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AGRICULTURE COMMISSIONER WARNS OF MASSIVE PET FOOD RECALL
West Virginia Commissioner of Agriculture Gus R. Douglass has issued a warning to pet owners throughout the state about a massive recall of pet food.
Menu Foods of Toronto, Ontario, Canada on Friday recalled “cuts and gravy” products for dogs and cats manufactured between December 3, 2006, and March 6, 2007, and sold throughout North America under numerous brand names, including Iams, Nutro and Eukanuba.
The food was distributed by major retailers such as Wal-Mart, Kroger and Safeway. A complete list of products is posted on the company’s website at www.menufoods.com/recall.
“Recall information has been forwarded to all field staff of the West Virginia Department of Agriculture’s Regulatory and Environmental Affairs Division (READ),” said Commissioner Douglass. “They will be informing retailers of the recall and checking for suspect product as part of their regular inspection duties.”
READ Director Herma Johnson said her staff usually samples and tests pet food to ensure the products meet the nutritional content stated on the label.
Johnson added that no suspect products have yet been found in West Virginia, but that pet owners should still be wary, given the size of the recall.
An unknown number of cats and dogs suffered kidney failure and about 10 died after eating the affected pet food, the company said.
Two other companies - Nestle Purina PetCare Co. and Hill’s Pet Nutrition Inc. - said Saturday that as a precaution they were voluntarily recalling some products made by Menu Foods.
The West Virginia Department of Agriculture protects plant, animal and human health through a variety of scientific, regulatory and consumer protection programs, as mandated by state law. The Commissioner of Agriculture is one of six statewide elected officials in West Virginia. Currently, Commissioner Gus R. Douglass is the longest-serving agriculture commissioner in the nation. For more information, visit www.wvagriculture.org.
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