north american food articles and products
to help you on your
way to success. The Great north american food Resource.
The Pet Food Recall
By Dr. Andrew Jones, DVM
Since March 16, more than 5,600 pet food items have been recalled after it was discovered that the chemical melamine, found in imported wheat gluten, rice gluten and corn gluten, has been making thousands of pets sick.
4,867 pets (2,527 cats and 2,365 dogs) have been reported (by owners) as deceased, and the total number of affected pets reported has been 14,750, as of May 16, 2007.
The Pet Food Recall is a crisis of unprecedented proportions. Never in our history have so many pets died and developed illness as a result of Pet Food. The Pet Food companies have lost our trust. This scandal is producing more questions than answers, and NO ONE is standing up and telling the Truth.
Initial reports suggested that aminopterin, a rodenticide not used in the US or Canada, could be the causal agent – but this was not proven by subsequent testing, and is currently being discounted by the FDA. Melamine, a non-protein nitrogen fertilizer (used in China) and component of plastics such as formica is currently the most likely suspect compound because it has been found in the affected gluten and foods.
The specific toxin in the contaminated protein ingredients (gluten, rice protein concentrate) has not been completely identified. Overall, the 4 substances that have been identified include melamine, amiloride, amilorine and cyanuric acid. Testing in 3 laboratories has identified cyanuric acid in the contaminated food and in crystals from cat urine. In fact, analysis of melamine cyanurate crystals shows a close match to crystals obtained from cat urine - this has allowed for a tentative identification of melamine as the culprit.
Cyanuric Acid is commonly used as a chlorine stabilizer in swimming pools. The ‘CYA test’ to determine the concentration of cyanuric acid in pool water uses melamine as a reagent to form a white insoluble precipitate. The damage happens when Melamine combines with Cyanuric Acid to form melamine cyanurate crystals, resulting in kidney damage and the other associated signs.
This may explain the problem, but what can you as a pet owner do about it? How can you protect your pet from the Pet Food Recall, or treat your pet if they’ve consumed contaminated, recalled food?
If your pet has consumed contaminated food, the first thing you should be aware of is the signs of Pet Food Toxicity.
Affected individuals often vomit soon (1-12 hours) after ingesting the food. Some become anorectic and lethargic. Some salivate and have oral ulcerations. Weakness and blood in the urine has also been reported.
Some general signs to watch out for include your cat or dog drinking more water and urinating more often. Your pet may be losing weight, specifically loss of muscle
|
|
The best
north american food Resource.
We strive to provide only
quality articles, so if there is a specific topic related
to american food that you would like us to cover,
please contact us at any time.
And again,
thank you to those contributing daily to our north american food
website.
|
