New Hope Animal Hospital / Important Health News

1/23/2010

Salmonella found in contaminated beef treats

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) posted a warning on its website this week about potential contamination of Merrick Beef Filet Squares for dogs. The product is distributed by Merrick Pet Care, and has a package date of “Best By 111911,” according to the agency.

The FDA found Salmonella in the treats during a routine test in December. A follow-up test discovered “deficiencies in the packaging and manufacturing processes.” No official recall has been announced, and the FDA says no illnesses have been reported from the products. However, consumers are being advised not to handle these products or feed them to their pets.

People who have Merrick Beef Filet Squares with the above package date should throw them away immediately, the FDA says.

Pig Ear Recall: Salmonella Contamination
By Exceptional Veterinary Team
December 1, 2009

FDA Press Release: The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is issuing this health alert to warn consumers not to use Pig Ears and Beef Hooves pet treats manufactured by Pet Carousel because the products may be contaminated with Salmonella. The products were distributed nationwide in both bulk and retail packaging for sale in pet food and retail chain stores. Pet Carousel is based in Sanger, California.

The products were manufactured under conditions that facilitate cross-contamination within batches or lots. Although no illnesses associated with these products have been reported, the FDA is advising consumers in possession of these products to not handle or feed them to their pets.

The affected pig ear products were packaged under the brand names Doggie Delight and Pet Carousel. The affected beef hooves were packaged under the brand names Choo Hooves, Dentley’s, Doggie Delight, and Pet Carousel. All sizes and all lots of these products made by Pet Carousel are included in this alert.

During September 2009, the FDA conducted routine testing of pig ears made by Pet Carousel. The test results detected a positive reading for Salmonella. This prompted an FDA inspection of Pet Carousel’s manufacturing facilities. During the inspection, the agency collected additional pet treat samples. Further analysis found Salmonella present in beef hooves, pig ears and in the manufacturing environment.

Salmonella can affect both humans and animals. People handling dry pet food and/or pet treats can become infected with Salmonella, especially if they have not thoroughly washed their hands after having contact with the treats or any surfaces exposed to these products. Consumers should dispose of these products in a safe manner by securing them in a covered trash receptacle.

Healthy people infected with Salmonella may experience some or all of the following symptoms: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramping and fever. Although rare, Salmonella can result in more serious ailments including arterial infections, endocarditis (inflammation of the lining of the heart), arthritis, muscle pain, eye irritation, and urinary tract symptoms. Consumers exhibiting these signs after having contact with this product should contact their health care provider immediately.

Pets with Salmonella infections may become lethargic and have diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever and vomiting. Some pets may only experience a 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 any of the affected products or is experiencing any of these symptoms, contact your veterinarian immediately.

The FDA will continue to investigate this matter to determine the source of the Salmonella contamination and offer updates as appropriate.

Consumers can report complaints about FDA-regulated pet food and pet treat products by calling the consumer complaint coordinator in their area. You can locate the nearest consumer complaint coordinator at:

http://www.fda.gov/Safety/ReportaProblem/ConsumerComplaintCoordinators/d...

November 19, 2009

--FDA issues alert on Pet Carousel pet treats

The U.S Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a health alert on some pet treats manufactured by Pet Carousel.

The FDA said in a statement that consumers should avoid the company’s Pig Ears and Beef Hooves treats, since they could be contaminated with Salmonella. The FDA found Salmonella in samples of these two treats during a routine test in September. The agency said it also found the organism in the company’s manufacturing environment.

No illnesses have been reported in connection with these products, according to the FDA, but they warned consumers not to handle these products or feed them to pets.

The affected pig ear products were packaged under the brand names Doggie Delight and Pet Carousel. The affected beef hooves were packaged under the brand names Choo Hooves, Dentley’s, Doggie Delight, and Pet Carousel. The FDA said that all sizes and all lots of these products made by Pet Carousel are included in this alert.

Safety hat mishap prompts Nutro recall

Nutro Products Inc. issued a voluntary recall of several of its puppy foods earlier this month. According to the company website, a number of batches of pet food were found to be contaminated.

“Small pieces of melted plastic were recently found in the production line of select varieties of NUTRO dry dog and cat food products,” the company said in a press release. “We immediately retrieved the affected pet food from our distributors, and only three skus (stock keeping units) reached retail stores.”

According to the company, a worker’s “bump cap,” similar to a hard hat, fell into the manufacturing equipment and subsequently contaminated the food.

“Based on our extensive review, it is highly unlikely that any pieces of plastic made it into finished product,” the company said. “However, upon learning of the incident, we voluntarily retrieved all potentially affected products.”

The list of products that made it to retail stores is below:

Product that made it to select Petsmart stores in CA, AZ, CO, TX and NM only

Product Name
UPC
Size
Best by Date

NUTRO® ULTRA™ Puppy food for dogs
79105 51313
4.5 LB
09/10/10

NUTRO® NATURAL CHOICE® Chicken Meal, Rice and Oatmeal Formula Small Bites Puppy
79105 23050
5 LB
09/10/10

Product that made it to select Petco stores in CA, NV, HI and UT only

Product Name
UPC
Size
Best by Date

NUTRO® ULTRA™ Puppy food for dogs
79105 51315
30 LB
09/10/10

By Clinician's Brief
October 12, 2009
Diamond Pet Foods has just announced a voluntary recall of their Premium Edge Finicky Adult Cat and Premium Edge Hairball Cat foods with the following date codes: RAF0501A22X 18lb, RAF0501A2X 6lb, RAH0501A22X 18lb, and RAH0501A2X 6lb. Early reports from pet owners and veterinary practices show geographic trending in the Rochester, New York area and according to Diamond, patients are presenting with neurologic signs. Although the food is not tainted, it is deficient in thiamine.

Shockingly, this is not the first time that Diamond Pet Foods has been involved in a recall scandal. They took 19 varieties of food off the shelves in 2005 due to aflatoxin poisoning and again in 2007 as part of the Menu Foods melamine recall. The Office of Inspector General recently audited the FDA for their role in monitoring the 2007 pet food recall, an inquiry requested by the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry. The audit found that the FDA did not always follow and enforce proper procedure for removing the food and lacked the authority it needed to enforce the regulations. Read more about the OIG's finding now.

Out of an abundance of caution, on May 21, 2009, Nutro Products
announced a voluntary recall of select varieties of NUTRO(R)
NATURAL CHOICE(R) COMPLETE CARE(R) Dry Cat Foods and NUTRO(R)
MAX(R) Cat Dry Foods with "Best If Used By Dates" between May 12,
2010 and August 22, 2010. This recall is due to incorrect levels
of zinc and potassium in our finished product resulting from a
production error by a US-based premix supplier.

Two mineral premixes were affected. One premix contained excessive
levels of zinc and under-supplemented potassium. The second premix
under-supplemented potassium. Both zinc and potassium are essential
nutrients for cats and are added as nutritional supplements to NUTRO(R)
dry cat food.
As soon as we became aware of the issue, we made the decision to hold
shipments of affected dry cat product, and took immediate action to
verify with our mineral premix supplier that no other products were
affected. We then contacted the FDA to notify them of the voluntary
recall. A full list of affected product and available alternatives
for your clients is available at
http://aci-direct.net/c.asp?770197&84ce9e7d20d6334d&1

We have completed a comprehensive audit of premixes for all NUTRO(R)
products, and have confirmed that this issue only affects certain dry
cat food products. No other NUTRO(R) products are affected, including
dry dog food, wet dog and cat foods and dog and cat treats.

Consumers who have purchased affected product should immediately
discontinue feeding the product to their cats, and switch to another
product with a balanced nutritional profile. While we have received
no consumer complaints related to this issue, cat owners should monitor
their cat for symptoms, including a reduction in appetite or refusal
of food, weight loss, vomiting or diarrhea. We have suggested that
cat owners contact their veterinarian if their cat is experiencing
health issues or is pregnant.

Consumers who have purchased product affected by this voluntary recall
should return it to their retailer for a full refund or exchange for
another NUTRO(R) dry cat food product.

Affected product was distributed to retail customers in all 50 states,
as well as to customers in Canada, Mexico, Japan, Korea, Thailand,
Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, New Zealand, and Israel. We are
working with all of our distributors and retail customers, in both
the US and internationally, to ensure that the recalled products are
not on store shelves.

At Nutro Products, our top priority has always been and continues to
be the health and welfare of pets and their owners. If you have any
further questions, including the need for additional information on
clinical signs, please call 1-800-833-5330 and identify yourself as a
veterinary professional or visit
http://aci-direct.net/c.asp?770197&84ce9e7d20d6334d&1

Sincerely,

Dr. Tiffany Bierer
Health and Nutrition Manager
Nutro Products Inc.

Peanut butter recall now includes pet food

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has expanded its peanut butter and paste recall to include some pet food products. The recall is part of an FDA investigation into possible Salmonella contamination at the Peanut Corporation of America’s facility in Blakely, Ga.

The FDA website has a searchable database of pet foods which have been recalled. Below is a list of the pet food brands that have been affected so far. The FDA will update the list as the investigation continues and more products are affected.

Recalled pet food products
Carolina Prime
Carolina Prime Pet
Grreat Choice
Happy Tails
Healthy Hide
Healthy-hide Deli-wrap
Salix
Shoppers Valu

PetSmart Voluntarily Recalls Grreat Choice® Dog Biscuits

Contact:
PetSmart Customer Service
1-888-839-9638

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -- PHOENIX, AZ, January 20, 2009 -- PetSmart is voluntarily recalling seven of its Grreat Choice® Dog Biscuit products that contain peanut paste made by Peanut Corporation of America (PCA). PCA is the focus of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration investigation into potential salmonella contamination of peanut butter and paste made at its Blakely, Georgia facility.

Although PetSmart is not aware of any reported cases of illness related to these products, it has removed these products from its store shelves and website and is conducting the recall as a precautionary measure.

The recalled products include only the following types of Grreat Choice Dog Biscuits sold between Aug. 21, 2008 and Jan. 19, 2009:

Small Assorted 32 oz., UPC 73725702900

Small/Medium Assorted 4 lb., UPC 73725700601

Small/Medium Assorted 8 lb., UPC 73725700605

Small/Medium Assorted 10 lb., UPC 73725702755

Large Assorted 8 lb., UPC 73725700638

Extra Large Assorted 8 lb., UPC 73725700779

Peanut Butter 4 lb., UPC 73725700766

Customers who purchased the recalled dog biscuit products should discontinue use immediately and can return the product to any PetSmart store for a complete refund or exchange. Customers can visit www.petsmartfacts.com for more information or contact PetSmart Customer Service at 1-888-839-9638.

No other products or flavors are included in this recall.

Pet food sickened dozens in U.S.

Last Updated: Thursday, November 6, 2008 | 5:25 PM ET

CBC News

Dry pet food contaminated with salmonella sickened at least 79 people over three years, U.S. health officials said Thursday while warning that pet food may be an under recognized source of infections in humans, especially young children.

"This outbreak is the first documented outbreak to associate human salmonella infections with contaminated dry dog food and to trace human illness to a contaminated pet food plant," the U.S. Centers for Disease Control said in its weekly report on illnesses and deaths.

No one is known to have died of the rare strain, calledSalmonella enterica serotype Schwarzengrund. The illnesses occurred between Jan. 1, 2006 and Oct. 31, 2008.

Among the seven cases where age information was available, six were two years old or younger.

In five cases where people visited a health-care professional, two had bloody diarrhea and one had to be hospitalized. No information on symptoms was available for the other cases.

"Dry pet food has a one-year shelf life," the CDC said.

"Contaminated products identified in recalls might still be in the homes of purchasers and could cause illness. Persons who have these products should not use them to feed their pets but should discard them or return them to the store."

On Sept. 12, Mars Petcare US announced a voluntary recall of more than 100 products in the U.S., including Special Kitty, Pedigree and Member's Mark, among others.

On Oct. 1, the company announced its factory in Everson, Pa., would be closed permanently, the CDC said.

Wash hands after handling pet foods

Since 2006, at least 13 recall announcements involving 135 pet products such as dry dog food and cat food, pet treats, raw diets and pet supplements have been issued because of salmonella contamination, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

The last reported case in the outbreak was tested on Sept. 18, the CDC said.

In March, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency announced a recall of Roll Over Pork Tenders Premium Dog Treat, made by Alberta-based Rollover Premium Pet Food, because the pet food may contain salmonella bacteria.

Consumers and health departments should be aware that all dry pet food, pet treats and pet supplements might be contaminated with pathogens such as salmonella, the CDC said. Canned pet food is unlikely to be contaminated because the manufacturing process should eliminate bacterial contamination, the agency added.

To prevent infection, people should wash their hands for at least 20 seconds with warm water and soap immediately after handling dry pet foods, especially before preparing and eating food for humans, health officials in the U.S. and Canada recommend.

Infants should be kept away from pet feeding areas, and children under five should not be allowed to touch or eat any types of dry pet food, treats or supplements, the CDC advised.

10/29/2008 - Volume 6 Issue 22

Judge OKs pet food settlement

A New Jersey judge recently approved a $24 million settlement for owners of pets who became sick or died from eating tainted pet food last year,the Associated Press says.

The settlement is with the various companies and entities that sold, manufactured, distributed or supplied pet food that may have contained contaminated wheat gluten or rice protein concentrate, and was then recalled starting in March last year.

Pet owners have until Nov. 24 to submit a claim form. Owners can submit claims for up to 100 percent of “reasonable economic damages” suffered from the tainted food. These damages must be supported by documentation, but an additional $900 per pet can also be claimed without supporting documents. The forms and more details on the settlement are available on a website, petfoodsettlement.com.

Pet owners in Canada were also affected by the contaminated food. A Canadian decision on the settlement is scheduled for Nov. 3.

Disclaimer: Publication in this newsletter of any article, product information or other information does not imply that the American Animal Hospital Association endorses or approves the product, service or author’s viewpoints. Neither this publication nor AAHA in any way endorses or guarantees the accuracy, reliability or completeness of the facts, views, opinions, recommendations, information or statements contained in this publication.

Copyright ©2008 American Animal Hospital Association

At Freshpet, we are revolutionizing the way pets are nourished in North America . Through determination and a willingness to challenge conventional wisdom, we are creating the freshest and most nutritious food for dogs, radically changing everything about pet food in the process. Each day, we see the effect our foods have on dogs, but know there is more to learn about how nutrition affects the lifelong health of canine companions.

Over the past several years, many of our family members or close friends have been affected by disease or illness. Sometimes the family member or friend was a person, and other times it was a pet. Regardless of person or pet, these illnesses often resulted in life altering experiences by those affected. These experiences made clear our personal and corporate responsibility to help find the link between nutrition and health to better the lives of our pets. This is the reason we created the Freshpet Foundation, a not-for-profit organization with charitable 501(c)(3)status pending. www.freshpetfoundation.org

The role of the foundation is to make a difference by improving the knowledge around cancer and other diseases in dogs – thus helping dogs live longer, healthier lives. Our Grants Advisory Board, including John Phelps and other well respected pet experts, Dr. David A. Dzanis and Dr. Iain Grant, will determine which veterinary colleges or research institutions will receive grants to research canine nutrition in the areas of prevention, care and treatment of diseases. We also feel extremely good knowing that the research that the foundation will support not only will help further the knowledge around canine illness but is often applicable to the corresponding human disease.

We will begin raising funds and awareness for the Freshpet Foundation at our first event - Bark for the Cure, a 5K Fun Run/Walk in Los Angeles followed by a Canine Celebration to raise awareness about canine cancer. The event is poised to gain extensive national and local PR and will help to kick off foundation. To learn more about the event, check out www.freshpetfoundation.org.

Mars Petcare US Voluntary Limited Food Recall

Mars Petcare US Issues Voluntary Recall of Everson, PA Plant Dry Pet Food Product due to Potential Salmonella Contamination

Contact:
Debra Fair
Public Relations Manager — Central Marketing
MARS PETCARE US
(973) 691-3536

For Immediate Release

Mars Petcare US Announces Nationwide Voluntary Recall

Franklin, Tennessee (September 12, 2008)—Today, Mars Petcare US announced a voluntary recall of products manufactured at its Everson, Pennsylvania facility. The pet food is being voluntarily recalled because of potential contamination with Salmonella serotype Schwarzengrund. This voluntary recall only affects the United States.

Salmonella can cause serious infections in dogs and cats, and, if there is cross contamination caused by handling of the pet food, in people as well, especially children, the aged, and people with compromised immune systems. Healthy people potentially infected with Salmonella should monitor themselves for some or all of the following symptoms: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramping and fever. On rare occasions, 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. Animals can be carriers with no visible symptoms and can potentially infect other animals or humans. If your pet has consumed the recalled product and has these symptoms, please contact your veterinarian.

The company stopped production at the Everson facility on July 29, 2008 when it was alerted of a possible link between dry pet food produced at the plant and two isolated cases of people infected with Salmonella Schwarzengrund.

Even though no direct link between product produced at Everson and human or pet illness has been made, Mars Petcare US is taking precautionary action to protect pets and their owners by announcing a voluntary recall of all products produced at the Everson facility beginning February 18, 2008 until July 29, 2008 when we stopped production.

The company is continuing to work collaboratively with the FDA to determine the nature and source of Salmonella Schwarzengrund at the Everson facility. Since it has not yet identified the source of the Salmonella Schwarzengrund at the Everson facility, Mars Petcare US does not plan to resume production out of a commitment to the safety of our pet owners and their pets, customers, and associates.

The top priority of Mars Petcare US has always been and continues to be the health and welfare of pets and their owners. Consumers can continue to have confidence in the quality and safety of the products produced at other Mars Petcare US facilities. Only those products which were produced at the Everson facility are impacted by the voluntary recall.

Many of the brands involved in the recall are national brands produced at multiple facilities. A chart for all products is below. For example, PEDIGREE® is manufactured in numerous facilities throughout the country, and Everson represents a very small portion of the manufacturing base – 2.7 percent of total PEDIGREE® production.

Mars Petcare US will work with retail customers to ensure that the recalled products are not on store shelves. These products should not be sold or fed to pets. In the event that consumers believe they have purchased products affected by this voluntary recall, they should return the product to the store where they purchased it for a full refund. Specific product details and other information can be found at www.petcare.mars.com

Please find recalled pet food UPC information below.
The products listed below are made at our Everson facility on behalf of a variety of retailers. All code dates, with the exception of PEDIGREE®, are listed in a similar format as noted below:
Consumers should look for “17” as the first two digits of the second line. Sample:
Best By Feb 18 09
17 1445 1

For PEDIGREE® the Everson code date format is as follows:
Consumers should look for “PAE” on the bottom line – the sixth, seventh and eighth digits. Sample:
PEDIGREE ® Small Crunchy Bites
Best Before 02/2009
808G1PAE01 12:00

In an effort to prevent the transmission of Salmonella from pets to family members and care givers, the FDA recommends that everyone follow appropriate pet food handling guidelines when feeding their pets. A list of safe pet food handling tips can be found at: www.fda.gov/consumer/updates/petfoodtips080307.html

Pet owners who have questions about the recall should call 1-877-568-4463 or visit www.petcare.mars.com.

Recalled Pet Food

Note: If you see a product you purchased listed below, please review the code date information samples from above to confirm that your product is included in the recall.

Product Name / Bag Size

UPC

Product Name / Bag Size

UPC

Country Acres Cat Food 40#

16603 02181

Retriever Bites & Bones Dog Food 8#

79818 96757

Country Acres Ration Dog Food 40#

16603 02333

Retriever Bites & Bones Dog Food 20#

79818 96634

Country Acres 18% Dog Food 40#

16603 02331

Retriever Bites & Bones Dog Food 50#

49394 05666

Country Acres Hi Pro Dog Food 50#

16603 02021

Retriever Gravy Blend Dog Food 50#

49394 05665

Doggy Bag Dog Food 40#

73893 40000

Retriever Gravy Blend Dog Food 8#

79818 96756

Members Mark Complete Nutrition Premium Cat Food 20#

81131 89881

Retriever Hi Protein Dog Food 8#

79818 96755

Members Mark Complete Nutrition Premium Dog Food 50#

05388 67055

Retriever Hi Protein Dog Food 25#

49394 00002

Members Mark Crunchy Bites & Savory Bones Adult Dog Food 50#

05388 67309

Retriever Hi Protein Dog Food 50#

49394 00003

Members Mark High Performance Premium Dog Food 50#

81131 75479

Retriever Mini Chunk Dog Food 8#

79818 96754

Natural Cat Food (Sam's Club) 15#

81131 89883

Retriever Mini Chunk Dog Food 25#

49394 00006

Natural Dog Food (Sam's Club) 25#

81131 89884

Retriever Mini Chunk Dog Food 50#

49395 00005

Ol' Roy Complete Nutrition 4.4#

81131 69377

Retriever Puppy Blend Dog Food 6#

49394 56221

Ol' Roy Complete Nutrition 8#

05388 67144

Retriever Puppy Blend Dog Food 8#

79818 96758

Ol' Roy Complete Nutrition 22#

05388 60342

Retriever Puppy Blend Dog Food 20#

49394 00004

Ol' Roy Complete Nutrition 50#

78742 01022

Retriever Puppy Blend Dog Food 40#

79818 96706

Ol' Roy High Performance Nutrition Dog Food 20#

05388 60345

Special Kitty Gourmet 3.5#

81131 17546

Ol' Roy High Performance Nutrition Dog Food 50#

78742 05815

Special Kitty Gourmet 4#

78742 53199

Ol' Roy Meaty Chunks 'n Gravy Dog Food 8#

81131 69629

Special Kitty Gourmet 7#

81131 17547

Ol' Roy Meaty Chunks 'n Gravy Dog Food 22#

81131 69630

Special Kitty Gourmet 8#

78742 53200

Ol' Roy Meaty Chunks 'n Gravy Dog Food 50#

81131 69631

Special Kitty Gourmet 18#

81131 17548

Ol' Roy Puppy Complete 4#

81131 79078

Special Kitty Gourmet 20#

78742 53201

Ol' Roy Puppy Complete 8#

81131 79079

Special Kitty Gourmet 25#

78742 54314

Ol' Roy Puppy Complete 20#

81131 79080

Special Kitty Kitten 3.5#

81131 17553

Paws & Claws Delicious Mix Cat Food 8#

79818 96632

Special Kitty Kitten 4#

78742 53198

Paws & Claws Delicious Mix Cat Food 20#

49394 05746

Special Kitty Kitten 7#

81131 17554

Paws & Claws Delicious Mix Cat Food 40#

79818 96676

Special Kitty Kitten 8#

81131 24739

Paws & Claws Premium Choice Cat Food 8#

79818 96633

Special Kitty Original 3.5#

81131 17557

Paws & Claws Premium Choice Cat Food 20#

49394 00008

Special Kitty Original 4#

78742 04930

Paws & Claws Premium Choice Cat Food 40#

49394 05747

Special Kitty Original 7#

81131 17562

Pedigree Large Breed Adult Nutrition 20#

23100 29158

Special Kitty Original 8#

78742 05744

Pedigree Large Breed Adult Nutrition 30.1#

23100 31484

Special Kitty Original 18#

81131 17559

Pedigree Large Breed Adult Nutrition 36.4#

23100 31479

Special Kitty Original 20#

78742 05794

Pedigree Large Breed Adult Nutrition 40#

23100 29154

Special Kitty Original 25#

81131 68869

Pedigree Small Crunchy Bites Adult Nutrition 4.4#

23100 05104

Wegman's Bruiser Complete Nutrition Dog Food 4.4#

77890 33654

Pedigree Small Crunchy Bites Adult Nutrition 8.8#

23100 05103

Wegman's Bruiser Complete Nutrition Dog Food 20#

77890 32988

Pedigree Small Crunchy Bites Adult Nutrition 20#

23100 14719

Wegman's Bruiser Complete Nutrition Dog Food 37.5#

77890 32994

Pedigree Small Crunchy Bites Adult Nutrition 32#

23100 31483

Wegman's Bruiser Puppy Dog Food 4.4#

77890 33621

Pedigree Small Crunchy Bites Adult Nutrition 40#

23100 31478

Wegman's Bruiser Puppy Dog Food 17.6#

77890 32991

Pedigree Small Crunchy Bites Adult Nutrition 44#

23100 05100

Wegman's Bruiser Small Crunchy Bites Dog Food 4.4#

77890 33618

Pedigree Small Crunchy Bites Adult Nutrition 52#

23100 05110

Wegman's Bruiser Small Crunchy Bites Dog Food 20#

77890 32982

Pet Pride Indoor Cat 3.5#

11110 74584

Wegman's Buju & Ziggie Complete Cat Food 3.5#

77890 10005

Pet Pride Indoor Cat 18#

11110 74585

Wegman's Buju & Ziggie Complete Cat Food 18#

77890 10004

Pet Pride Weight Management Dog Food 17.6#

11110 74578

Wegman's Buju & Ziggie Indoor Cat Food 3.5#

77890 12038

PMI Nutrition Bites & Bones Dog Food 50#

42869 00174

Wegman's Buju & Ziggie Indoor Cat Food 18#

77890 12039

PMI Nutrition Canine Advantage 50#

42869 00172

Wegman's Buju & Ziggie Kitten 3.5#

77890 12036

PMI Nutrition Feline Medley 20#

42869 00171

Wegman's Buju & Ziggie Original Medley Cat Food 3.5#

77890 10006

PMI Nutrition Gravy Crunches Dog Food 40#

42869 00033

Wegman's Buju & Ziggie Original Medley Cat Food 18#

77890 10003

Red Flannel Active Formula Dog Food 40#

42869 00063

Red Flannel Adult Formula Dog Food 20#

42869 00055

Red Flannel Adult Formula Dog Food 40#

42869 00054

Red Flannel Canine Select Dog Food 20#

42869 00068

Red Flannel Canine Select Dog Food 40#

42869 00067

Red Flannel Cat 10#

42869 00059

Red Flannel Cat 20#

42869 00058

Red Flannel Hi Pro Formula Dog Food 50#

42869 00065

Red Flannel Prime Dog Food 25#

42869 00052

Red Flannel Prime Dog Food 50#

42869 00053

Red Flannel Puppy 40#

42869 00056

Media Statement

Mars Petcare US Comments on Voluntary Recall of Everson, PA Plant Dry Pet Food Product

September 12, 2008

Today Mars Petcare US announced a voluntary recall of all products produced at its Everson facility beginning February 18, 2008 until July 29, 2008. The pet food is being recalled because of potential contamination with Salmonella Schwarzengrund. This voluntary recall only affects 31 states in the United States.

“Even though no direct link between products produced at the Everson manufacturing plant and human or pet illness has been made, we are taking this precautionary action to protect pets and their owners. We are continuing to work collaboratively with the FDA to determine the nature and source of Salmonella Schwarzengrund at the Everson facility, and are committed to making sure our consumers and customers have the information they need regarding our voluntary recall,” said Catherine Woteki, Global Director of Scientific Affairs, Mars, Incorporated.

Mars Petcare US stopped production at the Everson facility on July 29, 2008 when the company was alerted of a possible link between dry pet food produced at the plant and two isolated cases of people infected with Salmonella Schwarzengrund.

In order to avoid any potential risk to pets and their owners, the company initiated an extensive internal investigation to determine the extent of the involvement of the Everson facility in cooperation with the FDA. Ultimately, none of the pet foods found in consumer homes have been determined to contain Salmonella, and there have been no reports of pet illnesses in those households. However, the strain of Salmonella Schwarzengrund involved in the illnesses has been detected in the company’s Everson facility.

Many of the brands involved in the recall are national brands produced at multiple facilities. For example, the company manufactures PEDIGREE® in numerous facilities throughout the country, and the Everson facility represents a very small portion of the manufacturing base – 2.7 percent of total PEDIGREE® production.

Consumers can continue to have confidence in the quality and safety of the products produced at Mars Petcare US’ other facilities. Only those products which were produced at the Everson facility are impacted.

Mars Petcare US will work with all of its customers to ensure that the recalled products are not on store shelves. These products should not be sold or fed to pets. In the event that consumers believe they have purchased products affected by this voluntary recall, they should return the product to the store where they purchased it for a full refund. Specific product details and other information can be found at www.petcare.mars.com.

Catherine Woteki concluded, “Our top priority has always been and continues to be the health and welfare of pets and their owners. At Mars, we hold ourselves to the highest quality standards.”