Beware: pet food ads

This is an interesting article which appeared in the Truth about Pet Food May newsletter (I highly recommend all pet owners subscribe; it’s free and filled with good information):

In the UK, a viewer complained to the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) that a commercial for Go Cat cat food by UK Purina was misleading and the ASA agreed. The commercial was removed from TV.

Can you imagine that happening in the United States? Tucson Tails cannot.  One reason is (according to Truth about Pet Food) there is “no advertising authority to protect pet food consumers against misleading/exaggerated pet food advertising. They can (and do) make all types of misleading and exaggerated claims and no authority stops them.”

Scary.

So that got me thinking about Purina’s Beneful – you know the one with the cute and loveable commercials that make you want to reach through the screen to pet and play with the happy dog.

Brace yourself. According to Dog Food Advisor, there are almost 20 ingredients that are controversial. Beneful advertises healthy fruits and vegetables in every bag. You can read the Dog Food Advisor article in its entirety. Wait until you find out what “chicken by-product meal” is. The article is eye opening and the comments are devastating.

If you want your dog to have fruits (never grapes or raisins) and vegetables, grate some raw apple or carrots into their food. My greyhounds go bananas for frozen or mashed bananas and frozen green beans and cooked broccoli.

To file a pet food complaint, go here. Hopefully, someone is listening.

dry dog & cat food recall, salmonella

These pet food brands are included: California Natural dry dog & cat food;  EVO dry dog & cat food & treats, ferret food; Healthwise dry dog food & cat food & treats; Innova dry dog food & cat food & treats; Karma dry dog food.

from the Natura website

FREMONT, NEBRASKA, April 19, 2013––Natura Pet Products is voluntarily expanding its March 29, 2013 recall of dry pet foods because they have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella . The expanded recall now includes all dry pet food products and treats with expiration dates prior to and including March 24, 2014. (Blogger: Huge!)

Salmonella can affect animals eating the products and there is risk to humans from handling contaminated pet products, especially if they have not thoroughly washed their hands after having contact with the products or any surfaces exposed to these products. Healthy people infected with Salmonella should monitor themselves for some or all of the following symptoms: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramping and fever. Rarely, Salmonella can result in more serious ailments, including arterial infections, endocarditis, arthritis, muscle pain, eye irritation, and urinary tract symptoms. Consumers exhibiting these signs after having contact with this product should contact their healthcare providers.

Pets with Salmonella infections may be lethargic and have diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever, and vomiting. Some pets will have only decreased appetite, fever and abdominal pain. Infected but otherwise healthy pets can be carriers and infect other animals or humans. If your pet has consumed the recalled product and has these symptoms, please contact your veterinarian.

Sampling conducted by the Michigan Department of Agriculture and the Georgia Department of Agriculture confirmed the presence of Salmonella in additional dry pet food and a cat pet treat . In an abundance of caution, Natura is also recalling product made in the surrounding time frame. This action affects dry pet foods and treats only; no canned wet food or biscuits are affected by this announcement.

The affected products are sold through veterinary clinics and select pet specialty retailers nationwide and in Canada, Hong Kong, Korea, Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, Australia, and Costa Rica, as well as online. Consumers who have purchased these pet foods should discard them. For additional information, consumers may visit the website . For a product replacement or refund call Natura toll-free at 800-224-6123.

Click here for the list of products and UPC codes.

bird food recall

from the press release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – April 18, 2013 – Merit Bird Company, LLC of Chatsworth, California is recalling the following items with lot codes; Vitae Cockatiel with Sunflower 2lbs, (#2840081), Vitae Cockatiel with Sunflower 4lbs, (#2840090), Vitae Small Hookbill 4lbs, (#2840225), Vitae Small Hookbill 20lbs, (#2840234), Vitae Hookbill with Sunflower 4lbs, (#2840252), Vitae Large Hookbill 4lbs, (#2840279) shipped between May 2012 to February 2013, because it has the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella, an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems.

Healthy people infected with Salmonella should monitor themselves for some or all of the following symptoms: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramping and fever. Rarely, Salmonella can result in more serious ailments, including arterial infections, endocarditis, arthritis, muscle pain, eye irritation, and urinary tract symptoms. Consumers exhibiting these signs after having contact with this product should contact their healthcare providers.

Animals with Salmonella infections may be lethargic and have diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever, and vomiting. Some animals will have only decreased appetite, fever and abdominal pain. Infected but otherwise healthy animals can be carriers and infect other animals or humans. If your animals have consumed the recalled product and have these symptoms, please contact your veterinarian. “Vitae bird food was distributed through Southern California retail pet stores.

The bags in question are packaged in a factory sealed plastic bag or a white bulk bag for the 20# size.

No illnesses have been reported to date.

This recall was the result of a routine testing performed by Specialty Commodities, which revealed that the finished products, which include parsley that is on recall from Specialty Commodities, contain Salmonella. The company has ceased the production and distribution of the product as FDA and the company continue their investigation as to what caused the problem.

If you still have any bags on hand, please return them immediately to the place of purchase or Merit Bird Company for a full refund.

Information on what consumers should do with the product and where they can get additional information (e.g., consumers) who have purchased Vitae Bird Food are urged to return it to the place of purchase for a full refund.

Consumers with questions may contact the company at 1-818-727-1655. Monday-Friday 9am-4pm, Pacific Standard Time.

Evo, Innova, California Naturals, Healthwise – possible salmonella

Another kind of pet food recall notice, possible salmonella is the concern.

Dear Natura Family,

As pet parents and dedicated pet health advocates, it pains us to inform you of the first recall in our company’s 21-year history.

During a recent random sampling, the FDA confirmed the presence of salmonella in one of our products. We take this extremely seriously, because your pets are like ours – they’re part of the family – and we aren’t taking any chances. As a result, we have voluntarily recalled a number of our products as a precautionary measure. Fortunately, there have been no reported animal or human health issues associated with these products, and we have confirmed that this is not a widespread issue.

You can read the remainder of the press release here on the Natura site.

Natura is now owned by Proctor & Gamble.

Here’s the entire list including some Evo, California Naturals, Innova, and Healthwise products.

Pet food recall notification via  USPS:

Received March 1 or 2 (forgot to check mailbox)

“Dated Feb 20, 2013

Dear Costco Member,

Kasel Associated Industries of Denver, CO is voluntarily recalling ALL PRODUCTS MANUFACTURED AT THEIR DENVER, COLORADO FACILITY FROM APRIL 20, 2012 THRU SEPTEMBER 19, 2012 due to possible salmonella contamination.

The best by dates/lot codes included in the recall are Best By 0420213 DEN through Best By 10032013 DEN. Costco’s records indicate that you may have purchased Nature’s Deli 3 lbs Chicken Jerky product with the lot codes affected this voluntary recall. If you have this specific lot codes please stop using the remaining product and return it to your local Costco for a full refund.

Salmonella can sicken animals that eat these products and humans are at risk for salmonella poisoning from handling contaminated pet products, especially if they have not thoroughly washed their hands after having contact with the pet products or any surfaces exposed to these products.

Should you have any questions regarding this letter please contact Kasel Associated Industries at 800-218-4417.”

———————

The person I share my Costco membership with received this letter in the mail.

Yeah, I have some questions: I wonder why — if the product was produced as far back as almost a year ago — does it take so long for the awareness of possible salmonella? What transpires in between? I also wonder when the product was first put on the shelf?  Questions for the 800 number…

from the press release

SECAUCUS, N.J., Jan. 25, 2013 /PRNewswire/ — The Hartz Mountain Corporation is voluntarily withdrawing its Hartz ® Chicken Chews™ and Hartz ® Oinkies® Pig Skin Twists wrapped with Chicken for dogs in the United States because they contain trace amounts of unapproved antibiotic residue.

We are taking this action after recent Hartz testing found trace amounts of unapproved antibiotic residue in samples of Hartz® Chicken Chews™ and Oinkies® Pig Skin Twists wrapped with Chicken products. Even though two-thirds of the products we tested did not contain antibiotic residues, we would rather be overly cautious by voluntarily withdrawing these products from the market.

These antibiotics are approved for use in poultry in China and other countries, including European Union member states, but are not among those approved in the U.S.

You can read the press release in its entirety here.

Last week Tucson Tails reported about the same problem with antibiotic residue on Milo’s Chicken Jerky and Purina Waggin’ Train products.

The bottom line: Be diligent about not giving your pets treats made in China. It doesn’t matter if the product is cheap or inexpensive, the majority of treats are made in China. Read the packaging. It has to say “made in the USA” not “distributed in the USA.”

Recall – unacceptable antibiotics

Dog Treats Recall: Purina’s Waggin’ Train and Canyon Creek Ranch dog treats, as well as Milo’s Kitchen Chicken Jerky and Chicken Grillers

Finally!

In February, March, & April 2012, Tucson Tails wrote about the many complaints against this product and the failure of the FDA to recall Milo’s Dog Treats.

Now according to Food Safety News, the New York Department of Agriculture finds traces of unapproved antibiotics used on chickens that made its way into the Chinese-made food products. The U.S. Department of Agriculture conducted 285 tests and couldn’t find any problems.

Since 2011, more than 1,000 pet owners in the U.S. have reported dogs falling ill or dying after eating Chinese chicken jerky treats. A similar spike occurred in 2007.

Both Purina and Milo’s Kitchen are voluntarily recalling chicken dog treats nationwide due to the potential that the products may contain trace amounts of residual antibiotics.

The recalled products include Purina’s Waggin’ Train and Canyon Creek Ranch dog treats, as well as Milo’s Kitchen Chicken Jerky and Chicken Grillers.

This is a disgrace that problems have allegedly existed for so long and nothing has been done until now. Why? Because it’s dog food and not people food? Why? Because the US doesn’t want to strain their relationship with China? Buyer beware; don’t buy dog treats made in China. Their standards are different. You can forget about those happy dog wagging commercials for home-style dog treats.

Feb. 24, 2012: The FDA continues to caution consumers about a potential association between the development of illness in dogs and the consumption of chicken jerky products. The products—also called chicken tenders, strips, or treats—are imported from China.

The FDA continues to receive complaints of sick dogs that their owners or veterinarians associate with eating chicken jerky products. FDA issued a cautionary warning to consumers in September 2007.

March 13, 2012: The FDA has been cautioning the public about chicken jerky since 2007 and testing products but have come up with no contaminants. The FDA posted this fact sheet about chicken jerky treats from China on March 9, 2012.

“Of 22 “Priority 1” cases listed by the FDA late last year, 13 cited Waggin’ Train or Canyon Creek Ranch jerky treats or tenders, both produced by Nestle Purina PetCare Co., the records show. Another three listed Milo’s Kitchen Home-style Dog Treats, produced by the Del Monte Corp.

April 12, 2012: Finally, a class action lawsuit has been filed against Waggin’ Train LLC and Nestle Purina Petcare Company for their allegedly toxic chicken jerky treats sold at Wal-Mart.

Even though Nestle-Purina and Waggin’ Train LLC received complaints of more than 500 incidents for which dog treats containing chicken jerky imported from China were causing dogs to become sick or die – they did nothing but put a warning on their website.

American Beef Bully Sticks

Kasel Associated Industries Recalls Boots & Barkley American Beef Bully Sticks Because of Possible Salmonella Health Risk

Contact
Consumer:
1-800-218-4417

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – September 21, 2012 – Kasel Associated Industries of Denver, CO is voluntarily recalling its BOOTS & BARKLEY 6 COUNT 5 INCH AMERICAN BEEF BULLY STICKS product because it may be contaminated with Salmonella. Salmonella can sicken animals that eat these products and humans are at risk for salmonella poisoning from handling contaminated pet products, especially if they have not thoroughly washed their hands after having contact with the pet products or any surfaces exposed to these products.

Healthy people infected with Salmonella should monitor themselves for some or all of the following symptoms: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramping and fever. Rarely, Salmonella can result in more serious ailments, including arterial infections, endocarditis, arthritis, muscle pain, eye irritation, and urinary tract symptoms. Consumers exhibiting these symptoms after having contact with this product should contact their healthcare providers.

Pets with Salmonella infections may be lethargic and have diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever, and vomiting. Some pets will have only decreased appetite, fever and abdominal pain. Infected but otherwise healthy pets can be carriers and infect other animals or humans. If your pet has consumed the recalled product and has any of these signs, please contact your veterinarian.

The recalled American Beef Bully Sticks were distributed nationwide through Target retail stores from April through September 2012.

The product comes in a clear plastic bag containing 6 bully sticks marked with bar code number 647263899189. Kasel Industries is recalling all lot numbers because the following lot codes tested positive through analysis by the State of Colorado Department of Agriculture: BESTBY20APR2014DEN, BESTBY01JUN2014DEN, BESTBY23JUN2014DEN, and BESTBY23SEP2014DEN.

No illnesses have been reported to date in animals or humans in connection with this problem.

The recall was the result of a routine sampling by the State of Colorado Department of Agriculture which revealed that the finished products contained the Salmonella bacteria. The company has ceased the production and distribution of the product while FDA and the company continue investigating as to the source of the contamination. No other products made by Kasel Associated Industries are included in the recall.

Nature’s Variety has issued a nationwide voluntary recall on Prairie Beef Meal & Barley Medley Kibble for Dogs

Nature’s Variety has initiated a voluntary recall of its Prairie Beef Meal & Barley Medley Kibble for Dogs due to an off-odor smell that may develop over time. This product is not contaminated in any way, but some products are not remaining fresh for the shelf life of the product.

Reed Howlett, Nature’s Variety CEO, stated, “At Nature’s Variety, we make every effort to ensure that all of our products meet the highest quality standards. We’ve found that some bags of Prairie Beef Meal & Barley Medley Kibble for Dogs have an off-odor smell. To be sure that our consumers only receive the freshest and highest quality product possible, we have decided to voluntarily recall all Prairie Beef Meal & Barley Medley Kibble for Dogs from the marketplace.”

The products impacted are listed below:

• UPC# 7 69949 60420 4 – Prairie Beef Meal & Barley Medley Kibble for Dogs 5 lb
• UPC# 7 69949 60425 9 – Prairie Beef Meal & Barley Medley Kibble for Dogs 15 lb
• UPC# 7 69949 60430 3 – Prairie Beef Meal & Barley Medley Kibble for Dogs 30 lb
• UPC# 7 69949 60432 7 – Prairie Beef Meal & Barley Medley Kibble for Dogs 3 oz sample

No other Nature’s Variety products are affected.

Consumers who have purchased one of the above products can obtain a full refund or exchange it for a different variety by either returning the product in its original packaging or bringing a proof of purchase back to their retailer.

Consumers with additional questions can call our Consumer Relations team at at 888.519.7387.

FRANKLIN, Tenn., June 30, 2012 /PRNewswire/ — Today, Mars Petcare US announced a voluntary recall of a limited range of three varieties of PEDIGREE® weight management canned dog food products due to a potential choking risk.

2310034974
PEDIGREE +® Healthy Weight Premium Ground Entree in Meaty Juices

2310001913
PEDIGREE® Weight Management Meaty Ground Dinner Beef & Liver Dinner in Meaty Juices

2310023045
PEDIGREE®  Weight Management Meaty Ground Dinner Chicken & Rice Dinner in Meaty Juices

Affected product may contain small pieces of blue plastic, which entered the food during the production process. The source of the plastic has been identified and the issue resolved. We encourage consumers who have purchased affected product to discard the food or return it to the retailer for a full refund or exchange. While a small number of consumers have reported finding the plastic pieces, we have not received any reports of injury or illness associated with the affected product. The lot codes indicated below should not be sold or consumed.

Affected product was distributed to retail customers throughout the United States. No other products whether dry, wet, or dog treats are affected.

You can read the press release in its entirety here.