Pet Food Recalls

We are all concerned about the pet food recalls, and with good reason.  Unbeknownst to us, we have learned that the pet food industry has used imported, un-inspected goods to create a large portion of our pet foods.  We discovered that nearly every "wet pet food" manufacturer uses the SAME ingredients (yes, different formulas) but identical ingredients in each of those formulas, to create our pets food.  Not only is this saddening and disappointing, but it is dangerous.  Dangerous for us, dangerous for our pets, and dangerous for the pet food manufacturers. 

PetsWeekly.com has been following these recalls carefully, and we hope to create a list of safe foods for you to choose from. We will also be adding recalls as they come through. We recommend that you review these lists thoroughly and if you do have any of the "recalled food", stop feeding it immediately! Place the food  in a highly secured area away from children and animals, or return it too your store for destruction.  Menu Foods has announced that they will pay for all vet bills related to the consumption of this food.  It is important to keep your receipts and excellent records on when you fed the contaminated food, how much you fed, and the lot number and dates of each package.  

We fear that there will be many more sickened pets and even more deaths as a result of the MenuFoods recall.  However, if we can bring awareness about the food to the public worldwide, we can eliminate the unnecessary suffering and loss of our pets.  Please review the lists below to make an informed decision about what to feed your pets.

Press Releases: [MenuFoods Recalls All Foods with Wheat Glutin] [Natural Balance Recall] [Clarification from Menu Foods: No Expanded Recall] [Menu Foods Initiates Market Withdrawal of All Varieties of Recalled Wet Pet Food to Ensure Consumer Protection] [Initial Recall By Menu Foods] [Menu Foods Income Fund: Progress in Search for Cause of Pet Illnesses] [Nestle Purina Recall] [Hills Science Diet Recall]  [IAMS / Eukaneuba Recall]  [Menu Foods (Answers to Additional Questions) Recalled]  

Recalled Products: [Recalled Cat Products]  [Recalled Dog Products] [Consolidate List from FDA - updated April 17 2007]

[Safe Recommended Dog and Cat Food Brands to Feed Your Pet]  [Reported Safe, But NOT RECOMMENDED and Reasons] [Index of Ingredients (What they mean)]

DISCLAIMER: None of the products listed in our "Recommended foods" and "Not-recommended foods" have not been recalled.  Those that were in our "suggested foods column" are there because we believe they are the best choices for alternate diets. This is ONLY OUR OPINION!  We have listed our reasons for placing them in either category.  We are not  liable for any of the recommendations or reasons for endorsing or not endorsing a particular food. Ultimately it is up to you, the pet owner, to make the decision on what to feed your pet. If you have additional questions, please contact the company that markets each specific food.  We are not, nor do we claim to be, experts in pet nutrition or veterinarians. Please refer to your veterinarian or pet nutritionist to make your decision on pet foods. These lists are for informational purposes only.  

Menu Foods Voluntarily Recalls Additional Pet Food made with ChemNutra Wheat Gluten

Contact:
Menu Foods
1-866-895-2708

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -- TORONTO, April 10, 2007 -- Prompted by reports from the US Food and Drug Administration as to the presence of melamine in cans of cuts and gravy pet food produced in Menu Foods' Canadian production facility, Menu Foods undertook an accounting of all recalled wheat gluten supplied by ChemNutra Inc. to Menu Foods in the United States. As the result of that review, Menu Foods has identified a single interplant transfer of the ChemNutra supplied wheat gluten, shipped from Menu Foods' plant in Emporia, Kansas, to its plant in Streetsville, Ontario. This wheat gluten was subsequently used in the production of pet food in December, 2006 and January, 2007, which is being recalled by Menu Foods. The new varieties in the United States and Canada have been added to the recall list. The latest recall group is listed below, and a complete list of recalled products, including the new items can be reviewed at http://www.menufoods.com.

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• Information on Natural Balance

The U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) was informed today, April 16, 2007, that Natural Balance Pet Foods has received consumer complaints regarding the Venison & Brown Rice Dry Dog Food, and Venison & Green Pea Dry Cat Foods. The company does not know the cause of the problems, but has received reports of animals vomiting and experiencing kidney problems. Although the company is stating that the problems seem to be focused on one particular lot, as a precautionary measure, the company is pulling all dates of Venison & Brown Rice Dry Dog Food and Venison & Green Pea Dry Cat Food from the shelves.

The company is advising consumers to discontinue feeding all Venison and Brown Rice Dry Dog Food, and Venison and Green Pea Dry Cat Food.

The FDA is working closely with Natural Balance and is actively investigating this problem. There is no indication at this time whether this is related to the ongoing pet food recalls. For more information, please see: http://www.naturalbalanceinc.com/

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• Clarification From Menu Foods: No Expanded Recall
  
  TORONTO, ONTARIO--(CCNMatthews - March 26, 2007) -
  
  NOT FOR RELEASE OVER US NEWSWIRE SERVICES
  
  Media outlets have reported conflicting and incorrect information, including that Menu Foods has expanded its recall to include all products produced.
  
  To clarify, late last week, the US Food and Drug Administration (the "FDA") and various media outlets reported that some retailers still had recalled product on their shelves. In response, Menu Foods issued instructions for retailers to remove from their shelves all cuts and gravy products of the flavours listed on the recall list, regardless of the dates produced. For many retailers, this had already been completed as their standard operating procedure.
  
  This step did not expand the recall but provided the remaining retailers with an efficient means of withdrawing the recalled product. The full recall list is available at www.menufoods.com.
  
  In addition, Menu Foods reiterated that there is no evidence of any problems in any products manufactured at either its Streetsville, Ontario, facility or its North Sioux City, South Dakota, facility. Furthermore, there is no evidence of problems in any of the products not on the recall list produced at Emporia, Kansas, or Pennsauken, New Jersey.
  

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• Menu Foods Initiates Market Withdrawal of All Varieties of Recalled Wet Pet Food to Ensure Consumer Protection
  
  
  TORONTO, ONTARIO--(CCNMatthews - 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 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.

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• This press release was revised on March 21, 2007 to include changes in the second paragraph. It was revised again on March 24, 2007 to include changes in the fourth paragraph.
  FDA News
  
  FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
  P07-48
  March 17, 2007, Updated March 24, 2007
  
  Recall of Pet Foods Manufactured by Menu Foods, Inc.
  
  The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has been informed that Menu Foods, Inc., a private-label pet food manufacturer based in Streetsville, Ontario, Canada, is recalling all its "cuts and gravy" style dog and cat food produced at its facility in Emporia, Kansas between December 3, 2006 and March 6, 2007. The products are sold in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
  
  The recall was prompted by consumer complaints received by the manufacturer and by tasting trials conducted by the manufacturer. There has been a small number of reported instances of cats and dogs in the United States that developed kidney failure after eating the affected product. To date, Menu Foods, Inc. has reported 14 animal deaths to the FDA. 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.
  
  The products are packaged in cans and pouches under numerous brand names and are marketed nationwide by many pet food retailers including Ahold USA Inc., Kroger Company, Safeway, Wal-Mart Stores, Inc., PetSmart, Inc., and Pet Valu, Inc.
  
  Menu Foods, Inc. has identified the potentially contaminated products on the Internet at www.menufoods.com/recall. The product listing was expanded and updated as of March 23, and 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 and vomiting) should consult with their veterinarian. Menu Foods, Inc. is notifying retailers by telephone and mail and is arranging for the return of all recalled products.
  
  FDA is conducting an investigation and working with Menu Foods, Inc. to ensure the effectiveness of the recall. Consumers with questions may contact the company at 1-866-895-2708. 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.

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• Menu Foods Income Fund: Progress in Search for Cause of Pet Illnesses
  
  TORONTO, ONTARIO--(CCNMatthews - March 24, 2007) -
  
  NOT FOR RELEASE OVER US NEWSWIRE SERVICES
  
  Menu Foods Income Fund (the "Fund") (TSX:MEW.UN) has provided an update on its March 16 pet food recall, which represents an important step forward on identifying the issue's cause.
  
  On March 23, the New York State Agriculture Commissioner and Cornell University's College of Veterinary Medicine announced that scientists at the New York State Food Laboratory identified Aminopterin as a toxin present in recalled pet food samples supplied by the Fund. The Food Laboratory received the pet food samples from a toxicologist at the New York State Animal Health Diagnostic Center at Cornell University, where testing has been underway to try to determine the cause of renal failure in dogs and cats. At Cornell's request, the Food Laboratory tested the samples for poisons and toxins, and identified Aminopterin in the pet food samples.
  
  "We are happy and relieved that the experts from the New York State Department of Agriculture and from Cornell University have discovered the root of the issue that has harmed North American cats and dogs" said Paul K. Henderson, President and CEO, Menu Foods. "This important discovery caps an unprecedented search by top experts. Dedicated and knowledgeable researchers at universities, independent laboratories, and our own veterinary consultants worked tirelessly to defend and protect our cats and dogs."
  On March 16, 2007, Menu Foods announced the precautionary recall of a portion of the dog and cat food it manufactured between December 3, 2006 and March 6, 2007. The recall was limited to "cuts and gravy" style pet food in cans and pouches manufactured at two of the Fund's United States facilities. These products are both manufactured and sold under private-label and are contract-manufactured for some national brands.
  
  "Our immediate next steps will be to begin testing of all suspect raw materials with the goal of quickly identifying the means through which this substance entered our supply chain," Henderson told a news conference Friday.
  
  "We have a strong, sustainable business, and we're confident about the future," Henderson added. "Our customers and partners have been understanding, supportive and loyal."
  
  Menu is the leading North American private-label/contract manufacturer of wet pet food products sold by supermarket retailers, mass merchandisers, pet specialty retailers and other retail and wholesale outlets. In 2006, the Fund produced more than one billion containers. 
  
  CONTACT INFORMATION
  Menu Foods Income Fund
  Consumers
  1-866-895-2708

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Nestle Purina Recall:

• Purina to Voluntarily Withdraw Mighty Dog® 5.3 Ounce Pouch Products in Response to Menu Foods Recall
  
  Contact:
  Nestlé Purina PetCare Company
  1-800-551-7392
  
  FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -- St. Louis, Missouri, March 16, 2007 -- Nestlé Purina PetCare Company today announced that as a precautionary measure, it is voluntarily withdrawing its 5.3 ounce Mighty Dog® brand pouch products that were produced by Menu Foods, Inc. from December 3, 2006 through March 14, 2007. This withdrawal is in response to the recall initiated earlier today by Menu Foods, a contract manufacturer that does limited business with Purina as well as with other pet food manufacturers. Only Mighty Dog 5.3 ounce pouch products are being withdrawn by Nestlé Purina, including those pouches contained in multi-packs. Importantly, no Mighty Dog canned products, or any other Purina products are affected by Menu's recall.
  
  While Purina has no indication of any product quality or safety issues specifically related to our Mighty Dog pouch products, Purina is taking this proactive action out of an abundance of caution in response to the Menu Foods recall.
  
  Consumers who have the indicated Mighty Dog 5.3 ounce pouch products should discontinue feeding them to their dogs and can receive the full replacement value of the withdrawn products by calling 1-800-551-7392.
  
  The Mighty Dog pouch products and pouches in multi-pack cartons have code dates of 6337 through 7073, followed by the plant code 1798. This information should be checked on the bottom or back panel of the individual pouches. Specifically, if the code following the "Use By" date begins with four numbers from 6337 to 7073 followed by the plant code 1798, then the pouch is included in this voluntary withdrawal.
  
  Purina regrets any inconvenience and apologizes for any concern caused by this product withdrawal. The Company will continue to take any and all actions necessary to ensure the quality and safety of our products.
  

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Hills Science Diet Recall:

• Hill’s Pet Nutrition, Inc., Announces Voluntary Participation in Menu Foods’ Nationwide U.S. and Canadian recall of Specific Canned Cat Foods
  
  Contact:
  Hill's Pet Nutrition
  1-800-445-5777
  
  FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -- Topeka, KS (March 16, 2007) – In response to the recent Menu Foods, Inc. nationwide recall of wet pet foods, Hill's® Pet Nutrition, Inc. has announced a voluntary precautionary recall in the United States and Canada of a very small number of canned cat products that are co-manufactured by Menu.
  
  Hill's is voluntarily recalling the following products:
  
  1. Science Diet® Kitten Savory Cuts® Ocean Fish 3 oz. and 5.5 oz.
  2. Science Diet® Feline Adult Savory Cuts® Beef 5.5 oz.
  3. Science Diet® Feline Adult Savory Cuts® Chicken 5.5 oz.
  4. Science Diet® Feline Adult Savory Cuts® Ocean Fish 5.5 oz.
  5. Science Diet® Feline Senior Savory Cuts® Chicken 5.5 oz.
  
  No other Hill's products are affected by this recall.
  
  Hill's Pet Nutrition, Inc., is taking this precautionary step to protect the health and well being of your pets. Hill's has received no reported cases of illness. Consumers of other pet food brands manufactured by Menu Foods have reported a small number of cases of cats becoming ill with loss of appetite, vomiting, and lethargy which are potential signs of kidney failure.
  
  This voluntary product recall involves discontinuation of all retail sales and product retrieval from consumers. Consumers should stop using the affected products immediately. Consult with a veterinarian if any symptoms are present in your pet. All Science Diet products carry a 100 percent guarantee, and consumers can receive a refund for recalled products. For more information, consumers can contact the company at 1-800-445-5777 or visit www.HillsPet.com for details.
  
  Hill's is recalling the following product codes. Product codes can be found at the bottom of the can. Only relevant code numbers have been listed (‘X's indicate irrelevant numbers).
  
  BESTBEFORE 09 2008 M06XXXXXX 4414
  
  BESTBEFORE 08 2008 M28XXXXXX 4603
  
  BESTBEFORE 08 2008 M28XXXXXX 4416
  
  BESTBEFORE 08 2008 M25XXXXXX 4457
  
  BESTBEFORE 08 2008 M28XXXXXX 4415
  
  BESTBEFORE 08 2008 M28XXXXXX 4414
  
  BESTBEFORE 08 2008 M28XXXXXX 4601
  
  Hill's Pet Nutrition, Inc., has informed the Food and Drug Administration and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency on this issue. The company regrets any inconvenience to its consumers, retail customers and veterinarians.

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• IAMS / Eukaneuba Recall

P&G Pet Care Announces Voluntary Participation in Menu Foods' Nationwide U.S. and Canadian Recall of Specific Canned and Small Foil Pouch 'Wet' Cat and Dog Foods

Contact:
P&G Pet Care
800-882-1591

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -- Dayton, OH -- March 16, 2007 -- In response to the recent Menu Foods, Inc. nationwide recall of wet pet foods, P&G Pet Care has announced a voluntary recall in the United States and Canada on specific 3 oz., 5.5 oz., 6 oz. and 13.2 oz. canned and 3 oz. and 5.3 oz. foil pouch "wet" cat and dog food products manufactured by Menu Foods Inc. Emporia, Kansas plant with the code dates of 6339 through 7073 followed by the plant code 4197. This voluntary recall is part of a larger product recall by Menu Foods Inc., a contract manufacturer that makes a small portion of canned and foil pouch 'wet' cat foods for Iams and Eukanuba as well as other non-P&G brands. There have been a small number of reported cases of cats from the US (none in Canada) becoming sick and developing signs of kidney failure. The signs of kidney failure include loss of appetite, vomiting, and lethargy. P&G Pet Care has received no case reports involving dogs.

This voluntary product recall involves discontinuation of all retail sales and product retrieval from consumers. Consumers should stop using the affected products immediately, and consult with a veterinarian if any symptoms are present in their pet. All Iams and Eukanuba products carry a 100 percent guarantee, and consumers can receive a refund for recalled products. For more information, consumers can contact the company at 1-800-882-1591 or visit www.Iams.com and www.Eukanuba.com for details.

To read can product codes, refer to the bottom of the can. The first four numbers of the second line of numbers are the date code, and the following four numbers indicate the plant code. For example, if the second line begins with four numbers from 6339 to 7073 followed by the plant code 4197, then the can should be recalled. For foil pouches, the code numbers are located at the lower left hand corner on the back of the pouch. The date and plant codes appear in the third group of numbers, beginning an 11-digit sequence. See www.Iams.com and www.Eukanuba.com for illustrated details.

P&G Pet Care is taking this proactive step out of an abundance of caution, because the health and well-being of pets is paramount in the mission of Iams and Eukanuba. Tests of some affected product have not revealed the cause of sickness, and testing will continue until a better understanding of the facts has been achieved. All other canned and small foil wet pouch products produced at other plants are not affected by this issue. Iams and Eukanuba "dry" products are not manufactured at Menu Foods and not affected by this issue. Iams and Eukanuba biscuits, treats and sauces are not affected by this issue.

P&G Pet Care has informed the Food and Drug Administration and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency on this issue. The company regrets any inconvenience to its consumers and retail customers.

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• Menu Foods (Answers to Additional Questions):

1. What exactly is covered by the Menu Foods Recall and for what timeframe?
The recall is limited to “cuts and gravy” style pet food in cans and foil pouches produced on specific dates and times between December 3, 2006, and March 6, 2007 in two of Menu’s plants. The recall affects 42 brands of cat food and 53 brands of dog food. In order to determine whether cat and dog food that your pet consumed is subject to recall, you should refer to the list of brand names on this website.


2. What should I do if I think my pet may have consumed the recalled product?
If your pet is exhibiting any signs of kidney failure please contact your veterinarian as soon as possible. Symptoms include loss of appetite, vomiting, weakness, disorientation and changes in water consumption and urination. If you suspect that you have fed the recalled pet food to your cat or dog, save any remaining pet food and the can or pouch. Open cans or pouches may be double-bagged in sealable plastic and kept in the freezer. 


3. Who is going to pay my vet bills for sickness and death?

If Menu Foods product is the cause of sickness or death, Menu Foods will take responsibility. Menu has engaged a professional firm to manage your concerns and is currently contacting concerned pet owners who have reached our call center. Specific direction will be received from these individuals. Please keep copies of all your vet records and receipts for pet food purchases as well as vet bills.


4. What do I do if I have pet food that has been recalled?
Please return it to the retailer for a refund.


5. Will I be reimbursed for the food that I return to the retailer even if my pet did not get sick?
Yes, if it is a valid product that is subject to the recall.


6. How do I know if the food I bought has been recalled?
The information is contained on this website. Not all date codes are subject to recall so please fully check the information on your can or pouch. The information on the website is organized by cat or dog then by brand and description. None of the traditional “loaf” style products are subject to this recall.


7. I can’t get through to the 1-866 numbers. What is going on?
We apologize for the delay in answering every call; we were simply overwhelmed by the volume of calls. Menu has retained a series of interconnected call centers throughout North America. Even with many regional centers running simultaneously we have not been able to answer every call. As we announced in a press release on March 19, 2007, we have taken steps to significantly upgrade our call centers to handle the volume and we have added this Frequently Asked Questions (“FAQ”) section to our website to provide more information.

8.I feed my pet dry food. Is dry pet food safe?
Menu Foods only manufactures wet pet food in cans and foil pouches. Dry pet food is not part of the Menu Foods recall.

9. I’m just not sure if my dog or cat had any of the food that is being recalled. They act fine and don’t appear to have any symptoms. Should I be worried?
As always, remain alert for any changes in your pet’s health.

10. Are there other ways my pet might get sick and show similar symptoms?
Yes – antifreeze ingestion, certain rodenticides and some medications. Certain lilies have been shown to cause kidney failure if consumed by cats. Grapes have been reported to cause kidney failure in dogs and may affect cats. Physical damage from trauma and cancerous conditions can also cause kidney damage.

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Reported Safe Dog and Cat Food Brands to Feed Your Pet

* NOTE: Foods marked with an asterisk are foods that we have not personally fed, and cannot recommend whole-heartedly.. Neither can we make solid claims as to its quality, but based on its stated  ingredients, we believe it is a safe option.

Reported Safe But NOT RECOMMENDED Dog and Cat Food Brands