Pet food recall expanded on new toxin finding

[CMF Newsman]

WASHINGTON - An industrial chemical that led to a nationwide recall of more than 100 brands of cat and dog foods has been found to contaminate a second pet food ingredient, expanding the recall further.

The chemical, melamine, is believed to have contaminated rice protein concentrate used to make a variety of Natural Balance Pet Foods products for both dogs and cats, the Food and Drug Administration said Wednesday. Previously, the chemical was found to contaminate another ingredient, wheat gluten, used by at least six other pet food and treat manufacturers.

Natural Balance said it was recalling all its Venison and Brown Rice canned and bagged dog foods, its Venison and Brown Rice dog treats and its Venison and Green Pea dry cat food.

story

[Jay]

Pet food poison may have been intentional

" For the first time, investigators are saying the chemical that has sickened and killed pets in the United States may have been intentionally added to pet food ingredients by Chinese producers.

Food and Drug Administration investigators say the Chinese companies may have spiked products with the chemical melamine so that they would appear, in tests, to have more value as protein products."

The spider web grows...

Linky
abcnews.go.com/Health/story?id=3058844&CMP=OTC-RSSFeeds0312

[Warkitty]

Oh crap.

Natural Balance is Howler's brand. None of the venison versions, but... I'll have to keep an eye on both of 'em.