 | |
Pet Food Recall Overview
On March 16, 2007, Menu Foods announced a nationwide recall of more than 40 popular brands of pet food. The contaminated products—including well-known brands like Iams, Eukanuba, Purina and Science Diet—were causing severe, and often fatal, kidney problems in dogs and cats. Nearly180 brands of wet and dry food were eventually added to the recall list, provoking a tense period of uncertainty for pets, pet parents and animal welfare professionals.
Initial reports from corporate laboratories revealed that aminopterin, found in some rodent poisons, was discovered in the tainted foods. However, the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (APCC) tracked clinical signs—based on affected patients—that were not consistent with these findings. The ASPCA encouraged veterinarians across the country to submit their own observations to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Two weeks after the first recall, on March 30, 2007, the FDA officially confirmed the presence of melamine—often used in plastics, cleaning products, laminates, foam, soundproofing and fertilizer—in wheat gluten samples taken from contaminated lots. Though not highly toxic on its own, melamine, when combined with cyanuric acid—another found contaminant—may cause renal failure in pets.
The ASPCA’s response to the pet food recall was an extremely collaborative one. Information from the APCC’s proprietary database AnTox™ and clinical results from the ASPCA’s Bergh Memorial Animal Hospital were evaluated on an ongoing basis. The combined efforts of our poison, medical and communications teams, as well as veterinary diagnostic, governmental and corporate laboratories, helped us interpret the facts and deliver meaningful, life-saving recommendations to worried pet parents.
My pet’s food was recalled in 2007. Is it safe for him to start eating his old brand again?
The major problems associated with melamine-contaminated foods have been addressed, but please check the FDA’s list to find your pet’s brand and confirm the relevant dates of contaminated products. Before switching your pet’s food, it’s also important to discuss your dog or cat’s dietary needs with your veterinarian.
Does the ASPCA keep a list of recalled pet foods?
During the height of the major melamine recall in 2007, the ASPCA updated its website with breaking news—directly from the FDA—about the latest tainted brands. For a currently updated list of recalled pet foods, please visit the FDA’s website
Are foods still being added to the recall list?
Although last year’s widespread recall has abated, the FDA sends out periodic notices about isolated pet food recalls—both voluntary and involuntary. Please check the FDA’s website for the most current information about safety alerts and recalls.
I think my pet is sick from contaminated food. What should I do?
If your pet shows any signs of illness, including loss of appetite, lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea, changes in water consumption or changes in urination, please consult your veterinarian or call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center’s 24-hour hotline at (888) 426-4435.
What is the best food to give to my pet?
In general, the ASPCA recommends high quality, premium pet foods for most pets, since they are research-based formulas that include specific nutrients for your pet’s well-being. If your pet is used to eating a particular type of food, a sudden change in diet or diet type may upset her stomach. This may be especially problematic for pets with pre-existing illnesses.
Does the ASPCA recommend homemade diets for pets?
Homemade diets require a substantial amount of work to ensure that the final product includes a complete nutritional balance. It is very important to follow recipe directions exactly, not allowing for substitutions or omitting of ingredients. If you wish to use a homemade diet, please consult with your veterinarian or an animal nutritionist for an acceptable recipe.
Donate Today
