Pet Food Recalled by Menu Foods

Christina Cole

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Menu Foods issued a precautionary pet food recall of their dog and cat food manufactured between December 3, 2006 and March 6, 2007. The recall involves "cuts and gravy" style pet foods in cans and pouches that was manufactured at two of Menu Food's U.S. facilities. These same products are manufactured and sold as 94 different private label/national brands.

Menu Foods received several complaints in the United States (none in Canada) with concerns about the pet food manufactured in early December and the impact the food had on the renal health of pets that consumed the recalled pet foods.

After receiving the first complaint, which would later turn into thousands, Menu Foods initiated a battery of technical tests that were conducted by internal and external specialists. They were unable to identify any issues with the foods in question. However, they discovered the timing of the production along with the complaints, coincides with the start of an ingredient from a new supplier.

"We take these complaints very seriously and, while we are still looking for a specific cause, we are acting to err on the side of caution" said Paul K. Henderson, President and CEO, Menu Foods. "We will do whatever is necessary to ensure that our products maintain the very highest quality standards."

In addition to changing suppliers, for production after March 6, the Fund has increased testing of all raw materials and finished goods. It is also working closely with regulatory authorities and its customers to learn more and will take whatever additional actions are appropriate. The Fund estimates that based on currently available information, this recall could cost between $30 million and $40 million, which will be financed from a combination of internally generated cash flow and bank credit facilities. Furthermore, the Fund is aggressively producing product, utilizing a different supplier for the ingredient in question, to replenish customers as quickly as possible.

Since the initial recall was announced there have been many changes and additions to the recall and the foods affected by the recall. You can stay up-to-date by visiting the Menu Foods website.