Pet Food Recall Expanded

FOR MORE INFORMATION

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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 19, 2007

Pet Food Recall Expanded: Melamine Found in Blue Buffalo Kitten Food and Corn Gluten in South African Dog Food

SCHAUMBURG, Ill.

— The AVMA is advising the public that there have been new recalls, nationally and internationally, of pet foods contaminated with melamine from Chinese sources. The Blue Buffalo Company has recalled Spa Select Kitten dry food with the printed instructions “Best Used By Mar. 07 08 B.” Blue Buffalo received rice protein concentrate from Wilbur-Ellis, the same company that supplied this ingredient to Natural Balance. Subsequent testing indicated that the Blue Buffalo protein concentrate tested positive for melamine.

Royal Canin South Africa has announced a recall of Vets Choice dog food because it contains melamine-contaminated corn gluten imported from China. This food is sold in South Africa and Namibia. Royal Canin, which is headquartered in Southern France, has announced that none of the company’s contaminated pet food has reached the United States. Nineteen dogs that consumed Vets Choice food in Cape Town and Johannesburg, South Africa, have been diagnosed with kidney problems.

Blue Buffalo announced that the majority of the almost 5,000 recalled bags had not reached consumers. The FDA said that a total of five pet food manufacturers received rice protein concentrate from Wilbur-Ellis—including Blue Buffalo and Natural Balance Pet Foods—and that they are withholding the names of the other three companies involved pending investigation into potential melamine contamination of each company’s pet foods.

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.

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.