Sorry for interruption in our regularly scheduled programming, but this is too important to not post.
It was bound to reach the ferret community at some point. I am only shocked it has taken this long. So once again, if you ever needed an excuse to feed a Natural Diet, here you go:
8 in 1 Ferret ULTRA-BLEND ADVANCED NUTRITION DIET
NET WT. 20 LBS, UPC 26851 00413, Code: C7072
HAS BEEN RECALLED !!
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -- May 17, 2007 Chenango Valley Pet Foodspreviously recalled dry pet foods manufactured with a shipment of rice protein concentrate supplied by Wilbur-Ellis that possibly contained melamine contamination. Chenango Valley Pet Foods is now expanding the recall action to include those pet foods that do not contain rice protein concentrate but were manufactured during periods when rice protein concentrate formulas were processed. The recall of these products is precautionary due to the possibility of cross-contamination.
The following dry pet foods among others are involved in this recall action:LICK YOUR CHOPS KITTEN & CAT FOOD, NET WEIGHT 4 LBS. (UPC 32976 25915), and 18 LBS. (UPC 32976 25925); Date Code: Best Used By April 29 08;
8 in 1 Ferret ULTRA-BLEND ADVANCED NUTRITION DIET, NET WT. 20 LBS, UPC 26851 00413, Code: C7072;Health Diet Cat Food Chicken & Rice Dinner NET WT. 1.81 kg/4 LB (UPC 78198 01594), 4 kg/8.8 LB (UPC 78198 01599), and 8 kg/17.6 LB (UPC 78198 01585); Code C7072;
EVOLVE KITTEN FORMULA, NET WT. 3 LBS. (UPC 73657 00250) and 7 LBS. (UPC 73657 00251); Date Code: Best Used By Sept 13 08. Evolve has recovered 99.5% of the product from its distributors and is working with dealers to recover the remaining inventory.
No illnesses or injuries related to these products have been reported to date.Pet owners who have purchased the pet foods listed above should immediately discontinue using the products and return them to the place of purchase for full refund. Pet owners should consult with a veterinarian if they have any health concerns with their pet. Consumers with questions may contact the company at 1-610-821-0608.
5/24/2007 UPDATE: (quoted from
here)
Click here for Pet Connection article
The University of California at Davis discovered melamine in a pet food which has not yet been recalled. In this case, it was Nutra Nuggets sold at Costco. Here is a link to the UC Davis web page about the pet food recall: UC Davis Pet Food Recall Information. It's not economically feasible for individuals to do this due to the high cost, but we're looking for a local lab that might do it for less.
IN THE MEANTIME: Since the recall continues to expand, I strongly recommend that you cease feeding your ferrets any foods that contain ANY type of grain product. Keep the food (freeze it if it has been opened), but switch to something with NO GRAIN, especially wheat and rice. The shelter is currently using Innova EVO Dog and Innova EVO Ferret.
MOST IMPORTANTLY If your ferret is lethargic and/or vomiting take it to the vet ASAP and have the kidney function tested. That means a blood AND URINE test.
If your ferret dies of an unknown cause, PLEASE have a necropsy done.
CURRENT PETITIONS:Human and Pet Food Safety Act of 2007: sponsored by the American Humane Society.
Summary:
In response to growing concerns across the nation, U.S. Rep. Rosa DeLauro (D-Conn.) recently introduced the Human and Pet Food Safety Act (H.R. 2108). This bill would establish critically needed mandatory federal standards to ensure the safety of the nation’s food supply.
Specifically, the bill would:
* give the FDA the power to order mandatory food recalls;
* establish mandatory processing and ingredient standards;
* require more inspections of domestic and international food processing plants;
* create a warning system to identify contaminants early on;
* enable the FDA to work with veterinarians and public health officials to uniformly disseminate information about food contamination and timely update recall lists on the FDA website; and
* require food processing companies to maintain records and make the records immediately accessible to the FDA upon inspection.
The bill would also allow the FDA to fine companies that neglect to report possible contamination.
INFO THROUGH THE FDA & OTHERS:FDA posts press releases and other notices of recalls and market withdrawals from the firms involved as a service to consumers, the media, and other interested parties. FDA does not endorse either the product or the company. This listserv covers mainly Class I (life-threatening) recalls.
A complete listing of recalls can be found in the FDA Enforcement Report at:
www.fda.gov/opacom/Enforce.htmlFDA's Recalls, Market Withdrawals and Safety Alerts Page:
www.fda.gov/opacom/7alerts.htmlThe Only Natural Pet store contains a brand name recall list and more importantly a
how to recognize symptoms and a layman's explanation of the convential treatment involved if your animal companion has been diagnosed with this.
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