Sunday, May 31, 2009

Cholera Chronicle: May 31, 2009

Welcome to the eFoodAlert Cholera Chronicle. Periodically, we'll present a summary by region of cholera news from around the world.

Cholera is spread through human fecal contamination of food and water supplies. It is a frequent Disease of Disaster, accompanying famines, floods, wars, and other natural- or man-made disasters. Its victims typically are destitute, displaced or debilitated. And, all too often, dead.



Africa
  • Kenya, May 27 – A cholera outbreak on the outskirts of Nairobi has prompted government officials to close 20 food outlets in an effort to prevent the spread of the disease. Fourteen cases have been reported so far in this most recent episode.
  • Swaziland, May 30 – Two 9-year old girls in the Lubombo region of Swaziland have been diagnosed with cholera and are undergoing treatment. Officials expressed themselves as surprised by the mini-outbreak, since the rainy season – when cholera is most likely to show its face – has passed.
  • Zimbabwe, May 26 – The Red Cross reports that the country's cholera epidemic has slowed, but not yet stopped. Infection rates, which have fallen from their February peak, remain at a shockingly high 4.5% of the population. Red Cross officials predict that the number of confirmed cases soon will surpass 100,000; already this year, 4,283 people have died as a result of the disease.


Asia
  • India, May 28 – A broken pipeline resulted in an outbreak of cholera and other diarrheal diseases in Kerala. Eight victims are thought to have contracted cholera. Four people have died in the district, but officials deny that their deaths are linked to the cholera outbreak.
  • Vietnam, May 24 – The cholera outbreak, which began in mid-April, has infected 56 Vietnamese people so far. Despite the government's efforts at containment, cholera cases have been reported in 16 cities and provinces. Vietnam's northern neighbor, China, has strengthened its border surveillance in an effort to prevent the disease from spreading into Yunnan Province.



Cholera can be treated successfully, if adequate medical facilities are available. More importantly, outbreaks can be prevented, by providing communities with safe drinking water, and with sanitary disposal facilities for human waste.

2008 was the International Year of Sanitation. The World Health Organization partnered with other agencies to promote improvements in sanitation in underdeveloped areas of the world. But it will take many years before these efforts make a significant dent in the problem.

Meanwhile, cholera will continue to follow in the wake of world disasters.

Recall Roundup: May 31, 2009

Here is today's list of food safety recalls, product withdrawals and allergy alerts. The live links will take you directly to the official recall notices and company news releases that contain detailed information for each recall and alert.



Asia, Africa and the Pacific
  • Food Safety Recall (Singapore): The Royals (Premium Cakes) Pte Ltd. recalls confectionery products sold through the six "The Royal Premium Cakes and Pies" retail outlets. The recalled items are believed to have been accidentally contaminated with a chemical – probably a bleaching agent – during manufacture. The factory has suspended operations.


Some supermarket chains post recall notices on their web sites for the convenience of customers. To see whether a recalled food was carried by your favorite supermarket, follow the live link to the supermarket's recall web site.


*The Kroger umbrella encompasses numerous supermarket, marketplace and convenience store chains, listed on the Kroger corporate home page.


If you would like to receive automatic email alerts for all new articles posted on eFoodAlert, please submit your request using the link on our sidebar.

Saturday, May 30, 2009

Recall Roundup: May 30, 2009

Here is today's list of food safety recalls, product withdrawals and allergy alerts. The live links will take you directly to the official recall notices and company news releases that contain detailed information for each recall and alert.


United States
  • Class III Meat Recall (Low Risk): XL Four Star Beef, Inc. recalls approximately 14,560 pounds of beef primal and subprimal products that were imported from Canada and not presented for re-inspection upon entry into the United States.
  • Class III Meat Recall (Low Risk): Holten Meat, Inc. recalls approximately 241,000 pounds of ground beef product that may contain foreign materials. The recalled meat was distributed to institutional customers in several states.


Some supermarket chains post recall notices on their web sites for the convenience of customers. To see whether a recalled food was carried by your favorite supermarket, follow the live link to the supermarket's recall web site.


*The Kroger umbrella encompasses numerous supermarket, marketplace and convenience store chains, listed on the Kroger corporate home page.


If you would like to receive automatic email alerts for all new articles posted on eFoodAlert, please submit your request using the link on our sidebar.

Friday, May 29, 2009

Recall Roundup: May 29, 2009

Here is today's list of food safety recalls, product withdrawals and allergy alerts. The live links will take you directly to the official recall notices and company news releases that contain detailed information for each recall and alert.


Pistachio Product Recalls

United States
  • Food Safety Recall: Chang Farm recalls certain expired code dates of Chang Farm Bean and Soy Sprouts, due to contamination with Listeria monocytogenes. The recalled items were sold to restaurants and retailers in Massachusetts, Connecticut, New York and New Jersey.
  • Food Recall: Food City recalls Food Club Salsa Sante Fe (Corn and Black Bean) Mild Salsa (16 oz jars). No reason is given for the recall.


Australia and New Zealand
  • Food Recall (Australia): The Smith's Snackfood Company certain packages of Smith's Classic Crinkle Cut Potato Chips due to contamination with pieces of rubber.


Some supermarket chains post recall notices on their web sites for the convenience of customers. To see whether a recalled food was carried by your favorite supermarket, follow the live link to the supermarket's recall web site.


*The Kroger umbrella encompasses numerous supermarket, marketplace and convenience store chains, listed on the Kroger corporate home page.


If you would like to receive automatic email alerts for all new articles posted on eFoodAlert, please submit your request using the link on our sidebar.

NUTRO: Was It Something I Said?

May 29, 2009

Oops! 

I think I may have triggered last week's Nutro recall.

  • On Thursday, May 14th, I had a pleasant conversation (see my May 22nd Nutro article) with Josie, in Nutro's Customer Service department. During my discussion with Josie, I asked the following question:
"Does Nutro ever test its ingredients or finished products to ensure the correct levels of nutrients, vitamins, and trace minerals?"
  • Before the weekend was out, I noticed a new "follower" on my Twitter site – ReneeATNutro, a member of the Nutro Ambassador program. 
  • Nutro claims that it first became aware of the premix formulation problem – too much zinc; too little potassium – on Monday, May 18th


Is it possible that my May 14th question caused Nutro's Quality Assurance personnel to review their documentation?

If so, Nutro, I was happy to help!


Thursday, May 28, 2009

Recall Roundup: May 28, 2009

Here is today's list of food safety recalls, product withdrawals and allergy alerts. The live links will take you directly to the official recall notices and company news releases that contain detailed information for each recall and alert.


Pistachio Product Recalls
  • Québec's Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food issues two additional notices –#1779 and #1780 – recalling pistachios


Australia and New Zealand
  • Food Safety Recall (Australia): Kyana Farms recalls Ready-to-Eat IGA Deli Roast Beef (100g packets; use-by date 24 Jun 09) due to contamination with Listeria monocytogenes. The recalled item was distributed in Victoria and South Australia.



Some supermarket chains post recall notices on their web sites for the convenience of customers. To see whether a recalled food was carried by your favorite supermarket, follow the live link to the supermarket's recall web site.


*The Kroger umbrella encompasses numerous supermarket, marketplace and convenience store chains, listed on the Kroger corporate home page.


If you would like to receive automatic email alerts for all new articles posted on eFoodAlert, please submit your request using the link on our sidebar.

Swine Flu and Snake Oil

May 28, 2009

The (unofficial) swine flu pandemic continues to claim victims and disrupt lives. As of yesterday:
  • 95 people have died
  • 13,398 people have been infected (lab-confirmed)
  • 48 countries have reported at least one confirmed case.

International, national, state and local health authorities have spent millions of dollars on lab tests to track the progress of the pandemic. South Dakota, for example, has confirmed 6 cases of swine flu, out of 3,082 people tested. The state has tested nearly 0.4% of its entire population – 4 out of every 1,000 residents –  for swine flu.

Pork producers in North America have been badly hurt by the disease. In knee-jerk reactions to the term "swine flu", Russia, China, Ukraine, and several other countries banned the importation of swine and pork products from Mexico, the United States and Canada. Those bans are gradually – and quietly – being lifted.


While the cost of tracking and treating this virus continues to rise as the disease spreads to every corner of the world, some entrepreneurs are seeing a silver lining.

Sales of protective face masks skyrocketed during the early days of the epidemic, even though these masks offer little or no protection. Companies that produce anti-viral medications –including Roche, the manufacturer of Tamiflu – will reap the benefits of increased sales. And vaccine manufacturers such as Sanofi Pasteur already have received orders for swine flu vaccine. 

FDA reported recently that some unscrupulous web sites are taking advantage of people's fears to flog their anti-flu products. The agency has posted a Fraudulent 2009 H1N1 Influenza Products List and is updating the list daily. 

FDA has been warning these modern snake oil salespeople to stop making false or unsupported claims. As a result, many of the sites listed by FDA have removed their swine flu claims or have indicated that their products are unavailable in the USA. Nevertheless, consumers must remain on guard.


Avoid getting ripped off by fraudulent anti-swine flu claims.


We live in a free enterprise society. We expect companies to take risks, make investments, market their products and services honestly, and earn profits. Marketing untested products by making unsupported or false claims is not free enterprise. It is fraud, and must be treated as fraud.

We urge the FDA, the US Consumer Products Safety Commission, and their counterparts in other countries, to stamp out "snake oil" web sites.

Wednesday, May 27, 2009

Recall Roundup: May 27, 2009

Here is today's list of food safety recalls, product withdrawals and allergy alerts. The live links will take you directly to the official recall notices and company news releases that contain detailed information for each recall and alert.


Pistachio Product Recalls
  • Québec Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food issues notices #1777 and #1778 to alert consumers to the recall of bulk-packed pistachios



Some supermarket chains post recall notices on their web sites for the convenience of customers. To see whether a recalled food was carried by your favorite supermarket, follow the live link to the supermarket's recall web site.


*The Kroger umbrella encompasses numerous supermarket, marketplace and convenience store chains, listed on the Kroger corporate home page.


If you would like to receive automatic email alerts for all new articles posted on eFoodAlert, please submit your request using the link on our sidebar.

Tuesday, May 26, 2009

Coming Clean: Campaign for Safe Cosmetics vs J&J

May 26, 2009

The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics (CSC) has asked Johnson & Johnson to reformulate its line of personal care products. The request was triggered by lab tests that revealed the presence of very low levels of formaldehyde and 1,4-dioxane (“dioxane”) in Johnson’s Baby Shampoo as well as in other cosmetics and toiletries from several different manufacturers.

The test results, released in March, are detailed on the CSC web site. In addition to J&J, CSC’s independent lab found formaldehyde and/or dioxane in brands such as Ascendia, Bath and Body Works, CVS/Pharmacy, Gerber, Kimberly-Clark, Kirkland (Costco), L’Oreal, Procter & Gamble and Unilever, among others. 

CSC contends that alternative manufacturing procedures and preservatives can be used, which would not introduce any formaldehyde or dioxane into cosmetics and toiletries. According to this coalition of consumer advocacy groups, there is no excuse for the existence of trace quantities of these contaminants in products such as baby shampoo. Why, then, are they present? 

Formaldehyde is a breakdown product of Quaternium-15, a Dow Chemical preservative that is used to prevent bacterial and fungal growth in personal care products. In fact, formaldehyde is the actual anti-microbial agent, slow-released over the life of the product. Both Quaternium-15 and formaldehyde can cause skin irritation, and some consumers may be allergic to Quaternium-15. 

As long as Quaternium-15 – or another other similar preservative – is used, there is no way to avoid the presence of formaldehyde. Dioxane, however, is a different story. It’s an incidental contaminant in personal care products, and not a deliberate addition to the formula. 

Some of the older ingredients used in shampoos and other soaps – sodium lauryl sulfate, for example – are skin irritants. Chemical modification of these ingredients eliminated the irritation, but added a dioxane residue, which can be removed by a final “vacuum-stripping step. Shampoo manufacturers can ensure that their products are dioxane-free simply by paying a little more to purchase “vacuum-stripped” ingredients. 

The National Institutes of Health has long considered that dioxane is “…reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen.” While supporting data are very limited, the chemical was shown to promote an increased incidence of skin tumors in a two-stage cancer study in mice. 

According to FDA, which has been monitoring the dioxane situation for more than 30 years, levels of this contaminant in personal care products have declined “significantly” during this time. 

Is this all a tempest in a teapot? After all, the United States does not prohibit formaldehyde in personal care products. 

In fact, FDA’s Guide To Inspections Of Cosmetic Product Manufacturers specifically mentions the use of “formaldehyde-releasing preservatives” as an example of an adequate preservation system for cosmetic hair products. Nor has FDA banned or placed a limit on dioxane in personal care products. But some other countries have acted. 

According to Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D, NY), the European Union has banned dioxane from all personal care products. Canada and the EU limit formaldehyde in personal care products to 2,000 parts per million – nearly 10 times the levels found in Johnson’s Baby Shampoo. Japan and Sweden have completely banned formaldehyde from these products. 

Last month, Senator Gillibrand introduced a bill that would require FDA to survey a range of cosmetics and personal care products, marketed to or for children, for the presence of dioxane, formaldehyde and several other chemical contaminants, and to report their results to Congress within one year after the bill’s enactment. The Safe Baby Products Act of 2009 is co-sponsored by Senators Charles Schumer, Roland Burris and Dianne Feinstein. 

Based on what we’ve read, the risks posed by the levels of dioxane and formaldehyde found in shampoos and cosmetics appear low. But why should consumers – and especially their children – be exposed to any unnecessary risk? There are alternatives! 

Until J&J and the other named manufacturers take steps to eliminate formaldehyde and dioxane from their products, consumers can – and should – vote with their wallets. 

  • Avoid purchasing any of the brands that were found to contain dioxane.
  • Read the product label. If the ingredients include Quaternium-15, Imidazolidinyl urea (Germall®), Diazolidinyl urea (Germall II®), DMDM hydantoin (Glydant®), Bromonitropropane diol (Bronopol™), or Tris (hydroxymethyl) nitromethane (Tris Nitro®), leave the product on the shelf.


Personal care product manufacturers have a choice. They can wait until a public backlash – or Congress – forces them to reformulate. Or they can make the changes on their own, and reap the marketing benefits.

Eliminating an avoidable product safety risk should be a no-brainer.

Recall Roundup: May 26, 2009

Here is today's list of food safety recalls, product withdrawals and allergy alerts. The live links will take you directly to the official recall notices and company news releases that contain detailed information for each recall and alert.



United States
  • Allergy Alert: Retail distribution list released by USDA for recall of Paisano Meat beef and pork products (Recall #023-2009).

Europe, Including the United Kingdom
  • Drinking Water Alert: Fionn Uisce recalls bottled water due to the presence of E. coli


Some supermarket chains post recall notices on their web sites for the convenience of customers. To see whether a recalled food was carried by your favorite supermarket, follow the live link to the supermarket's recall web site.


*The Kroger umbrella encompasses numerous supermarket, marketplace and convenience store chains, listed on the Kroger corporate home page.


If you would like to receive automatic email alerts for all new articles posted on eFoodAlert, please submit your request using the link on our sidebar.

Sunday, May 24, 2009

Diarrhea Digest: May 24, 2009

Diarrhea Digest is an eFoodAlert feature that presents a periodic snapshot of foodborne and person-to-person gastroenteritis outbreaks from around the world.

One or twice a month, we'll survey the globe and discover what all of us have in common – a shared susceptibility to the bacteria and viruses that cause gastrointestinal disease.


Asia and Africa
  • Bangladesh, May 4 – Unusually high temperatures have triggered a severe outbreak of diarrhea, which has caused more than 1,000 people a day to seek treatment in Dhaka. At least 37 of the victims have died. More than 19,000 patients were admitted to hospital with diarrhea in March of this year, and 23,000 in April. May promises to be no better.
  • India, May 16 – Three children died in the northern state of Haryana, and 80 people have complained of diarrhea. The outbreak is blamed on contaminated water.
  • India, May 23 – Three children attending a wedding celebration in the village of Badavali died after consuming sweets at the function, and an additional 52 people complained of stomach upsets.
  • Malaysia, May 20 – Fried rice supplied by a local restaurant was blamed for an outbreak of food poisoning that affected 31 National Service trainees in a park camp. The food had been brought in from the restaurant after the camp kitchen was ordered closed after failing a health inspection.
  • Pakistan, May 23 – Diarrhea claimed the lives of two seven-year old children in the Sheikh Shahzad refugee camp. 


Australia, New Zealand and Pacific Islands
  • Australia, May 22, 2009 – Health authorities in the states of Victoria and in South Australia have warned about loose, semi-dried tomatoes that may be contaminated with Hepatitis A virus. There have been approximately twice as many hepatitis A cases as usual this year in Victoria (90 so far this year, versus 41 during the same period in 2008). The warning is limited to loose, semi-dried tomatoes sold in oil with herbs and garlic. Tomatoes packed in jars and pouches are not affected.


Europe, Including Russia
  • Kazakhstan, May 22 – An outbreak of what is described as viral enteritis has affected 118 people. The source is thought to be foodborne. The source and nature of the pathogen is under investigation.
  • Russia, May 20 – The incidence of hepatitis A is reported to be on the rise in Ufa, with 200 people hospitalized as a result of infection with this virus since the beginning of May.
  • Ukraine, May 20 – Fourteen people in the city of Kharkov were hospitalized with salmonellosis after eating ice cream that is believed to have been contaminated with Salmonella.  
  • Ukraine, May 23 – Sixty-two pupils at the Kiev Military Lyceum complained of upset stomach, nausea and fever after consuming breakfast at the Lyceum on May 19. All but three of the students have recovered. The source of the food poisoning outbreak is under investigation.
  • United Kingdom, May 22Quaglino's, a London restaurant, closed temporarily for an investigation following the death of a 50-year old woman who consumed oysters at the restaurant during her birthday celebration. Four others who shared the oysters will the victim also felt unwell, but were not seriously ill. 
  • United Kingdom, May 23 – Health officials in Cumbria are warning that farm visitors may be exposing themselves to Cryptosporidium infection. Fifteen individuals have been diagnosed with lab-confirmed cryptosporidiosis so far.


Western Hemisphere
  • Mexico, May 19 – An outbreak of vomiting and diarrhea has hit 25 children in Santa María Matamoras. The source of the outbreak is unknown.
  • United States, May 21 – The Utah Department of Health warned consumers against eating queso fresco cheese may by one or more private individuals. The Mexican-style cheese has been linked to several cases of gastroenteritis caused by Salmonella Newport. The contaminated cheese is believed to be responsible for at least seven illnesses.
  • United States, May 22 – Health authorities in Sedgwick County, Kansas are warning parents of the potential for an outbreak of shigellosis, now that community swimming pools are opening for the season. So far this year, 52 cases have been reported in the county, up from the usual 20 cases. Shigellosis is usually transmitted through water that has been contaminated by feces. Children or adults suffering from diarrhea should stay out of swimming pools.
  • United States, May 23 – Lubbock, Texas, which has been suffering through an 8-month long outbreak of shigellosis, may be in for a reprieve. Lubbock health officials are hoping that the outbreak will die down once public school classes have adjourned for the summer. Perhaps the Lubbock officials should compare notes with their counterparts in Kansas?

 
Please join us again the next edition of Diarrhea Digest.

If you would like to receive automatic email alerts for all new articles posted on eFoodAlert, please submit your request using the link on our sidebar.

Saturday, May 23, 2009

E. coli Claims Another Innocent Life

May 23, 2009

A 7-year old girl will never again play with her friends. She will never skip rope, sing, dance, go swimming, or ride a bicycle. She will never graduate from elementary school. She will never grow up.

All because of E. coli.

Cleveland, OH health officials suspect, but are not yet certain, that her death is linked to contaminated meat recalled on May 21st. Genetic fingerprinting of the E. coli strain that infected her is not yet complete. Nevertheless, they think that her illness might be part of the same outbreak that sickened three other Ohio residents, in addition to an undisclosed number of individuals in Illinois and Pennsylvania.

The ground beef implicated in this outbreak was produced by Valley Meats, LLC (Coal Valley, IL) on March 10, 2009 and distributed across the United States. According to a report in the Detroit Free Press, the meat was sold to institutional customers (such as restaurants and food service establishments) in 11 states. It is likely that most of the nearly 96,000 pounds of recalled meat has already been consumed.

The other three Ohio victims – all of whom have recovered – include a 3-year old girl, and two adult men (24 and 71 years old). Two of them may have become infected after eating at the North Olmsted VFW. Health officials believe that the exposure occurred early in April.

It's possible that this recall may be followed by others, if USDA investigators find that Valley Meats carried over product from one day's grinding to another. And additional cases could be linked to the contaminated meat as health officials compare genetic fingerprints to strains from other "sporadic" cases of E. coli infections. We should know in another week or two. 

How will USDA deal with Valley Meats if the 7-year old's deadly E. coli infection came from their ground beef? Probably with kid gloves, if past experience is any indication. We've seen how effective that approach has been.

What do you think should happen to Valley Meats if this little girl's death is firmly linked to their ground beef? We welcome your suggestions.

Recall Roundup: May 23, 2009

Here is today's list of food safety recalls, product withdrawals and allergy alerts. The live links will take you directly to the official recall notices and company news releases that contain detailed information for each recall and alert.


Pistachio Product Recalls


United States
  • Allergy Alert: Paisano Meat, Inc. (Gardena, CA) recalls approximately 350,000 pounds of beef and pork products that may contain undeclared sulfites
  • Cosmetics Products Alert: Fun Express, Inc. expands its May 12, 2009 recall of face paint items to include two additional face paint colors. The face paints may cause skin irritation, rashes and itchiness. The additional two face paint items are being removed from the marketplace as a precautionary measure.


Europe, Including the United Kingdom
  • Food Safety Alert (UK): Alif Foods ‘Mix Bisar’ spice mix has been found to be contaminated with non permitted color Sudan I, a genotoxic carcinogen that is not permitted in foodstuffs in the UK. The Mix Basar was manufactured in Pakistan and imported into the UK by Alif Foods. The Food Standards Agency has been unable to determine distribution details.


Australia and New Zealand
  • Food Safety Alert (Australia): Health authorities in Victoria and South Australia warn consumers not to eat loose semi-dried tomatoes sold in oil with herbs and garlic at IGA, Foodland, Foodworks and independent delis and cafes. The semi-dried tomatoes may be contaminated with Hepatitis A virus. Semi-dried tomatoes packed in jars or vacuum-packed are not affected by this warning.


Asia, Africa and the Pacific
  • Food Safety Alert (Taiwan): Health authorities have discovered, confiscated and destroyed additional shipments of dried Chinese radishes that were contaminated with formalin or formaldehyde.


Some supermarket chains post recall notices on their web sites for the convenience of customers. To see whether a recalled food was carried by your favorite supermarket, follow the live link to the supermarket's recall web site.


*The Kroger umbrella encompasses numerous supermarket, marketplace and convenience store chains, listed on the Kroger corporate home page.


If you would like to receive automatic email alerts for all new articles posted on eFoodAlert, please submit your request using the link on our sidebar.

Friday, May 22, 2009

NUTRO: Some Unanswered Questions

May 22, 2009

I had an interesting telephone conversation last week with a pleasant customer service representative at Nutro Products by the name of Josie. We were discussing Nutro's new distribution policy for Greenies.

For those who aren't in the know, Greenies are a pet dental chew made by Nutro. Until recently, they were available at veterinary clinics, from pet specialty retailers and in supermarkets. As of May 1st, Nutro has restricted the sale of Greenies to veterinary clinics and pet specialty stores. 

According to Josie, this change was to ensure that pet owners purchase the correct size and harness of Greenie for their pets – pet store and veterinary clinic employees are, she said, specially trained to advise pet owners. 

While speaking with Josie, I also asked about the safety and quality control tests that Nutro carries out routinely on its pet food products. She advised me that the company draws samples every four hours during production and tests for: 

Aflatoxins
Pesticides
Melamine
Salmonella
E. coli

I asked whether Nutro ever tests its ingredients or finished products to ensure the correct levels of nutrients, vitamins, and trace minerals. Josie promised to check with her R&D people and get back to me – or have someone from the R&D department contact me directly.

I still haven't heard from Josie, or from Nutro R&D. But I think that I have my answer.

Yesterday, Nutro Products recalled several varieties of dry cat food, bearing expiration dates between May 12, 2010 and August 22, 2010. The recalled items were manufactured using a trace mineral premix that contained too little potassium and too much zinc. According to the news release,

"This issue was identified during an audit of our documentation from the supplier."

The recall notice raises as many questions as it answers. For example, Nutro claims to test its raw materials, stating,

"Once the raw materials arrive at a Nutro Products facility (or one of our co-manufacturers), they are checked for their quality and consistency and their chemical and nutrient properties are confirmed. These tests conform to all applicable industry standards."

How, then, did the two faulty premix batches get past the testing regimen? 


Nutro also claims a 14-month shelf life for its dry pet foods. Yet cat food with expiry dates up to August 22, 2010 were included in yesterday's recall. That's 15 months away. 

What is the true age of Nutro products that are now on the market?


And, if the distribution policy for Greenies was meant to ensure that cat and dog owners had access to trained store or clinic employees who could direct them to the correct size and variety product for their pets, why are Greenies still sold over the Internet?


Would anyone at Nutro Products, Inc. care to answer?