Pet food recall update, 10 April 2007
(I apologise for these updates being sporadic; among other things, I am working third shift and do not have quite as much time to dedicate to them.)
Latest updates to the pet food recall news blotter as follows:
a) Banfield (the largest animal hospital chain in North America, partly based on nearly all PetSmart stores having a Banfield clinic) has released some rather frightening statistics--apparently 3 out of every 10,000 pets who ate contaminated pet food has come down with kidney failure and they are estimating 39,000 cases nationwide of kidney failure related to contaminated wheat gluten (based on a 30 percent increase in cases of kidney failure in pets).
b) Melamine (a contaminant found in recalled food and now the prime suspect in causing kidney failure in the contaminated food) has been found in at least four products which are not presently recalled. (This, folks, is why I'm saying--and why now *other* folks are saying--do not give your pet any food containing wheat or wheat gluten at this time because there is frankly no way to verify whether it is safe or not.)
c) At least some stores are becoming more proactive in protecting pets. Notably, Kroger's (the largest chain grocery in the US) is pulling all Menu Foods-processed products, and all pet food containing wheat or wheat gluten (personally observed notice in Kroger's near my home), until they can be assured they are safe. (Kroger's also covers a lot of regional brands besides Kroger's itself; one of the biggies out west is Fred Meyer.)
d) More info on legal action arising from this--New Jersey, among others, has proposed a "Pet Pure Foods" bill as well as Sen. Durbin calling for a possible national reform of both human and pet food safety laws.
Latest updates to the pet food recall news blotter as follows:
a) Banfield (the largest animal hospital chain in North America, partly based on nearly all PetSmart stores having a Banfield clinic) has released some rather frightening statistics--apparently 3 out of every 10,000 pets who ate contaminated pet food has come down with kidney failure and they are estimating 39,000 cases nationwide of kidney failure related to contaminated wheat gluten (based on a 30 percent increase in cases of kidney failure in pets).
b) Melamine (a contaminant found in recalled food and now the prime suspect in causing kidney failure in the contaminated food) has been found in at least four products which are not presently recalled. (This, folks, is why I'm saying--and why now *other* folks are saying--do not give your pet any food containing wheat or wheat gluten at this time because there is frankly no way to verify whether it is safe or not.)
c) At least some stores are becoming more proactive in protecting pets. Notably, Kroger's (the largest chain grocery in the US) is pulling all Menu Foods-processed products, and all pet food containing wheat or wheat gluten (personally observed notice in Kroger's near my home), until they can be assured they are safe. (Kroger's also covers a lot of regional brands besides Kroger's itself; one of the biggies out west is Fred Meyer.)
d) More info on legal action arising from this--New Jersey, among others, has proposed a "Pet Pure Foods" bill as well as Sen. Durbin calling for a possible national reform of both human and pet food safety laws.