Pet Food Recall Expanded

April 19, 2007

The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) is advising the public that there have been new recalls, nationally and internationally, of pet foods contaminated with melamine from Chinese sources. The Blue Buffalo Company has recalled Spa Select Kitten dry food with the printed instructions “Best Used By Mar. 07 08 B.” Blue Buffalo received rice protein concentrate from Wilbur-Ellis, the same company that supplied this ingredient to Natural Balance. Subsequent testing indicated that the Blue Buffalo protein concentrate tested positive for melamine.

Royal Canin South Africa has announced a recall of Vets Choice dog food because it contains melamine-contaminated corn gluten imported from China. This food is sold in South Africa and Namibia. Royal Canin, which is headquartered in Southern France, has announced that none of the company’s contaminated pet food has reached the United States. Nineteen dogs that consumed Vets Choice food in Cape Town and Johannesburg, South Africa, have been diagnosed with kidney problems.

Blue Buffalo announced that the majority of the almost 5,000 recalled bags had not reached consumers. The FDA said that a total of five pet food manufacturers received rice protein concentrate from Wilbur-Ellis—including Blue Buffalo and Natural Balance Pet Foods—and that they are withholding the names of the other three companies involved pending investigation into potential melamine contamination of each company’s pet foods.

The comprehensive AVMA Pet Food Recall List contains all recall information that has come to the attention of the AVMA, but it is not guaranteed to be complete. The AVMA encourages all concerned to contact the specific manufacturer regarding the status of any particular pet food or treat.