Q&A about the pet food recall

Q: What brands and types of pet food are being recalled? A: The recall involves Ontario-based Menu Foods’ “cuts and gravy” style cat and dog food packaged from Dec. 3 to March 6. The wet food, which consists of chunks of meat in gravy, is packaged in cans and small foil pouches. The food was sold under numerous brand names — 40 cat food brands and 51 dog food brands. Q: What led to this recall? A: The recall started after reports that at least 10 pets — one dog and nine cats — suffered kidney failure and died after eating the food, according the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. The FDA on Monday said that as many as one in six animals died in tests of suspect dog and cat food by the manufacturer after complaints the products were poisoning pets around the country. Q: Where was this food sold? A: The pet food was sold throughout North America under both store and major brand labels at Wal-Mart, Kroger, Safeway and other large retailers. Q: What should I do if I have some of this pet food in my cupboard? A: The FDA says stop feeding it to your pet. Many of the major store chains are also granting refunds for returned food. Q. How do I know if my pet is sick as a result of eating contaminated food? What are the symptoms? A: Signs of kidney failure include loss of appetite, lethargy and vomiting. Q. What should I do if I already gave some of this food to my pet? Do I need to take my pet to a doctor? A: It’s best to seek advice from a veterinarian in such situations, according to the FDA. Q. Who can I call with questions? A: Menu Foods has a consumer hot line at 1-866-463-6738 and 1-866-895-2708. The FDA is asking those with sick or dead pets to call FDA state complaint coordinators. Menu Foods has recalled dog food sold under 51 brands and cat food sold under 40 brands. Meanwhile, two other companies — Nestle Purina PetCare Co. and Hill’s Pet Nutrition Inc. — voluntarily recalled some products made by Menu Foods as a precaution. More exact product information is available online at www.menufoods.com/recall.