Pet Food Recall Information

The Toxicology Laboratory of the California Animal Health and Food Safety Laboratory has assisted the FDA with the analysis of pet food samples related to the recall. We are concerned about the situation and recommend the following:

1.      If you are a pet owner whose pet shows any signs of illness, contact your veterinarian as soon as possible.

2.      If you are a veterinarian and feel that a pet fits the case definition, contact the CAHFS Toxicology Laboratory at (530) 752-6322 for further information.

3.      Save all suspect food samples (opened and unopened). Testing of food samples is offered and priority of testing depends on the specific case. CAHFS laboratory will make arrangements with the veterinarian for submission of food samples

  1. Opened food samples should be frozen, and a minimum of 10 oz should be saved
  2. Unopened food samples (cans, pouches, or bags) can be stored as indicated on the packaging (usually at room temperature)

4.      In the unfortunate event that your pet has died, contact your veterinarian to arrange for a complete post-mortem examination. The CAHFS laboratory may assist with the arrangement for post-mortem examinations. You may call (530) 752-8700 for more information.

5.      Sample collection for possible toxicology analyses include the following:

    1. Live animal: urine (5ml ideal), serum and blood (2 to 3 ml if possible)
    2. Post-mortem:  urine (5ml ideal), kidney, liver, and stomach contents (as much as possible for tissue and stomach contents samples)

All samples should be saved frozen. Currently, we are accepting food, urine, and kidney samples for melamine analyses.  Priority will be given to cases in which renal failure is present but no food is available for testing.  Currently, there is no information available regarding melamine kinetics.  Thus, we do not know how long after food ingestion melamine can still be detected in urine.

Cost of Testing

In-state cost per test is $100.00

Out-of-state cost per test is $200.00

6.  Shipping and Submission:

Please see our shipping brochure here: http://www.cahfs.ucdavis.edu/shipping_packaging_supplies_docs/shippingbrochure3fold.pdf

All samples should be sent to the Davis Laboratory

7.  Additional information related to this recall can be found at:

http://www.acvim.org/
http://www.avma.org/
http://www.fda.gov/oc/opacom/hottopics/petfood.html