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March 20, 2007
Federal investigators say as many as one in six animals died in tests of suspect dog and cat food by the manufacturer after complaints the products were poisoning pets around the country, as consumers wonder if their pet will be next.
Federal investigators say they're focused on gluten -- a protein source commonly used as filler -- as the most likely source of contamination in the 60 million cans and pouches recalled late last week.
The recalled wet-style dog and cat food was made by Menu Foods, based in Ontario, Canada. The company said it began receiving complaints of kidney failure and deaths around Feb. 20 and began running tests Feb. 27.
During those tests, the company said it fed its products to 40 to 50 dogs and cats. Seven of them died. The company said the toxin appeared more deadly to cats.
As usual in cases involving contaminated food, many possible victims are already dead and buried, making it difficult for pet owners to be sure what killed their animals.
"Between January 10 and 20, I lost two rabbit beagles and on Feb. 10, I lost a lab," said Lionel of Buckhannon, W. Va. "They quit eating and drinking and became dehydrated and died within a week."
"My neighbor ran up a $300 vet bill. The vet had no idea what was happening," Lionel said. He said his dogs had eaten Big Red, one of the recalled brands.
John of El Dorado, Calif., had a similar experience. "Our dog recently died from acute renal failure, she was in good health and only 10 years old," he told ConsumerAffairs.com.
The FDA has not yet counted how many reports it has received of dead and sickened animals. The company says it has reports of 10 deaths, nine cats and one dog.
Recall Details
The recall covers dog food sold throughout North America under 51 brands and cat food sold under 40 brands, including Iams, Nutro and Eukanuba.
The recalled food was also sold under many store names, including Wal-Mart, Kroger and Safeway.
The recall covers dog and cat food manufactured between December 3, 2006 and March 6, 2007. The recall is limited to "cuts and gravy" style pet food in cans and pouches manufactured at two of the company's United States facilities.
Here is a complete list of the recalled brands of dog and cat food. Pet owners should read it carefully. The company has established a hot-line for customer inquiries: 1-866-895-2708.
"We take these complaints very seriously and, while we are still looking for a specific cause, we are acting to err on the side of caution" said
Paul K. Henderson, President and CEO, Menu Foods. "We will do whatever is necessary to ensure that our products maintain the very
highest quality standards."
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