PET FOOD CONTAMINANT LINKED TO KIDNEY FAILURE

The Menu Foods recall scare has passed, but closer monitoring of food quality and contaminants is still causing periodic recalls. A synopsis of the ongoing events can be found listed below.  For the most current food recall information, please visit the AVMA website.

At least 220 products were included in the recalled products.

The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) provided up-to-date information about the pet food recall on their website and issued many press releases throughout the crisis to keep the veterinary profession and the public informed (see below): http://www.avma.org/aa/menufoodsrecall/default.asp.

In addition, a TIMELINE for the 2007 Pet Food Recall crisis is available in the Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2007_pet_food_crisis

(5/1/07) Melamine and Cyanuric Acid Interaction May Play Part in Illness and Death from Recalled Pet Food

Press release from the AVMA (SCHAUMBURG, Ill.) May 1, 2007—Tests conducted on contaminated pet food and necropsies from affected animals have resulted in a new theory to explain how animals are being adversely affected by contaminated pet foods. A chemical reaction between melamine and cyanuric acid is suspected of forming crystals and blocking kidney function.
The investigation into contaminated pet food has focused on melamine contamination of ingredients imported from China, such as wheat gluten, rice protein concentrate and corn gluten (imported into South Africa).  It is now believed that cyanuric acid, as well as melamine, has been found in urine samples from animals that died.
Analysis of the crystals in the kidneys of affected animals have revealed that they are approximately 70 percent cyanuric acid and 30 percent melamine, and are extremely insoluble.  Furthermore, tests mixing melamine and cyanuric acid in samples of cat urine resulted in almost immediate formation of crystals that were identical to crystals found in the kidneys of affected animals. Two other melamine- related substances—ammelide and ammeline—may also play roles and are under investigation.
As the recalls continue, the AVMA reminds pet owners and veterinarians that over 98 percent of pet foods are still deemed safe and haven’t been recalled. The FDA is currently testing 100 percent of wheat gluten, rice protein concentrate, corn gluten, corn meal, soy protein, and rice bran being imported from China for these contaminants.  The most recent pet food recalls have been undertaken proactively, due to the association with involved ingredients and suppliers rather than the result of complaints that animals that have consumed the food become ill. 
Most affected cats and dogs are recovering through use of standard fluid therapy and supportive care.

A comprehensive AVMA Pet Food Recall List is available at http://www.avma.org/aa/menufoodsrecall/products.asp. The AVMA Pet Food Recall List contains all recall information that has come to the attention of the AVMA, but it is not guaranteed to be complete. The AVMA encourages all concerned to contact the specific manufacturer regarding the status of any particular pet food or treat.
For more information, please visit the AVMA web site at www.avma.org.
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Pictures of the agglomeration of cyanuric acid and melamine crystals in affected urine are available here: http://www.labservices.uoguelph.ca/urgent.cfm