ASPCA advises consumers of latest pet food recall

The ASPCA® (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals®) learned today that Mars Petcare US Inc. has voluntarily recalled five pound bags of their Krasdale Gravy Dry Dog Food because of potential Salmonella contamination. In addition, Wal-Mart has officially and voluntarily pulled Chicken Jerky Strips from Import-Pingyang Pet Product Co. and Chicken Jerky from Shanghai Bestro Trading from their shelves this week after tests found traces of melamine in both products.

The ASPCA recommends that pet parents discontinue the use of all affected products immediately until further information has been received.

Pet parents will remember that melamine was found to be the cause of a massive recall of pet food brands earlier this year. Though not highly toxic in general, melamine is used to make durable plastic household products; cleaning products; hard, stain-resistant laminates; flame-retardant foam and in soundproofing.

“Melamine at high doses causes a pronounced diuretic affect in dogs and rats, as well as the development of crystals in their urine,” says Dr. Steven Hansen, senior vice president of the ASPCA’s Midwest Office, which houses the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (APCC), and a Diplomate of the American Board of Veterinary Toxicologists. “And while most healthy adult dogs and cats are less susceptible to Salmonella infection than humans,” continues Dr. Hansen, “it is still not out of the question, so we recommend discarding these products if you have them in your pantries.”

Pet parents should immediately consult with a veterinarian if any signs or symptoms are noticed in their pets. In an emergency situation, they may also call the APCC at (888) 426-4435 (a fee will apply). For further information on the recall of Krasdale Gravy Dry Dog Food, please visit the FDA’s website at www.fda.gov/oc/po/firmrecalls/mars08_07.html . The ASPCA continues to provide updated information and resources to pet parents at its Pet Food Resource Recall Center, at www.aspca.org/recall .

About the ASPCA®

Founded in 1866, the ASPCA® (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals®) was the first humane organization established in the Americas, and today has one million supporters. A 501 [c] [3] not-for-profit corporation, the ASPCA’s mission is to provide effective means for the prevention of cruelty to animals throughout the United States. The ASPCA provides local and national leadership in animal-assisted therapy, animal behavior, animal poison control, anti-cruelty, humane education, legislative services, and shelter outreach. The New York City headquarters houses a full-service, accredited animal hospital, adoption center, and mobile clinic outreach program. The Humane Law Enforcement department enforces New York’s animal cruelty laws and is featured on the reality television series “Animal Precinct” on Animal Planet. For more information, please visit www.aspca.org .