AKK9 - Alaska Dog News - Everything Alaska Canine

Del Monte Withdraws Pet Treats and Wet Dog Food Products

SAN FRANCISCO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--As a precautionary measure, Del Monte Pet Products is voluntarily recalling select product codes of its pet treat products sold under the Jerky Treats®, Gravy Train® Beef Sticks and Pounce Meaty Morsels® brands as well as select dog snack and wet dog food products sold under private label brands. A complete list of affected brands and products is below.

The Company took this voluntary recall action immediately after learning this morning from the FDA that wheat gluten supplied to Del Monte Pet Products from a specific manufacturing facility in China contained melamine. Melamine is a substance not approved for use in food. The FDA made this finding as part of its ongoing investigation into the recent pet food recall.

The adulteration occurred in a limited production quantity on select product codes of the brands below. This recall removes all Del Monte pet products with wheat gluten procured from this manufacturing facility from retail shelves.

No other Del Monte Pet Products treats, biscuits or wet dog food products are impacted by this recall, and no Del Monte dry cat food, dry dog food, wet cat food or pouched pet foods are subject to this voluntary recall. The affected products comprise less than one-tenth of one percent of Del Monte Pet Products’ annual pet food and pet treat production.

Del Monte Pet Products has proactively engaged and fully cooperated with the FDA since the start of its investigation. The adulterated ingredients were used in limited production over the last three months for those items identified by specific product codes. Del Monte Pet Products has not used wheat gluten from this manufacturing facility in China in any other pet products except those described below.

Consumers should discontinue feeding the products with the Product Codes detailed below to their pets.

Del Monte Pet Products are 100% guaranteed and all returned product will be refunded.

Del Monte Pet Products customers can visit our website (www.delmonte.com) or contact our Consumer Hotline at (800) 949-3799 for further information about the recall and for instructions on obtaining a product refund.

Following is a list of the Products and Best Buy Dates that have been voluntarily recalled:


Production Code/Best By Date

BRANDED


Jerky Treats Beef Flavor
Code: TP7C05 TP7B07 TP7B08 TP7B09 TP6B10

Dog Snacks
Best By: Aug 05 08 Aug 07 08 Aug 08 08 Aug 09 08 Aug 10 08

Code: TP7B15 TP7C05 TP7C06
Best By: Aug 15 08 Sep 02 08 Sep 03 08


Gravy Train Beef Sticks
Code: TP7B19 TP7B20 TP7B21

Dog Snacks
Best By: Aug 19 08 Aug 20 08 Aug 21 08


Pounce Meaty Morsels Moist
Code: TP7C07 TP7C12

Chicken Flavor Cat Treats
Best By: Sep 04 08 Sep 09 08



PRIVATE LABEL


Ol' Roy Beef Flavor Jerky Strips
Code: TP7B06 TP7B07 TP7C05 TP7C06 TP7C07

Dog Treats
Best By: Aug 06 08 Aug 07 08 Sep 02 08 Sep 03 08 Sep 04 08

Code: TP7C08
Best By: Sep 05 08


Ol' Roy Beef Flavor Snack
Code: TP7B19 TP7B20 TP7B21 TP7C08 TP7C09

Sticks Dog Treats
Best By: Aug 19 08 Aug 20 08 Aug 21 08 Sep 05 08 Sep 06 08


Ol' Roy Bark'n Bac'n Beef &
Code: TP7C14

Bacon Flavor Dog Treats
Best By: Sep 11 08


Ol' Roy with Beef Hearty Cuts
Code: BC6M21

in Gravy Dog Food
Best By: Dec 21 09


Ol' Roy with Beef Hearty Strips
Code: BC7A19

in Gravy Dog Food
Best By: Jan 19 10


Ol' Roy Country Stew Hearty
Code: BC6M15

Cuts in Gravy Dog Food
Best By: Dec 15 09


Dollar General Beef Flavored
Code: TP7C06

Jerky Strips Dog Treats
Best By: Sep 03 08


Dollar General Beef Flavored
Code: TP7B20 TP7B21

Beef Sticks Dog Treats
Best By: Aug 20 08 Aug 21 08


Happy Tails Beef Flavor
Code: TPY7B08 TP7B09

Jerky Strips
Best By: Aug 08 08 Aug 09 08


Happy Tails Meaty Cuts with Beef
Code: BC7A29

in Gravy Dog Food
Best By: Jan 29 10

As part of the pet community, we value the health and well-being of pets, and we deeply regret this unfortunate situation. We will continue to take any and all actions necessary to ensure the quality and safety of our products.
Contacts

Del Monte Foods
Mary Sestric, 412-222-8091
Or
Melissa Murphy-Brown, 412-222-8713

Del Monte Pet Products Voluntarily Withdraws Specific Product Codes of Pet Treats and Wet Dog Food Products.

AKC National Agility Championships

Link: AllHeightsByQual.pdf (application/pdf Object).

Alaskans Qualify Round 1 JWW !
Congratulations!
Linda Wilson with Kyla (Sheltie) and Mike/Cindy Mildbrand with Boxster

ASPCA Advises Caution As Pet Food Recall Crisis Grows: Other

Other Contaminants May Be Involved in the Menu Foods Recall

NEW YORK—Since Menu Foods announced its massive pet food recall on March 16, the ASPCA® (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals®) has been flooded with calls from concerned pet parents and animal welfare professionals alike. Call volume at the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (APCC), which is based in its Midwest Office in Urbana, Ill., has increased significantly over the past 10 days—approximately 14 percent—and the ASPCA’s veterinary toxicologists have been carefully analyzing data from these calls.


Today the ASPCA reports that, based on these data, clinical signs reported in cats affected by the contaminated foods are not fully consistent with the ingestion of rat poison containing aminopterin that, according to Menu Foods, is at the “root” of the contamination issue.


“We’ve seen reports coming in from all around the country that animals that were eating the contaminated foods are definitely suffering from renal failure,” said Dr. Steven Hansen, veterinary toxicologist and senior vice president with the ASPCA, who manages the ASPCA’s Midwest Office, including the APCC. “But the data that we’ve been collecting do not conclusively prove this connection, which is why we strongly recommend that those involved in the investigation continue to search for additional contaminants.”


Dr. Hansen continued, “Aminopterin has been used to treat cancer in people, since it is able to disrupt rapidly-growing cells. In animals, it should result in effects that mimic this function, and these include bloody diarrhea, bone marrow suppression, abortion and birth defects. Further, renal damage—which has been seen in the affected animals—can occur at high doses.


“However, to be consistent with the effects of aminopterin, we should also be seeing a significant number of affected pets showing the accompanying signs of severe intestinal damage, as well as bone marrow suppression, including ‘leukopenia,’ which is a serious reduction in white blood cells.


“This is the missing connection that we want to alert veterinarians around the country to. We are asking all veterinarians treating cats affected by these products, to report their findings to the U. S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA).”


Although Menu Foods announced last week that aminopterin was at the “root” of the contamination issue, the FDA, the agency leading this investigation, has not corroborated this finding.


“There are so many inconsistencies in the purported link between aminopterin and the animals affected, that we urge veterinary toxicologists and veterinary pathologists at diagnostic laboratories to continue looking for additional contaminants,” said Dr. Hansen. “Only continued rigorous testing will uncover the real reason or reasons for this crisis among our pet population.”


The ASPCA strongly recommends that pet parents should have their pet examined by their veterinarian if any signs of illness occur following consumption of the recalled foods, including loss of appetite, lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea, changes in water consumption or changes in urination. Adverse effects or deaths of pets conclusively linked to eating the contaminated foods should be reported to the FDA at http://www.fda.gov/opacom/backgrounders/complain.html . Additionally, the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) has a wealth of resources at http://www.avma.org/aa/menufoodsrecall/default.asp .

Dogster- Menu Pet Downplaying Recall Threat

Spotted this on Dogster Blog -
Food for thought...(no pun intended)

I come again bearing bad news. It looks like the amount of tainted food is worse that the companies are saying. No definite facts or numbers but a whole lot of pets who ate the affected brands killed by or suffering from organ failure.

Menu is trying to downplay the threat and saying they don’t know what happened. They say they don’t know where the poisoned wheat gluten came from (which I don’t buy). Let’s compare this to the Diamond recall last year where Diamond immediately jumped into action, recalled everything and almost immediately reported where their problem came from and what they were doing to keep it from happening again. Menu is doing nothing like that.

1– they keep saying it is only a few (10 or 12) pets that are affected. I seriously doubt that as I hear from pet parents all over the US. Current unofficial estimate could range as high as 1000 pets affected.

2– They say they aren’t able to find the problem then they blame it on wheat gluten that seems to have appeared from nowhere with no source. Huh? Aren’t they supposed, to by regulation or law, keep track of every ingredient in every lot? Diamond had no problem pinpointing their toxic ingredient in a few days.

3– Menu is still producing pet food and shows no sign of concern that they may be poisoning thousands of dogs and cats. If they really don’t know what caused the problem, shouldn’t they shut down until the source is identified. This lack of apparent common sense suggests two possibilities to me– either Menu management DOES know where the taint came from and just does not want to say OR Menu doesn’t care where the taint came from and hopes we’ll all get too distracted by something else to forget to lean on the companies for which Menu makes all that tainted food.

4 –The stores carrying Menu products however are showing much more responsibility. Many of them are pulling Menu products off the shelves as fast as possible. Some are even pulling lots that have not been definitely identified as tainted. Do they know something we don’t? Like maybe they and we cannot trust ANY Menu foods? Just a thought.

So why write this? To urge you to show extreme caution in feeding ANYTHING coming out of a Menu factory. Menu has shown no signs that they really care about the poisoned products and have shown definite disregard for canine and feline health. I for one will have nothing to do with ANY brand that can be tracked back to Menu. Their sin is not in having a recall (though that’s obviously NOT a good thing). Their sin is in not acting fast enough when there was any hint or whiff of a problem. I’m afraid that may prove to be much earlier than January and much after way too many dogs and cats have suffered painful, needless deaths.
7 Woofs

Dogster For The Love of Dog Blog » Archive » Menu Pet Downplaying Recall Threat.

CONSUMER ALERT!! FDA - Dog Food Recall

http://www.fda.gov/oc/po/firmrecalls/pg03_07.html
Here is part of the release:

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.

consumers can contact the company at 1-800-882-1591 or visit

www.Iams.com and

www.Eukanuba.com for details.

3/17/07 update:

http://www.menufoods.com/recall/product_dog.html

Recalled Dog Product Information
Recall Information 1-866-895-2708

1. Americas Choice, Preferred Pets
2. Authority
3. Award
4. Best Choice
5. Big Bet
6. Big Red
7. Bloom
8. Bruiser
9. Cadillac
10. Companion
11. Demoulas Market Basket
12. Fine Feline Cat, Shep Dog
13. Food Lion
14. Giant Companion
15. Great Choice
16. Hannaford
17. Hill Country Fare
18. Hy-Vee
19. Key Food
20. Laura Lynn
21. Loving Meals
22. Main Choice
23. Mixables
24. Nutriplan
25. Nutro Max
26. Nutro Natural Choice
27. Nutro
28. Ol'Roy
29. Paws
30. Pet Essentials
31. Pet Pride
32. Presidents Choice
33. Price Chopper
34. Priority
35. Publix
36. Roche Bros
37. Save-A-Lot
38. Schnucks
39. Springsfield Pride
40. Sprout
41. Stater Bros
42. Total Pet, My True Friend
43. Western Family
44. White Rose
45. Winn Dixie
46. Your Pet

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.

AKC Internships

AKC seeks “Best and brightest” via its summer Internship program. AKC offers a summer program for students. They are paid for an eight-week internship at either the NY headquarters or the Raleigh facility.

Requirements for applicants are:

• High School graduate
• Accepted or enrolled in an accredited two or four-year College
• 18 years of age or older
• Involvement in any aspect of the fancy

Applicants should mail a resume and cover letter to:

The American Kennel Club
The Intern Program (TIP)
P.O. Box 37905
Raleigh, NC 27627-7905
Or via email Mari-Beth O'Neill at mbo@akc.org

Adoption Stories wanted for Muttcomics

Muttscomics wants to hear all about your happy adoption
stories & see photos of your adopted companion animals.

Submit shelter stories & best photos of adopted animal for consideration for the cartoonist Patrick McDonnell's upcoming book, "Shelter Stories".

McDonnell's cartoon strip features a weeks worth of Shelter Stories at least once a year:
http://muttscomics.com/animals/shelter.asp

His upcoming book will contain favorite Shelter Stories comic strips from the past 10 years alongside photos & happy tales about selected animals.

Only animals that were adopted from a shelter/animal control agency or rescue group can be considered.

Some lucky pets submitted may be featured in a new Mutts Companion Daily Calendar with Earl and Mooch.

All photos in JPEG format - 1 to 2.5 MB
Photos & stories must be received via
online form on or before 12:01AM EDST
1st May 07. Digital submissions only.

Click link, then look for "Enter Your Pet"

http://muttscomics.com/mymutts/index.asp?referer=/news/shelter_stories/index.asp

ACT Competitive Obedience Seminar with Sandy Rowan

Alyeska Canine Trainers is offering a Competitive Obedience Seminar with some agility exercises with Sandy Rowan. March 31st/April 1^st from 9am - 5pm.

23 minimum working spots required, with a maximum of 25. Working spots are $150 for the weekend, 5 auditor spots are open for $60.

Continental breakfast at 8:30am.

Please bring your chair, treats, and dog crate. This is a working seminar that will be focused on what the participants need and want. There will be a spot on the registration form for you to list what you want most to work on. I have to know if we have 23 participants by March 14th (for knowing about purchasing the airline ticket), and payment must be received by March 20th to give me time to find another participant if a participant chooses to pull out. Registration forms will be available at the ACT building, but confirmation can also be done with an e-mail or a phone call. If you want to call the number is 227-7671.

Please call or e-mail privately afkss1@uaa.alaska.edu with any questions.

Martina

Anchorage Fun Matches

ACT and the Alaska Kennel Club are holding matches on Sunday, March 11,
2007. 

Obedience registration starts at 8:00 a.m. with judging at 8:30 a.m.
Conformation registration starts at 11:30 a.m. with Judging at 12:00 p.m.
There will be special prizes for the winners!

The entry fee is $6.00 per entry.

Adult and Junior Handling will be offered.  There will be several classes of Adult Handling, so you can get your champions out for some practice. 

ESA will have their wonderful food booth available.

Also, this Sunday starts Day Light Saving Time, so the clocks move ahead one
hour.

AKC CAR - Companion Animal Recovery - Copyright 2007 All Rights Reserved

Link: AKC CAR - Companion Animal Recovery - .

AKC Companion Animal Recovery shares your commitment to safeguarding the well-being of the animals who enrich our lives. Using the latest in microchip technology, our new AKC CAR ID System offers state-of-the-art protection at an affordable price.

• * Smaller, more reliable microchip reduces the risk of migration and damage


• * Patented delivery system protects microchip while
        ensuring precise placement



• * Conforms to the American microchip standard


• * Offered at a minimal price to increase the number
  of microchipped pets (as low as $4.95 per chip)


• * Deeply discounted microchip and prepaid enrollment packages to increase the number of recoverable animals



• * Multi-system scanner included with introductory start-up kits