple brands of jerky treats manufactured in China have been making pets sick.
FDA Advises Consumers to Avoid Toothpaste From China Containing Harmful ChemicalFDA Detains One Contaminated Shipment, Issues Import Alert

June 1, 2007
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) today warned consumers to avoid using tubes of toothpaste labeled as made in China, and issued an import alert to prevent toothpaste containing the poisonous chemical diethylene glycol (DEG) from entering the United States.
DEG is used in antifreeze and as a solvent.

Pet version illustrated here.
Nutra Nuggets 40 Lb. Lamb Meal and Rice Formula Recalled Due to Cross Contamination
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -- Meta, MO -- May 23, 2007 -- Diamond Pet Foods announced that it has recalled a limited quantity of Nutra Nuggets 40 Lb. Lamb Meal and Rice Formula because of confirmatory testing that indicates the product may include traces of melamine resulting from cross contamination during manufacturing. No animal deaths have been reported.This action is limited to Nutra Nuggets 40 Lb. Lamb Meal and Rice Formula with production codes of NLR0404A2SL, "Best Before" Oct. 9, 2008, and NLR0404B2SL, "Best Before" Oct. 9, 2008. The recalled product was manufactured at the company's Lathrop, Calif. facility. No other Nutra Nuggets products are affected.
Chenango Valley Pet Foods Expands Voluntary Nationwide Recall of Certain Pet Foods
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -- May 17, 2007 -- Chenango Valley Pet Foods previously recalled dry pet foods manufactured with a shipment of rice protein concentrate supplied by Wilbur-Ellis that possibly contained melamine contamination. Chenango Valley Pet Foods is now expanding the recall action to include those pet foods that do not contain rice protein concentrate but were manufactured during periods when rice protein concentrate formulas were processed. The recall of these products is precautionary due to the possibility of cross-contamination.
Eight Sensible Choice Dry Dog Food Products, Seven Kasco Dry Dog And Cat Food Products Recalled Nationwide by Royal Canin USA Effective Today

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -- St. Charles, Missouri -- May 11, 2007 -- Royal Canin USA is announcing today the voluntary nationwide recall of eight Sensible Choice dry dog food products and seven Kasco dry dog and cat food products.
This announcement is based on the company's ongoing extensive review of its manufacturing and quality assurance testing procedures, which identified trace amounts of a melamine derivative from tainted Chinese rice protein concentrate provided to the company by domestic ingredient supplier Cereal Byproducts, headquartered in Illinois.Cereal Byproducts Company Announces the Voluntary Nationwide Recall of Rice Protein Concentrate Produced in China FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -- Mt. Prospect, Illinois -- May 4, 2007 -- Cereal Byproducts Company is announcing today that the FDA has determined that there are melamine and/or melamine derivatives in the rice protein concentrate produced by a single source Chinese supplier, Binzhou Futian Biology Technology Co. Ltd., and purchased through a local domestic importer. Cereal Byproducts shipped the recalled product to a total of three customers located in the Midwest between July 19, 2006 and March 14, 2007. The FDA previously found melamine and/or melamine derivatives in Wilbur-Ellis Company's rice protein concentrate, which was purchased from the same Chinese supplier as Cereal Byproducts. Cereal Byproducts proactively notified their customers of this finding, and thereafter both parties implemented their own voluntary recall of the contaminated products on or about April 19, 2007.

Again, for Raw Feeders:
Agriculture Department Warns Consumers of Tainted Raw Milk Sold by Berks County Dairy
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -- Harrisburg, PA -- May 10, 2007 -- Consumers who have purchased raw milk from Misty Meadow Farm in Bernville, Berks County, any time after April 16, 2007, should discard it immediately due to the risk of Listeria monocytogenes contamination, Agriculture Secretary Dennis Wolff said today. Canine Only:
SmartPak Canine Voluntarily Recalls LiveSmart Adult Lamb and Brown Rice Formula
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -- Plymouth, MA – May 3, 2007 –On 5/02/07, SmartPak Canine executed a voluntary nationwide recall on all lots of LiveSmart Adult Lamb and Brown Rice food. This product tested positive for presence of melamine in a test received earlier in the day. Menu Foods Adds to Recall List
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -- May 2, 2007 -- Menu Foods has previously recalled wet cat and dog food produced with adulterated wheat gluten supplied by ChemNutra Inc. Menu Foods is now expanding the recall to include cuts and gravy and select other products which do not include ChemNutra wheat gluten but which were manufactured at any of Menu Foods’ plants during the period that ChemNutra wheat gluten was used at that plant, to the extent they have not already been subject to a recall, due to the possibility of cross-contamination. Menu Foods has received a report from a customer and has received study results, both of which indicate cross-contamination. Following this announcement on the FDA site, is a long list of products that I recommend you glance at for the protection of your pet.
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.

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. 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.

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. Natural Balance Pet Foods, Inc. Recalls Products in Response to American Nutrition Inc. Pet Food Recall
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -- Pacoima, CA -- April 27, 2007 -- Because of the pet food recall initiated today by American Nutrition Inc., Natural Balance Pet Foods has announced it is issuing a nationwide recall of a number of canned products manufactured by American Nutrition. This action is limited to four specific Natural Balance canned formulas: Chicken Canned Dog Formula 13 oz , Beef Canned Dog Formula 13 oz, Lamb Canned Dog Formula 13 oz, and the 3oz and 6 oz Ocean Fish Canned Cat Formulas.American Nutrition, Inc. Issues Voluntary Recall
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -- April 26, 2007 -- The Denver office of the FDA informed American Nutrition, Inc. today that certain samples of rice protein shipped to its production facility have been contaminated with melamine, an industrial chemical used to make plastics and fertilizers that may be harmful to animals if consumed. The rice protein in question was obtained from San Francisco-based Wilbur-Ellis Company. Blue Buffalo Recalls Can and Biscuit Products Due To Tampering By American Nutrition Inc.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -- Wilton, Connecticut, April 26, 2007- We at the Blue Buffalo Company have just learned that American Nutrition Inc. (ANI), the manufacturer of all our cans and biscuits, has been adding rice protein concentrate to our can formulas without our knowledge and without our approval. Chenango Valley Pet Foods Issues Voluntarily Nationwide Recall of Certain Pet Foods
"FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -- April 26, 2007 -- Chenango Valley Pet Foods is working with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and voluntarily recalling pet foods manufactured with a certain shipment of rice protein concentrate. The company was informed by Wilbur-Ellis that the rice protein concentrate shipped to Chenango Valley Pet Foods may be contaminated with melamine, and instructed Chenango Valley Pet Foods to recall any pet foods manufactured with the rice protein concentrate. Melamine is an industrial chemical used to make plastics and fertilizers that may lead to illness or fatalities in animals if consumed.
The pet foods were sold to customers in Wisconsin, Massachusetts, and Pennsylvania, who further sold the products to their customers through catalog mail-orders or retail outlets."

The distributors include Drs Foster & Smith, and Lick Your Chops varieties, along with a bulk food brand.
Medi-Cal/Royal Canin Canada Voluntary Product Recall

April 20, 2007 - Medi-Cal/Royal Canin Canada Voluntary Product Recall (all date codes of):
ROYAL CANIN VETERINARY DIET CANINE EARLY CARDIAC EC
ROYAL CANIN VETERINARY DIET CANINE SENSITIVITY RC (Rice and Catfish)
ROYAL CANIN VETERINARY DIET CANINE SKIN SUPPORT SS
ROYAL CANIN VETERINARY DIET FELINE HYPOALLERGENIC HP
ROYAL CANIN VETERINARY DIET FELINE SENSITIVITY RD (Rice and Duck)

Royal Canin has discovered a new contaminant in rice gluten. This contaminant is cyanuric acid, which is chemically related to, but distinct from, melamine.

Then, as the following information is no longer online I have added it here:

April 10, 2007 Medi-Cal/Royal Canin Canada Voluntary Product Recall - Medi-Cal/Royal Canin Canada Proactively Recalls Feline Dissolution Formula (canned) Guelph, Ontario - Royal Canin Canada recalled Medi-Cal Feline Dissolution Formula canned diet on April 10, 2007 because one production lot (January 08 2009) contains contaminated wheat gluten. This product is produced for Royal Canin Canada by the Menu Foods Ontario plant. Medi-Cal Feline Dissolution Formula canned diet is Royal Canin’s only wheat gluten-containing canned product. Royal Canin Canada has informed all Canadian veterinary clinics that Medi-Cal Feline Dissolution Formula canned diet, prescribed exclusively through veterinary clinics, should not be fed to cats. Although only one production lot was affected, to eliminate any risks to cats, Royal Canin Canada is proactively advising veterinary clinics to remove all of the Feline Dissolution Formula canned date codes. Pet owners who are feeding the recalled product to their cats and have questions related to the recall should contact Royal Canin Veterinary Diet at 1-866-494-6844.

Blue Buffalo Company Announces Voluntary Recall of One Production Run of Spa Select Kitten Dry Food
Contact:Consumer Inquiries:1-800-919-2833Media Inquiries:David Petrie1-203-762-9751
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -- Wilton, Connecticut, April 19, 2007 -- The Blue Buffalo Company today announced a voluntary recall of one production run of its Spa Select Kitten dry food.
The recalled 3 lb. and 7 lb. bags of Spa Select Kitten dry food have the production code "BEST IF USED BY MAR 07 08 B" printed on the bag. Consumers should check this information on the bag, which is printed on the back panel below the seal.
The Company has taken this action because the rice protein concentrate used for this particular production run was obtained from Wilbur-Ellis, the same company who supplied this ingredient to Natural Balance. Test results received the evening of April 18th indicated that this rice protein concentrate tested positive for melamine. This was the only production run that used rice protein from Wilbur-Ellis. Royal Canin USA Announces the Voluntary Nationwide Recall of its Dry Pet Food Products Containing Rice Protein Concentrate
Contact:Erik Mueller 636-926-1089
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -- St Charles, Missouri -- April 19, 2007 -- Royal Canin USA is announcing today that the company has determined there is a melamine derivative in the rice protein concentrate in some of its dry pet food products.
Although Royal Canin USA has no confirmed cases of illness in pets, we have decided to voluntarily remove all of our dry pet food products containing rice protein concentrate. We are taking this proactive stance to avoid any confusion for our customers about which Royal Canin USA products are safe and which products may be affected.
Wilbur-Ellis Voluntarily Recalls Rice Protein Concentrate
Contact:Ann Barlow 415-438-9826; 925-200-6539 Deborah Brown212-931-6113
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -- San Francisco, CA -- April 18, 2007 -- Wilbur-Ellis Company is voluntarily recalling all lots of the rice protein concentrate the San Francisco company’s Feed Division has shipped to pet-food manufacturers because of a risk that rice protein concentrate may have been contaminated by melamine, an industrial chemical used to make plastics and fertilizers that can lead to illness or fatalities in animals if consumed.
Wilbur-Ellis noted that it obtained rice protein from a single source in China and shipped to a total of five U.S. pet-food manufacturers located in Utah, N.Y., Kansas and two in Missouri.

Last Sunday, April 15, Wilbur-Ellis notified the U.S. Food and Drug Administration that a single bag in a recent shipment of rice protein concentrate from its Chinese supplier, Binzhou Futian Biology Technology Co. Ltd., had tested positive for melamine. Unlike the other white-colored bags in that shipment, the bag in question was pink and had the word “melamine” stenciled upon it. Menu Foods Refines Recall List
Contact:Menu Foods1-866-895-2708
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -- April 17, 2007 -- Menu Foods has previously recalled wet cat and dog food produced with adulterated wheat gluten supplied by ChemNutra Inc. Over the past several days, Menu Foods continued a detailed analysis of production records at its Emporia, Kansas, plant as part of the US Food and Drug Administration’s ongoing investigation of this adulterated wheat gluten. As a result of this work, Menu Foods advises the public:
One additional item has been added to the recall list and is shown below
Two additional production dates of eight varieties of pet food have been added to the recall list. These eight varieties of pet food had previously been withdrawn from the market and should already be off the retailer shelves.

Information on Natural Balance
April 17, 2007
Natural Balance Pet Foods, Inc. Issues A Voluntary Nationwide Recall on Specific Venison Dog and Cat Food Products
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -- Pacoima, CA -- April 17, 2007 -- Natural Balance, Pacoima, CA, is issuing a voluntary nationwide recall for all of its Venison dog products and the dry Venison cat food only, regardless of date codes. The recalled products include Venison and Brown Rice canned and bagged dog foods, Venison and Brown Rice dog treats, and Venison and Green Pea dry cat food. Recent laboratory results show that the products contain melamine. We believe the source of the melamine is a rice protein concentrate. Natural Balance has confirmed this morning that some production batches of these products may contain melamine.

ChemNutra Announces Nationwide Wheat Gluten Recall
Contact:Devon Blaine/Lisa Baker310-360-1499
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE --Las Vegas, NV -- April 3, 2007 -- ChemNutra Inc., of Las Vegas, Nevada, yesterday recalled all wheat gluten it had imported from one of its three Chinese wheat gluten suppliers – Xuzhou Anying Biologic Technology Development Co. Ltd.
The wheat gluten ChemNutra recalled was all shipped from China in 25 kg. paper bags, and distributed to customers in the same unopened bags. The bags were all labeled "Wheat Gluten Batch No.: _______ Net Weight: 25 kg Gross Weight: 25.1 kg Made in China". The batch numbers included in the recall are 20061006, 20061027, 20061101, 20061108, 20061122, 20061126, 20061201, 20061202, 20061203, 20061204, 20061205, 20061206, 20061208, 20061221, 20070106, 20070111, 20070116, and 20070126. Each ChemNutra shipment had the certificate of analysis information from the supplier, including batch number and the supplier's content analysis and test results. ChemNutra shipped from its Kansas City warehouse to three pet food manufacturers and one distributor who supplies wheat gluten only to the pet food industry. ChemNutra's shipments commenced November 9, 2006 and ended March 8, 2007. ChemNutra did not ship to facilities that manufacture food for human consumption, and the distributor ChemNutra shipped to supplies wheat gluten only to pet food manufacturers.

Eight In One Announces Nationwide Recall of All Lots Of Dingo® Chick’n Jerky Treats for Dogs, Cats And Ferrets
March 30, 2007
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -- Cincinnati, Ohio -- March 30, 2007 -- Eight In One, Inc., a division of United Pet Group, Inc., is voluntarily recalling nationally all lots of Dingo® CHICK'N JERKY treats due to Company concerns that the jerky treats have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella, which can cause serious infections in dogs and cats, and, if there is cross contamination, in people, especially children, the aged, and people with compromised immune systems. The Food and Drug Administration is aware of this recall.
The products affected were sold at Target, PetSmart and other retailers. The products subject to this voluntary recall are Dingo CHICK'N JERKY 3.5 oz. and 8 oz. for dogs and Dingo Kitty CHICKEN JERKY 1.5 oz. for cats and Dingo Ferret CHICKEN JERKY 1.5 oz for ferrets.
Laboratory testing has shown that some samples of these chicken jerky treats were contaminated with Salmonella. The company is recalling all these products out of an abundance of caution.
Salmonella can potentially be transferred to people handling these pet treats, especially if they have not thoroughly washed their hands after having contact with the products or any surfaces exposed to these products. Healthy people infected with Salmonella can have some or all of nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramping and fever. Rarely, Salmonella can result in more serious ailments, including arterial infections, endocarditis, arthritis, muscle pain, eye irritation, and urinary tract symptoms. Consumers exhibiting these signs after having contact with this product should contact their healthcare providers. Full FDA alert: March 30, 2007
IA #99-26, IMPORT ALERT #99-26,

In March 2007, FDA became aware of the illness and death of cats and dogs associated with certain pet food. Subsequently, samples of the implicated pet food were analyzed and found to contain melamine. The consumption of pet food containing melamine may be associated with acute renal failure in cats. Investigations have revealed that the source of the melamine was wheat gluten which is an ingredient in the pet food. The attachment to this alert includes manufacturers whose wheat gluten products have been found to contain melamine.

Xuzhou Anying Biologic Technology Wheat glutenDevelopment Company Ltd.
Wangdian Industrial Zone,Peixian, CN-32, China 221623 Alpo® Brand Prime Cuts In Gravy Canned Dog Food
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -- St. Louis, Missouri, March 30, 2007
Contact:Keith Schopp314-982-2577Jill Winte314-982-3032
. . . Nestlé Purina PetCare Company today announced it is voluntarily recalling all sizes and varieties of its ALPO® Prime Cuts in Gravy wet dog food with specific date codes. The Company is taking this voluntary action after learning today that wheat gluten containing melamine, a substance not approved for use in food, was provided to Purina by the same company that also supplied Menu Foods. The contamination occurred in a limited production quantity at only one of Purina's 17 pet food manufacturing facilities.
Earlier today the FDA announced the finding of melamine in products related to the March 16 Menu Foods recall, and advised Purina of the source of the contaminated supply. Purina then determined that it had received some quantity from the suspect supplier. The company proactively notified the FDA and immediately began this recall process.Prescription Diet™ m/d™ Feline Dry Food
Hills Pet Nutrition, Inc. Voluntarily Recalls Single Product, Prescription Diet™ m/d™ Feline Dry Food, Only Product Containing Wheat Gluten
Contact:Amy Thompson785-368-5016
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -- Topeka, KS -- March 30, 2007 -- In accordance with its over-riding commitment to pet health and well-being, Hill's Pet Nutrition, Inc. is voluntarily recalling Prescription Diet m/d Feline dry food from the market. Hill's is taking this precautionary action because during a two-month period in early 2007, wheat gluten for this product was provided by a company that also supplied wheat gluten to Menu Foods. U.S. Food and Drug Administration tests of wheat gluten samples from this period show the presence of a small amount of melamine. Prescription Diet m/d Feline Dry represents less than one half of one percent of all Hill's products.
This is the only product Hill's currently sells in the United States that contains wheat gluten from any supplier. No other Hill's Prescription Diet® or Science Diet® products are affected by this voluntary recall. Hill's Science Diet Savory Cuts Feline canned cat foods, manufactured by Menu Foods, were previously withdrawn from the market as a precaution. Together with this earlier withdrawal, less than 1% of all Hill's products have been affected.
The voluntary recall of Hill's Prescription Diet m/d Feline dry food involves discontinuation of all retail sales and product retrieval from sellers. This recall does not include Prescription Diet m/d Feline canned food which contains no wheat gluten.
Zelnorm (tegaserod maleate)
March 30, 2007
IBS med used for felines:
FDA is announcing that Novartis Pharmaceuticals has agreed to FDA’s request that they voluntarily discontinue marketing and sales of Zelnorm (tegaserod maleate). FDA’s request was based on newly available information of an increased risk of serious cardiovascular adverse events, including myocardial infarction (heart attack), unstable angina (chest pain), and stroke, associated with use of the drug. Based on this new information, FDA has concluded that the overall risk versus benefit profile for the drug is unfavorable for continued marketing.
Again, for those who give their pets mineral water rather than tap water:
Arsenic in Mineral Water
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEP07-52
March 24, 2007
Media Inquiries: Mike Herndon, 301-827-6242
Consumer Inquiries: 888-SAFEFOOD
FDA Warns Again About Arsenic in Mineral Water Five Brands Recalled Within Last Month
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is re-issuing its warning to consumers not to drink "Jermuk" brand mineral water due to the risk of exposure to arsenic, a toxic substance and a known cause of cancer in humans. The agency is providing this information again to consumers due to an expansion of the recall initiated by the products' importers and distributors. "Jermuk" water is imported from Armenia and distributed under different labels in California. Five brands of these products have been recalled since March 7.
The latest recall, which was initiated on March 16 by the product's distributor, Andreas Andreasyan DBA Arnaz & Nelli Co., North Hollywood, CA., is for "Jermuk Natural Mineral Water Fortified with Gas from the Spring". This product is additionally labeled as "Produced by Sam-Har Co. Republic of Armenia" and "Exclusive Distributor in USA: Arnaz & Nelli Inc., CA 91605".
Although arsenic is a well known human poison, there is little chance that someone would become seriously ill after consuming the recalled products over a brief period of time (days to weeks). However, it is likely that the person would experience nausea, abdominal pain and possibly vomiting, which are indicators of arsenic toxicity.
FDA has sampled the contents of 500 milliliter (mL) green glass and/or plastic bottles of all of these brands and found they contained 454-674 micrograms of arsenic per liter of water. FDA's standard of quality for bottled water allows no more than 10 micrograms per liter. Menu Foods March 25, 2007

FDA Enforcement Report Index
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -- TORONTO, ONTARIO -- March 24, 2007 -- As a result of reports from the FDA and various media outlets that some recalled lots of "cuts and gravy" style wet pet food remain on store shelves, Menu Foods has asked all retail outlets to immediately remove all impacted varieties of wet pet food posted at http://www.menufoods.com/, regardless of the date code.
Menu Foods remains concerned that consumers are able to purchase recalled items.There is no known risk from items not listed on the recall list but an abundance of caution is called for in this situation. FDA has been apprised of this action.

March 23/2007
Latest information from the agency reporting: http://www.agmkt.state.ny.us/AD/release.asp?ReleaseID=1598
Aminopterin is an anticancer drug that has now been replaced by methotrexate by veterinarians. Most veterinarians will be familiar with the drug, and will have information available regarding overdoses of this drug. It is classified as an antimetabolite that will be stopping new cells from forming in the body, so that repair and regeneration is prevented.
For old information on the recall: http://www.fda.gov/oc/opacom/hottopics/petfood.html
The FDA website is here.
Consumers who wish to report adverse actions or other problems can go to http://www.fda.gov/opacom/backgrounders/complain.html to contact the FDA complaint coordinator in their state .

For those who also have dogs, or know dog owners, (stretching, here):
BJ's Wholesale Club

March 9, 2007

BJ's Wholesale Club Issues Recall of "Berkley & Jensen" Full-Cut Pig Ears Dog Treats Because of Potential for Salmonella Contamination
Contact:Stephanie LaCroix508-651-6904
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -- Natick, MA -- March 9, 2007 -- BJ's Wholesale Club, Inc. is recalling its 25-count packages of "Berkley & Jensen" Full-Cut Pig Ears dog treats with no lot number and only the expiration advisory "BEST IF USED BY 2009" (without referencing a specific month) because they have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella, an organism which can cause serious infections in dogs, and, if there is cross contamination, young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems.
Confirmatory testing is ongoing but until the testing is final, consumers should immediately stop feeding the treats to their pets.
The following is included as a variety of pet owners choose bottled water, rather than tap water:
"Jermuk" Brand Mineral Water
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEP07-3

March 7, 2007
Media Inquiries: Michael Herndon, 301-827-6242

Consumer Inquiries: 888-SAFEFOOD
FDA Warns Consumers Not to Drink "Jermuk" Brand Mineral Water Firms Recall Product
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is warning consumers not to drink certain brands of mineral water imported from Armenia due to the risk of exposure to arsenic, a toxic substance and known cause of cancer in humans. While arsenic is a well known human poison there is little chance that someone would become gravely ill if they consumed this product over a brief period of time (days to weeks). However, it is likely that they would experience nausea, abdominal pain and possibly vomiting which are clear indicators of arsenic toxicity, and therefore consumers should avoid ingestion of this bottled mineral water.

For those feeding correct and complete raw diet:
Stump Acres Dairy
March 2, 2007
PA Department of Health Warns Consumers of Tainted Raw Milk Sold by York County Dairy
Contact:Troy Thompson (717) 787-1783
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -- Harrisburg, PA -- March 2, 2007 -- State Health Secretary Dr. Calvin B. Johnson today advised consumers who purchased raw milk from Stump Acres Dairy of New Salem, York County, to immediately discard the raw milk due to the risk of contamination with salmonella.
Raw milk is milk that has not been pasteurized or homogenized.
“We are working very closely with the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture to conduct local public health investigations,” Dr. Johnson said. “If you have any raw milk from Stump Acres Dairy at home, do not drink the milk and immediately discard it.”
Individuals who drank raw milk purchased from Stump Acres Dairy and became ill are advised to consult with their physician and are also urged to contact their local health department. If no illness occurred, it is not necessary to seek medical attention, but consumers should still discard the raw milk. Wild Kitty Cat Food
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEP07-20

February 13, 2007
Media Inquiries: Michael Herndon, 301-827-6242
Consumer Inquiries: 888-INFO-FDA

FDA Warns Consumers Not to Use Wild Kitty Cat Food Due to Salmonella Contamination
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is warning consumers not to purchase, or use, Wild Kitty Cat Food due to the presence of Salmonella, a pathogen. During routine monitoring activities, FDA collected and analyzed a sample of frozen raw Wild Kitty Cat Food and detected Salmonella in the product. Cats and other pets consuming this food may become infected with Salmonella. People can also become infected with Salmonella if they handle or ingest this cat food, touch pets that consumed the food, or touch any surfaces that came into contact with the food or pets.

The specific products covered by this warning are Wild Kitty Raw All Natural, Frozen Cat Food – Chicken with Clam Recipe, Net Wt. 3.5 oz (100g) and 1 lb in plastic containers. Some of these containers may be uncoded. Raw Duck with Clam Recipe, Net Wt. 3.5 oz (100g) and Net Wt. 16 oz (453.6g); and Raw Tuna with Conch Recipe 3.5 oz (100g) all lot codes.Salmonella can cause serious illnesses in small children, frail or elderly people, and people and pets with weakened immune systems. Other people and pets may suffer short-term symptoms, such as high fever, severe headache, vomiting, nausea, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. Long term complications can include arthritis.

Recalls 2006

Royal Canin,
MAY 2006
PRODUCT
a) Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Canine Urinary SO, Food for Dogs, packaged in 13.6 oz. cans, 24 cans per case,
b) Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Canine Low Fat LF, Food for Dogs, packaged in 13.6-oz. cans, 24 cans per case,
c) Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Canine Calorie Control CC In Gel, Food for Dogs, packaged in 12.7-oz. cans, 24 cans per case,
d) Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Feline Sensitivity VR, Food for Cats, packaged in 5.8-oz. cans, 24 cans per case,
e) Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Feline Calorie Control CC, Food for Cats, packaged in 5.8-oz. cans, 24 cans per case,
f) Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Feline Renal LP, Food for Cats, packaged in a 3.0-oz. pouch, 24 pouches per case,

CODE
a) Code 511A/B, Exp. 03/2007; Code 521 A/B, Exp. 03/2007; Code 525A, Exp. 06/2007;
b) Code 526A/B, Exp. 06/2007;
c) Code 515B, Exp. 04/2007; and Code 528A, Exp. 07/2007;
d) Code 518A, Exp. 05/2007;
e) Code 449A, Exp. 11/2006; Code 451A, Exp. 12/2006, and Code 515A, Exp. 04/2007;
f) Code 519B, Exp., 09/2006; Code 522B, Exp. 09/2006; Code 526A, Exp. 10/2006, and Code 541A, Exp. 02/2007, and Code 543A, Exp. 02/2007RECALLING

FIRM/MANUFACTURERRecalling Firm: Royal Canin USA, Inc, Saint Charles, MO,Manufacturer: MasterFoods, USA, Vernon, CA, REASON The products contain excess levels of Vitamin D3VOLUME OF PRODUCT IN COMMERCE 31,414/24-can cases and 13,850/24-pouch casesDISTRIBUTION Nationwide

Recalls, 2005

Diamond Pet Food Recalled Due to Aflatoxin
Contact:Mark Brinkman 573-229-4203
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -- December 20, 2005

-- Diamond Pet Food has discovered aflatoxin in a product manufactured at our facility in Gaston, South Carolina. Aflatoxin is a naturally occurring toxic chemical by-product from the growth of the fungus Aspergillus flavus, on corn and other crops.
Out of an abundance of caution, we have notified our distributors and recommended they hold the sale of all Diamond Pet Food products formulated with corn that were produced out of our Gaston facility (see complete list below). Please note that products manufactured at our facilities in Meta, Missouri and Lathrop, California are not affected. The Gaston facility date codes are unique from other Diamond facility codes in that either the eleventh or twelfth character in the date code will be a capital "G" (in reference to Gaston). The range of date codes being reviewed are "Best By 01-March-07" through Best By " 11-June-07". Diamond's quantitative analysis records substantiate that Diamond's corn shipments were definitively clear of aflatoxin after December 10. As such, "Best By 11-June-07" date codes or later are not affected by this notice.