Friday, March 30, 2007
The Food and Drug Administration has released the results of their testing of samples of contaminated pet food that was recalled by Menu Foods earlier this month. Here is a synopsis of the FDA’s results:
- The FDA found melamine in samples of the recalled pet food. Melamine is a chemical used to make plastics. It is also used as a fertilizer in Asia.
- Melamine was also detected in the wheat gluten used as an ingredient in the tainted pet food.
- FDA Officials confirmed that the contaminated wheat gluten was also shipped to a company that manufacturers dry pet food. The FDA Officials will not release the name of the company at this time as they cannot confirm if the company has used the wheat gluten.
- Melamine was detected in the urine of cats that got sick after eating the recalled food and it was also found in the urine of one cat that died as a result of eating the tainted food.
- Scientists do not have enough data on mammalian toxicity levels of melamine to conclude it caused the death or sickness of pets eating the contaminated food
- FDA scientists did not find evidence of aminopterin in the samples they tested. Scientists at the New York State Food Laboratory found aminopterin in the samples they tested.
Friday, March 30, 2007
The ASPC is urging diagnostic laboratories to continue looking for other contaminants in recently recalled pet food. The ASPCA’s Dr. Steven Hanson explains, “There are so many inconsistencies in the purported link between aminopterin and the animals affected that we urge veterinary toxicologists and veterinary pathologists at diagnostic laboratories to continue looking for additional contaminants.”
There has been no word yet that any additional contaminants other than aminopterin (rat poison) has been found in the recalled food.
Tuesday, March 27, 2007
The Deatricks in Bolingbrook, Illinois are asking anyone that may have information on their missing pug, Pixie, to contact the Bolingbrook police or Crimestoppers. Pixie was stolen from the family’s home along with other personal belongings during a robbery last week.
Pixie is a year and a half old and is fawn color. The family is offering a $4500 reward or Pixie’s safe return.
Great News! Pixie has been reunited with her family.
Tuesday, March 27, 2007
HGTV is putting together a segment on dogs that enjoy the finer things in life and they want to know “How do you pamper your pooch?” So drop them a line and let them know exactly how you pamper your pug. Who knows, you may even get a shot at being on HGTV.
Friday, March 23, 2007
ABC News has reported that rat poison has been found in the contaminated pet food produced by Menu Foods.
“A source close to the investigation tells ABC News that the rodenticide, which the source says is illegal to use in the United States, was on wheat that was imported from China and used by Menu Foods in nearly 100 brands of dog and cat food.” (ABC News)
You can read the full article here.
Friday, March 23, 2007
On Friday, March 23, 2007 from 3PM to 5PM EST you can chat online with ASPCA Pet Poison Experts. The chat session is a great opportunity to find out more information about specific foods or household items that you may be wondering if they are safe for your pug.
Anyone can join in on the chat, all you will need to do is register with the ASPCA Online Community. Registration is free and easy.
