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Testing Finds Rat Poison in Recalled Pet Food
By
Jen Chung
Published Mar 23, 2007
Modified Mar 7, 2008
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By
Jen Chung
Published Mar 23, 2007
Modified Mar 7, 2008
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NY State agricultural officials say that testing so far has indicated the presence of rat poison in recalled pet food. According to ABC News, a source says "the rodenticide, which the source says is illegal to use in the United States, was on wheat that was imported from China and used by Menu Foods in nearly 100 brands of dog and cat food." Yikes! [Via Poop City, which has had excellent coverage of the recall.]
During the press conference, NY State ag officials emphasized that they are not even half way done with testing, but they came forward with the information because it could help other investigations as well as pet owners and vets who are dealing with sick pets. The officials also said the number of confirmed deaths due to the tainted food - 15 cats and one dog - seemed low. Pet Connection has been keeping an unofficial database of pet deaths, which is now around 1,000.
The massive recall of foods from Menu Foods involved almost 100 brands, including brand names like Iams and Eukanuba as well as store-labels from Wal-Mart and Safeway; here is Menu Foods' recall site. Readers have posted heartbreaking stories on our post from Saturday.
Other online resources: In addition to Poop City and Pet Connection, check out BARC, itchmo blog, and Howl911.
Tagged
abc
abc news
animals
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Menu Foods
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Jen Chung
Jen Chung is a former WNYC and Gothamist editor.
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Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
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