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Archive through April 27, 2007

The TVClubHouse: General Discussions ARCHIVES: Apr. 2007 ~ Jun. 2007: Hairball Haven (ARCHIVES): Pet Food Recall (ARCHIVES): Archive through April 27, 2007 users admin

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Cdbga
Member

10-04-2004

Wednesday, April 25, 2007 - 7:59 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Cdbga a private message Print Post    
Very interesting article about the wisdom of importing food from China:

China Food Fears Go From Pets To People

Seamonkey
Moderator

09-07-2000

Wednesday, April 25, 2007 - 8:18 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Seamonkey a private message Print Post    
Scary and not surprising.

Jimmer
Moderator

08-30-2000

Wednesday, April 25, 2007 - 9:23 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Jimmer a private message Print Post    
It certainly is scary.

Calamity
Member

10-18-2001

Wednesday, April 25, 2007 - 11:20 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Calamity a private message Print Post    
Oh, I'm so sorry about your dad, Cdbga.

As for the article, this is what I've said I've feared all along and why I think there is a cover-up. The problem goes beyond what's been admitted.

Cdbga
Member

10-04-2004

Wednesday, April 25, 2007 - 3:17 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Cdbga a private message Print Post    
New products added to recall. Follow the link and scroll down past the Wheat Gluten info to see the details:

Drs. Fosters & Smith Products Recalled Due to Rice Protein

It makes me more than a little angry that they choose to put the recalled product info under the "Drs. Foster & Smith Pet Food Products
NOT included in Wheat Gluten Pet Food Recall". Seems like what IS recalled would be the most important, but I get that what would be most important to the consumers isn't what is most important to the sellers.

Costacat
Member

07-15-2000

Wednesday, April 25, 2007 - 5:05 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Costacat a private message Print Post    
I think that page is totally misleading to the consumer. Essentially, above the fold they say no recall. THEN, about at the fold, they do the rice protein recall. Seriously misleading.

Seamonkey
Moderator

09-07-2000

Wednesday, April 25, 2007 - 7:35 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Seamonkey a private message Print Post    
Last night I was frustrated, too and went to the Blue Buffalo page and they had a very nice popup "letter" telling exactly what they voluntarily recalled, the kitten food that had the rice protein, and then told how all of their other food uses not rice protein but brown rice. At least they are clear about it.

However, I'm not sure their food is best for Critter which is unfortunate because she really loves it and is completely uninterested in her former food, Nutro..

Urgrace
Member

08-19-2000

Wednesday, April 25, 2007 - 9:58 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Urgrace a private message Print Post    
Today I found out our case manager lost her 15 year old kitty to Iams a day before the product was recalled.

Happymom
Member

01-20-2003

Wednesday, April 25, 2007 - 10:08 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Happymom a private message Print Post    
(((Cdbga))) I'm so sorry about your dad.
Thank you for keeping us updated on the contaminated foods. (((Cdbga)))

Cdbga
Member

10-04-2004

Thursday, April 26, 2007 - 1:38 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Cdbga a private message Print Post    
Breaking News: Costco and American Nutrition have confirmed the recall of Kirkland Signature canned food. I'll post details when they become available.

Some links of interest:
China bans melamine in food but rejects it as cause of U.S. pet deaths

Iams stepped up and forced Menu’s recall

"My Pet Counts! Postcard Blitz" (organized by posters at Itchmo.com)

"We are calling on all pet owners, parents, guardians who have lost a pet due to contaminated pet food to join us in a post card blitz to demonstrate the full scope of this pet food recall disaster.

The FDA continues to publicize only “16 confirmed deaths.” This number has often been repeated by the media. Reliable sources report that the number of pet deaths are and will be much higher - most likely in the thousands.

If you want your pet’s death to count for something good, please join the My Pet Counts! Post Card Blitz."

See full details at the following link:

My Pet Counts! Postcard Blitz (Something YOU can do)

Cdbga
Member

10-04-2004

Thursday, April 26, 2007 - 1:45 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Cdbga a private message Print Post    
Okay, here are the details:

Kirkland Signature Super Premium Canned Food, item # 38436, best buy dates of Aug. 21 08 to April 15 of 09, has been voluntarily recalled.

Cdbga
Member

10-04-2004

Thursday, April 26, 2007 - 2:27 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Cdbga a private message Print Post    
More additions to the recall list:

More pet food made with tainted protein pulled (includes Lick Your Chops, and the previously reported the Drs. Foster & Smith and SmartPak)

Cdbga
Member

10-04-2004

Thursday, April 26, 2007 - 5:11 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Cdbga a private message Print Post    
Even MORE additions to the recall list:

Diamond Pet Foods has announced it is withdrawing three specific canned products:

Chicken Soup for the Pet Lover's Soul Kitten Formula 5.5 oz. cans
Chicken Soup for the Pet Lover's Soul Puppy Formula 13 oz. cans
Diamond Lamb & Rice Formula for Dogs 13 oz. can}


An interesting note about this recall is that when I was on their website earlier today (around 6pm) prior to their adding the recall info...because I'd read a posting on another site about this recall and was trying to confirm the info before I posted it here, they had a note saying that "rice protein concentrate is not used in any of our dry, canned or treat products."

Now, just a few hours later, we have the recall message with the quote "American Nutrition informed the company that these three specific products may include rice protein concentrate" If they don't know what goes into their own products, how are WE supposed to trust them?

Oh, also, regarding the Costco recall, I was reading a post on a message board from a woman whose husband works at Costco. THEY pulled the product from the shelves a few days ago, even though they didn't announce anything until today. So nice of them to let the consumers know right away. Honestly, I am so TIRED of these companies.

Cdbga
Member

10-04-2004

Thursday, April 26, 2007 - 5:19 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Cdbga a private message Print Post    
Oh good grief, this may not stop today...Natural Balance Expands Recall to Canned Foods

The four products involved are:

Chicken Formula Canned Dog Food 13 oz
Lamb Formula Canned Dog Food 13 oz
Beef Formula Canned Dog Food 13 oz
Ocean Fish Formula Canned Cat Food 3 oz & 6 oz

Bonzacat
Member

07-08-2003

Thursday, April 26, 2007 - 5:26 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Bonzacat a private message Print Post    
"... may include ..." ???

That makes me queasy that any company would word a recall like that.

Cdbga
Member

10-04-2004

Thursday, April 26, 2007 - 5:37 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Cdbga a private message Print Post    
Makes me queasy, too Bonza! What also makes me queasy? In a press conference this afternoon, the FDA said "We aren’t aware of any additional recalls at this time". And since that press conference, 4 additional recalls have been announced...1 was actually announced shortly before the conference, but they weren't aware of it, as they mentioned the Drs Foster & Smith and SmartPak recalls as the most recent.

I have a huge problem with the pet food companies not knowing what is in their own food. I have a huge problem with the FDA either being totally out of the loop OR actually lying to us all.

Seamonkey
Moderator

09-07-2000

Thursday, April 26, 2007 - 5:50 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Seamonkey a private message Print Post    
I agree, huge problem.

Thanks for keeping on top of this, Cd.

Cdbga
Member

10-04-2004

Friday, April 27, 2007 - 7:02 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Cdbga a private message Print Post    
The Return of the Morning Update:

1. Don't know how I missed this yesterday: Blue Buffalo expands recall to include all BLUE dog can products, Spa Select cat can products and BLUE Health Bars effective immediately. Blue Buffalo has this to say: "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. This is product tampering, and it apparently has been going on for some time. The can formulas that we developed, and trusted them to produce, never contained any rice protein concentrate. It appears that only an FDA investigation of ANI’s rice protein concentrate supplies forced them to reveal this product tampering to us." They are cutting ties with ANI, suspending canned food and treat production until they can contract someone they trust to make their food.

2. FDA searches ChemNutras Offices:

MSNBC article - FDA searches office of tainted pet food supplier

Chem Nutra press release

3. FDA's Pet Food Recall Hits Home

4. This has gotten even more confusing in the last few days...and I didn't think that was possible. Yesterday, I actually called the Chicken Soup people because they had their phone message updated to include the recall before they had the website updated. And no actual releases. These "super-secret recalls" are bothersome. You shouldn't have to do so much detective work to find out a product has been recalled...not in the midst of something that is already so widespread.

That is all I have for now. I'll be back later if there is any more info.

Costacat
Member

07-15-2000

Friday, April 27, 2007 - 7:16 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Costacat a private message Print Post    
Damn! Damn damn damn!!

I've fed my kids four cans of Spa Select in the past month. Now, granted, they are asymptomatic (in fact, Costa is absolutely loving his little sun bath right now -- he's got a total kitty bliss expression), but...

Damn.

OK, that cinches it. This vegetarian is going to go BUY CHICKEN AND FISH, and cook the meat that she won't eat so she can make her own food for her cats! Wish me luck!

ETA: BTW, CD...

Thank you for taking time out to ferret out all the bits of information (or misinformation). I really and truly appreciate the effort you've taken on, especially at this time. So thank you SO much!

Jan
Moderator

08-01-2000

Friday, April 27, 2007 - 8:03 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Jan a private message Print Post    
I'm just peaking in to say that I saw this Dr and his book highlighted on Oprah the other day. In it, he recommends what people should be feeding their pets, especially given all the recalls lately. Apparently Oprah is following his advice for her very sick dog, Sophie.

I don't know if it is any good but I am going to buy it for my family members.
Amazon has it on for $9.60

The Nature of Animal Healing : The Definitive Holistic Medicine Guide to Caring for Your Dog and Cat

Landi
Member

07-29-2002

Friday, April 27, 2007 - 9:21 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Landi a private message Print Post    
i received this today from Trader Joe's about their cat food.

"Dear Landileigh,

Thank you for contacting us regarding Trader Joe's Dry Pet food. The Vendor for this product is not implicated in the pet food recall. All the ingredients listed in the panel are the only ingredients in the product, and they are all sourced from within the United States.

Thank you,

Amy B.
Trader Joe's
Customer Relations"


Cdbga
Member

10-04-2004

Friday, April 27, 2007 - 12:55 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Cdbga a private message Print Post    
More recalls:

1. Canine Caviar is recalling the following three can SKU’s dated best by Aug 21 08 or later:

13.2 oz Gourmet Turkey – UPC 674555222134
13.2 oz Gourmet Beaver – UPC 674555221328
5.5 oz Gourmet Beaver – UPC 674555221557

2.Harmony Farms Canned Foods And Dog Biscuits Recalled Due To Product Tampering

3. Mulligan Stew has also been recalled:
* Mulligan Stew Chicken 13.2oz
* Mulligan Stew Turkey 13.2oz
Charmingly, their site still proudly displays their assurance that their food is safe. They even link to a letter that contains this:

"Our manufacturer, American Nutrition in Utah, www.anibrands.com, produces quality pet foods made with reliable ingredients from quality sources. Their Vendor Assurance Program sets high standards which all vendors must meet. And their clean and sanitary facility insures quality all the way down the line."

Considering the allegations of product tampering being made against them because rice protein concentrate was added without their clients' consent/knowlege, I find this almost laughable.

4. American Nutrition has set up a site that contains the info for all of these recalled products. So, at least there is that.

5. For those keeping score, that makes 9 brands recalled/expanded since the FDA said yesterday that they weren't aware of any pending recalls. Please note that the companies doing the recalls have said that the FDA testing detected melamine...so its not that the FDA doesn't know the products were contaminated, just that they chose not to disclose the info.

6. Speaking of the FDA - This is from a couple of days ago: An angry Rep. Rosa DeLauro, fed up with what she sees as a Food and Drug Administration reluctant to act quickly and effectively to protect consumers, threatened today to withhold salaries from top FDA officials unless they became more vigilant.

7. Costa, if you are serious about cooking for your babies Howl 911 has some good info on their site. Just check out the "Resources" column on the right side of the screen. Also, I got a book today (I ordered a few, this is the only one I've gotten so far) with recipes for cats. I haven't had a chance to look over it yet, but I'll be glad to share the recipes info with anyone interested. Just post in my folder or shoot me an email. Oh, also, for dogs, you can check out The Dogie Bag for info and recipes. I have a book or two coming for dogs, too.

I'm off to do some laundry and other chores. I'll check back in and post more updates if anything else is recalled.

Vacanick
Member

07-12-2004

Friday, April 27, 2007 - 1:04 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Vacanick a private message Print Post    
Thank you again Cdbga for keeping us all updated!

Seamonkey
Moderator

09-07-2000

Friday, April 27, 2007 - 1:45 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Seamonkey a private message Print Post    
I'll repeat what Costa said. I didn't give Angelina the spa select canned until her last few days, so I know it didn't kill her, but CRAP, it may have caused her jaundice and hurried her along :-(

Thanks SO much, Cd. Now I'm worrying about spa select dry.

Critter eats only dry food and has done so for 16 years that I've had her, I can see cooking up food, but not dry food. And of course we have to be careful to include taurine and whatever else cats require.

Costacat
Member

07-15-2000

Friday, April 27, 2007 - 2:04 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Costacat a private message Print Post    
Thanks CD, for the info on the homemade diet. I just walked up to the store (yay! another half hour exercise!) and bought:

1 small piece of cod
1 small piece of farm-raised salmon
1 small organic chicken breast
1 package white rice
1 package brown rice
3 organic carrots
1 (handful) brocoli crowns

I'm gonna poach the proteins, steam the veggies, cook the rice, and mush it all together to see if I can get something the brats will eat. I'm less worried about proper nutrition (such as taurine supplements) since their dry food is their main source of food. The canned food is mostly a treat, and to disguise the meds Costa takes.

The total came to $12.00. The homemade food article mentioned something I'd not thought of... I can cook it all up and freeze portions of it! So I'm gonna cook everything and see how it goes.

I'll keep you all posted.