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Pet Food Recall
The New Mexico Department of Agriculture and it's Bureau of Feed, Seed, and Fertilizer are working dilligently to ensure the protection of consumers and their pets during this pet food recall. The Department participates in teleconferences with the United States Department of Agriculture and Food and Drug Administration two to three times per week to keep abreast of current issues related to the recall and impending investigations. Staff worked with FDA personnel to spot check the recall effectiveness in retail establishments in New Mexico. While some stores still possessed recalled product we are pleased to report that none of that recalled product was offered for sale and most have blocks in place at cash registers to disallow any purchase of recalled product. Please check this page often for updates into the recall and related incidents. If you have any questions or concerns please contact Feed, Seed, and Fertilizer staff at 505-646-3107.
Numerous companies recall pet food products made with melamine-laced ingredients
On March 16, Menu Foods Inc. recalled dog and cat foods produced at two of its facilities between Dec. 3, 2006, and March 6, 2007, and sold under a number of different brand names. Since then, Menu Foods has expanded its recall, and several other companies also have voluntarily withdrawn products from the market.
Testing revealed that the products had been made with imported ingredients containing melamine, a substance not approved for use in food in the United States.
The FDA and U.S. Department of Agriculture announced on May 15 that swine fed adulterated feed would now be allowed to be released and approved for processing based upon a human health risk assessment.
On May 17 and 18, the FDA and USDA announced that the Indiana poultry farms that had breeder chickens held from processing and the fish farms that had received adulterated fish food from Canada have all been cleared for processing. The FDA and USDA have studied the tissues and found that there is no human health risk from the consumption of these animals.
Federal investigation continues
The FDA's pet food investigation remains open and active, and the agency continues to follow leads to get closer to the root cause of the problem and to ensure that all contaminated product is removed from the market.
Consumer Information:
For the latest updates on the Pet Food Recall, go to:
FDA's Main Information Page on the Pet Food Recall
USDA press releases and transcripts relating to the pet food recall and adulterated feed
Pet Food Recall - Frequently Asked Questions
To search for pet food products that have been recalled, FDA has a searchable database:
What Pet Foods Have Been Recalled? Searchable Database
Signs to Look For in Your Pet
Pet owners should be alert to signs of kidney illness, such as:
- loss of appetite
- weakness or lack of energy
- vomiting
- Check your pet food to see whether it is part of the recalled lot.
- If the food is part of the recall, stop feeding it to your pet immediately.
- Hold onto the food until the FDA or the pet food company provides additional information.
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Submit complaints/comments/case information directly to the FDA.
- Call the FDA consumer complaint coordinator for your geographic area. To find your coordinator, visit: www.fda.gov/opacom/backgrounders/complain.html. Try to have the following information available before calling:
- Brand name, lot numbers, and UPC code for the pet food fed to your dog or cat when it was ill. A lot number is typically stamped on the bag/pouch or on the can lid. Lot numbers usually consist of a series of letters and numbers.
- If your pet received treatment by a veterinarian, his/her name, address, and telephone number
- Date illness first noticed
- Signs displayed
- Any veterinary reports available.
Complaints and comments about pet food can also be directed to the FDA by calling toll free 1-888-INFO-FDA (1-888-463-6332) or sending e-mail to emergency.operations@fda.hhs.gov
What to Do With Recalled Pet Food
- Do NOT feed the recalled pet food to your animals.
- Return the pet food to the store where you purchased it and ask for a refund.
- If your pet is ill, hold onto the food and store it in a secure place where pets and children cannot get to it until the FDA or the pet food company provides additional information.
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