In March 2007, the US Food and Drug Administration
(FDA) issued a notice that Menu Foods, Inc., a private
label pet food manufacturer, was recalling certain lots
of its "cuts and gravy" style dog and cat food produced
in its facility in Emporia, Kansas, between December 3,
2006 and March 6, 2007.
The recall was prompted after reported instances where dogs and cats developed kidney failure after eating the affected pet food. The products
were packaged in cans and pouches under numerous brand names and
were marketed nationwide by many pet food retailers.
The FDA ultimately found that the pet foods contained
a contaminated version of wheat gluten, a protein
additive. The wheat gluten, produced in China, had been
contaminated with a substance called melamine and a
melamine byproduct called cyanuric acid. A large
number of pets that ate the contaminated foods developed
kidney stones and kidney disease.
The following year, melamine was also discovered in infant formula made in China.
It has sickened
scores of infants in that nation. The two incidents
together illustrate how tracking animal health can also
help uncover risks to human health.
FDA information about the 2007 Melamine Pet Food Recall
Veterinarians
in Los Angeles County that suspect they are seeing a
case of pet food contamination should
report the case using this form.
Last updated June 8, 2017
