Increasing recalls putting pets and pet food makers at stake
Americans or not, most of us treat our pets as families. But with the growing number of toxic pet food the risk of pet ownership also heightens. The stake of pet food makers are also increasing. The latest in the list is Menu Foods of Canada to recall around 60 million containers, covering about more than 100 brands. The cause of the food poisoning is still under investigation. The cases like this in recent past are on the rise. In January only, Diamond Pet Foods recalled about 20 brands after there were reports of pet deaths from a toxic fungus, aflatoxin, in the food.
And it's not over yet. The Federal food safety officials expect the death toll to raise more. It could not be precisely said but the recalled food, which was sold under 88 brands risks a lot many lives. Nestle Purina Pet Care Co., Colgate-Palmolive Co.'s Hill's Pet Nutrition Inc. and Nutro Products Inc. have also recalled some of their products made by Menu Foods.
As per the FDA officials, the investigation was paying attention to the problems with wheat gluten, which according to the Menu Foods had been coming from a new supplier. The identification of the supplier is still kept as the ingredient had not been yet confirmed as the source of the problem.
Pet owners are angry over the late warnings by Menu Foods. In the meantime, veterinarians are advising pet owners to contact their vets if their pets show any signs of lethargy, loss of appetite or vomiting. Sarah Tuite, the spokeswoman for Menu Foods said the company right now can't remark on the compensation for pet owners. But she has asked the pet owners to hold onto all documentation and packaging stuff. The company will be out with some new information on its web site soon.
