Pet Food Contamination Found in New Source, Rice Protein

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Tom McPheron
Phone: 847-285-6781
Cell: 773-494-5419
e-mail: tmcpheron@avma.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 18, 2007

Pet Food Contamination Found in New Source, Rice Protein, AVMA Advises Pet Owners to Remain Vigilant and Stay Informed

SCHAUMBURG, Ill.

— Natural Balance Pet Foods has announced a recall of all its Venison & Brown Rice Dry Dog Food and Venison & Green Pea Dry Cat Food in response to consumer complaints that animals were vomiting and experiencing kidney problems. The California-based pet food company has stated that testing has shown that these recalled foods contain melamine, the same chemical suspected in previous pet food recalls, but from a new source—rice protein concentrate imported from China by San Francisco-based Wilbur-Ellis. Previous recalls were associated with melamine-contaminated wheat gluten also imported from China but by ChemNutra Inc., which is based in Las Vegas.

Dr. Roger Mahr, president of the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), said pet owners should continue to use the AVMA Web site as a source of information during these ongoing pet food recalls.

“It’s clear from this new information that all pet owners should remain vigilant regarding the ongoing pet food recalls and continue to check the AVMA recall list,” Dr. Mahr said. “Information is power, and keeping current will help pet owners protect their pets from contaminated food.”

A comprehensive AVMA Pet Food Recall List is available at http://www.avma.org/aa/menufoodsrecall/products.asp. The latest news on pet food recalls is available at http://www.avma.org/aa/menufoodsrecall/default.asp.

The comprehensive AVMA Pet Food Recall List contains all recall information that has come to the attention of the AVMA, but it is not guaranteed to be complete. The AVMA encourages all concerned to contact the specific manufacturer regarding the status of any particular pet food or treat.

The American Association of Veterinary Laboratory Diagnosticians (AAVLD) has created a protocol for veterinarians to use when death is suspected to be related to recalled foods. Veterinarians should visit http://www.aavld.org and click on “News.”

Veterinarians should report all cases of illness and death linked to a recalled pet food by calling the FDA’s State Consumer Complaint Coordinator. A list of these coordinators is available at http://www.fda.gov/opacom/backgrounders/complain.html.

For more information, please visit the AVMA web site at www.avma.org.

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The AVMA, founded in 1863, is one of the oldest and largest veterinary medical organizations in the world. More than 75,000 member veterinarians are engaged in a wide variety of professional activities. AVMA members are dedicated to advancing the science and art of veterinary medicine including its relationship to public health and agriculture. Visit the AVMA Web site at www.avma.org to learn more about veterinary medicine and animal care and to access up-to-date information on the association’s issues, policies and activities.