4/4/07
The toxin in the recalled pet food has been identified. If you would like to read the press release
from the pet food manufacturer please go to www.menufoods.com/recall/ click on recall, click on Menu
Foods Recall April 4,2007.
If you would like more info on the press release go to www.msnbc.com place the cursor on
"U.S. News", "Top Stories" will be displayed scroll down to "Experts: More deaths from pet food
are likely".
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An Update from Nestle Purina PetCare Company About the Menu Foods Recall - March 23, 2007
We at Nestle Purina PetCare Company know the reports of pet food recalls and withdrawals over the past week have been very concerning and at times confusing for pet owners, who want to ensure the safety of the food they are feeding their beloved pets.
We want to take this opportunity to reassure you that Mighty Dog pouch products are the ONLY Purina(r) brand products affected by Menu Foods' recall. Nestle Purina stands behind the high-quality of our pet foods, and all Purina brand cat food products and all other Purina brand dog food products, including Mighty Dog canned products, can continue to be fed to your pets with complete confidence.
On Friday, March 16, Nestle Purina PetCare issued its press release announcing the voluntary withdrawal of our Mighty Dog(r) brand pouch-packaged products that were produced by Menu Foods from Dec. 3, 2006, through March 14, 2007. While we had no indication of any product quality or safety issues specifically related to our Mighty Dog pouch products at that time, we are proactively withdrawing these products as a precautionary measure, because the well-being of pets and the safety and efficacy of our products are our top priorities.
Click below to view the Press Release:
http://updates.purina.com/T2RT0226568F2BC1BDE1AC5EA825D0
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ASPCA Sheds Light on Toxin Identified as Part of Tests on Tainted Food Nationwide Pet Food Recall Crisis Continues
NEW YORKC/B?B= Based on new reports issued by the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets that rodent poison was found in laboratory testing of the tainted pet food recalled last week, the ASPCAC/B?B= (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to AnimalsC/B?B=), through its Animal Poison Control Center (APCC), has the following information to provide to the public:
Aminopterin, a toxin found in some rodenticides available outside the USA, is a folic acid antagonist, i.e. it disrupts the bodyC/B?B=s ability to utilize folic acid. In animals, this can result in loss of appetite, diarrhea and weight loss. It may also cause leucopenia, which is a reduction in white blood cells, as well as birth defects.
Aminopterin is closely related in chemical structure and mechanism to a drug called methotrexate, which is used to treat some cancers, both in humans and animals. Renal failure has been reported in human patients receiving methotrexate. We do not know if aminopterin can cause renal failure in pets.
Based on these findings, the ASPCA does not recommend any change in treatment of animals affected; animals currently being treated for kidney failure suspected to be related to the ingestion of the contaminated food should stay on such treatment. Please follow your veterinarianC/B?B=s advice.
It is unclear at this point in time how this toxin came into contact with the affected food. The ASPCA will continue to analyze the data on calls the APCC receives (which number between 400-700 daily on a wide range of substances), and release any new information it finds immediately.
In addition, pet parents may find the following information useful:
The American Veterinary Medical Association has some excellent advice and information on its Web site for both pet parents and veterinarians at http://www.avma.org/aa/menufoodsrecall/default.asp
If your pet shows any signs of illness, including loss of appetite, lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea, changes in water consumption or changes in urination, please consult your veterinarian immediately. If you are unable to reach your veterinarian and suspect your pet is gravely ill, you may call the ASPCAC/B?B=s Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 for emergency advice (a $55 fee applies).
To report adverse actions or other problems to the FDA, pet parents can go to http://www.fda.gov/opacom/backgrounders/complain.html to contact the FDA complaint coordinator in their state.
About the ASPCAC/B?B=
Founded in 1866, the ASPCAC/B?B= (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to AnimalsC/B?B=) was the first humane organization established in the Western Hemisphere and today has one million supporters. The ASPCAC/B?B=s mission is to provide effective means for the prevention of cruelty to animals throughout the United States.
The ASPCA provides national leadership in anti-cruelty, animal behavior, humane education, government affairs and public policy, shelter support, and animal poison control. The NYC headquarters houses a full-service animal hospital and adoption facility.
The Humane Law Enforcement department enforces New YorkC/B?B=s animal cruelty laws and is featured on the reality television series C/B?B=Animal PrecinctC/B?B= on Animal Planet. Visit www.aspca.org for more information.
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