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Consumer Update |
FDA is investigating an imported shipment of rice protein concentrate that has been found to contain melamine. The rice protein concentrate may have been used as an ingredient in some pet foods. Melamine is the same industrial chemical that was found in wheat gluten imported from China and used in pet food made by Menu Foods, which recalled 60 million cans and pouches of dog and cat food in mid-March of 2007.
Specialists at FDA headquarters and in 8 FDA district offices are investigating the rice protein. So far, FDA has established the following:
FDA investigators have obtained records showing distribution of the rice protein concentrate to 5 pet food manufacturers in 7 locations. Investigators are currently inspecting all 5 manufacturers and collecting additional samples for testing.
In a related development, the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) issued a press release on April 19, 2007, stating that its laboratory testing had detected melamine in urine from hogs at the American Hog Farm in Ceres, Calif. Due to the involvement of animal feed, FDA is working with CDFA on this development.
FDA continues to work comprehensively to protect the nation's pet food, as well as to conduct a full investigation to determine any impact on the human food supply. The agency is now sampling all rice protein concentrate from China and continues to sample all wheat gluten imported from China. The agency is ready to increase its surveillance of other products if necessary.
For a list of recalled pet food searchable by brand name, description, UPC code, and type of container, see www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/petfoodrecall/.
For more information on the pet food recall, see www.fda.gov/oc/opacom/hottopics/petfood.html.
Hog Meat Safe to Eat, Testing Shows (May 16, 2007)
Low Risk of Illness From Food Containing Melamine (May 14, 2007)
FDA and USDA Investigate Tainted Animal Feed (May 1, 2007)
FDA's Ongoing Pet Food Investigation (April 16, 2007)
Date Posted: April 23, 2007