Pet Food Recall: New Companies Added, Dry Cat & Dog Food Included

Pet food recall, more dry dog and cat food added to recall list - The massive recall of pet foods has expanded again with the recall of products containing rice protein concentrate imported from China.  Blue Buffalo, of Wilton, Conn., said it was recalling all of its Spa Select Kitten dry food labeled "Best Used By Mar. 07 08 B." The reason for the recall: The foods are contaminated with melamine, an industrial chemical used to make plastics and fertilizers that can lead to illness or fatalities in animals if consumed.

Pet Food Recall: More Companies Added, Dry Cat & Dog Food Included

Melamine is the same chemical that was initially found in pet foods in March that were manufactured by the Canadian company Menu Foods. That recall began with moist pet foods made with contaminated wheat gluten from China. The recall has been extended to more than 60 million packages of food, including dry foods and dog biscuits.

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A press release from Royal Canin USA noted that the company has determined there is a melamine derivative in the rice protein concentrate in some of its dry pet food products.  Although Royal Canin USA has no confirmed cases of illness in pets, the release notes that the company has decided to voluntarily remove all of our dry pet food products containing rice protein concentrate. We are taking this proactive stance to avoid any confusion for our customers about which Royal Canin USA products are safe and which products may be affected.

"We are as passionate about the health and happiness of our customers' pets as we are of our own, so we are committed to taking the steps necessary to ensure this never happens again," said Olivier Amice, President and CEO of Royal Canin USA.

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As a precaution, Royal Canin USA is voluntarily recalling the following dry pet food products:

ROYAL CANIN VETERINARY DIET (available only in veterinary clinics) Dry Dog Food — Canine Early Cardiac EC 22(TM) — Canine Skin Support SS21(TM) Dry Cat Food — Feline Hypoallergenic HP23(TM)

ROYAL CANIN SENSIBLE CHOICE (available in pet specialty stores nationwide)

Dry Dog Food — Chicken Meal & Rice Formula Senior — Lamb Meal & Rice Formula Puppy — Lamb Meal & Rice Formula Adult — Lamb Meal & Rice Formula Senior — Rice & Catfish Meal Formula Adult

Based on today's announcement, pet owners should immediately stop feeding their pets the Royal Canin USA dry pet food products listed. Pet owners should consult with a veterinarian if they are concerned about the health of their pet. No other Royal Canin diets are affected by this recall and CONTINUE TO BE safe for pets to eat.

Along with this announcement, Royal Canin USA will no longer use any Chinese suppliers for any of our vegetable proteins.

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"On behalf of the entire Royal Canin family, our hearts go out to the pet owners and everyone in the pet community who have been affected by all of the recent recalls," said Dr. Denise Elliott, Director of Scientific Affairs for Royal Canin USA. "We are working very closely with the FDA to assist in its efforts to determine the cause of this most recent and disturbing development."

The safety and nutritional quality of our pet food is Royal Canin USA's top priority as we understand that the health of pets comes first. Pet owners who have questions about this recall and other Royal Canin USA products should call 1-800-592-6687 or visit our web site at www.royalcanin.us.

All Royal Canin USA products have a satisfaction guarantee and we will refund or replace the diets that have been recalled.

Related: Full Cat & Dog Food Recall, Treats Recall List Online