FDA new report - 1,950 cat deaths

[Lizzie]

Kirsten, as far as I know the suppliers are not the same for food made and sold in Europe. For instance, the Royal Canin food sold in Europe is made in the French manufacture and they have local suppliers for the ingredients, not the chinese ones. For Hill's I have no idea. But this doesn't mean it's completely safe anyway.

I do not know if the problem has hit Europe. In France we do not hear anything about animal deaths and Food recalls. In the Netherlands I have vaguely heard of it because I work in a company who is testing all kinds of foods and chemicals for toxicity, otherwise there is nothing said.

One problem, even for Europe, is that China has pretty much cornered the market on vitamin production and distribution. In the same article I read about the EU inspections, it also said they had found bacteria in a shipment of Vitamin A from China that was slated to go to a baby food plant in Europe. All vitamins distributed in the U.S. now come from Asia, the majority from China except, I think, for some Vitamin C from one U.S. factory that is about to close down.

I've also read on the VetPet Digest, from some pharmacy/chemistry posters, that the authorities must have known about adulteration with melamine, and it's been going on for many years in China, for them to have pinpointed it so quickly.

[Kirsten]

I have just contacted the manufacturers of the food I buy for my girls (Hill's, Purina, Kattovit, and Animonda) and asked for a statement regarding their safety measures for the European market. Wonder if any of them will reply...

Kirsten

[Logan]

Kirsten, I would imagine that any smart pet food company would be diligent in responding to concerned pet owners. If they don't you must wonder.

The update I received from www.itchmo.com last night said that there were two European foods included in this most recent recall. I can't remember what they were, though.

Our prayers continue for all of the families of the pets who were affected by this horrible thing. I only know of one from our "family" at Dr. Robinson's office and she (Katie) was so sick at the same time Lilly was. She was euthanized a week before Lilly was.

Logan

[Kirsten]

The update I received from www.itchmo.com last night said that there were two European foods included in this most recent recall. I can't remember what they were, though.

These are indeed worrisome news, and I'd really like to know what kind of food that was! I just did some research myself, but couldn't find any infos.

Logan, I'm so very sorry about Lilly!! And about that Katie girl, too!

Kirsten

[Logan]

Here is what my email contained, Kirsten.

Full details:
http://www.itchmo.com/read/breaking-...ation_20070502

BREAKING NEWS: Menu Foods Recall Expands Dramatically Due to Cross-Contamination
May 2nd, 2007

This recall expansion covers dozens of new brands and foods - wet foods only. Menu Foods is now recalling additional foods due to cross-contamination, more than a month and a half after the initial recall. (Corrected) The recall also expanded to include 2 varieties in Europe.

Menu Foods expanded recall list at:
http://www.itchmo.com/read/breaking-...ation_20070502

Brands covered in expansion are listed at Itchmo. New brands are marked (New). Our recall list is now up-to-date.

Menu Foods says:

Menu Foods has previously recalled wet cat and dog food produced with adulterated wheat gluten supplied by ChemNutra Inc. Menu Foods is now expanding the recall to include cuts and gravy and select other products which do not include ChemNutra wheat gluten but which were manufactured at any of Menu Foods' plants during the period that ChemNutra wheat gluten was used at that plant, to the extent they have not already been subject to a recall, due to the possibility of cross-contamination. Menu Foods has received a report from a customer and has received study results, both of which indicate cross-contamination.

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