More on Pet Fod Recall

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This first link relates to contaminated pig ears pet foods, the second link talks about the Menu Foods recall...

 

Cyndi

 

 

http://www.fda.gov:80/oc/po/firmrecalls/petrapport03_07.html

 

 

 

 

 

There may be other contaminants in the bad food

ASPCA Advises Caution As Pet Food Recall Crisis GrowsOther Contaminants May Be Involved in the Menu Foods Recallhttp://www.avma.org/aa/menufoodsrecall/aspca_070327.aspToday the ASPCA reports that, based on these data, clinical signs reportedin cats affected by the contaminated foods are not fully consistent with theingestion of rat poison containing aminopterin that, according to MenuFoods, is at the "root" of the contamination issue."We've seen reports coming in from all around the country that animals thatwere eating the contaminated foods are definitely suffering from renalfailure," said Dr. Steven Hansen, veterinary toxicologist and senior vicepresident with the ASPCA, who manages the ASPCA's Midwest Office, includingthe APCC. "But the data that we've been collecting do not conclusively provethis connection, which is why we strongly recommend that those involved inthe investigation continue to search for additional contaminants."Dr. Hansen continued, "Aminopterin has been used to treat cancer in people,since it is able to disrupt rapidly-growing cells. In animals, it shouldresult in effects that mimic this function, and these include bloodydiarrhea, bone marrow suppression, abortion and birth defects. Further,renal damage-which has been seen in the affected animals-can occur at highdoses."However, to be consistent with the effects of aminopterin, we should alsobe seeing a significant number of affected pets showing the accompanyingsigns of severe intestinal damage, as well as bone marrow suppression,including 'leukopenia,' which is a serious reduction in white blood cells."This is the missing connection that we want to alert veterinarians aroundthe country to. We are asking all veterinarians treating cats affected bythese products, to report their findings to the U. S. Food & DrugAdministration (FDA)."Although Menu Foods announced last week that aminopterin was at the "root"of the contamination issue, the FDA, the agency leading this investigation,has not corroborated this finding."There are so many inconsistencies in the purported link between aminopterinand the animals affected, that we urge veterinary toxicologists andveterinary pathologists at diagnostic laboratories to continue looking foradditional contaminants," said Dr. Hansen. "Only continued rigorous testingwill uncover the real reason or reasons for this crisis among our petpopulation."The ASPCA strongly recommends that pet parents should have their petexamined by their veterinarian if any signs of illness occur followingconsumption of the recalled foods, including loss of appetite, lethargy,vomiting, diarrhea, changes in water consumption or changes in urination.Adverse effects or deaths of pets conclusively linked to eating thecontaminated foods should be reported to the FDA athttp://www..fda.gov/opacom/backgrounders/complain.html .. Additionally, theAmerican Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) has a wealth of resources athttp://www.avma.org/aa/menufoodsrecall/default.asp ..

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