Merrick Beef Filet Squares

Letter sent to Mr. Merrick from the FDA:

Garth Merrick, CEO and Owner
Tejas Industries Inc.
110 Merrick Lane
Hereford, Texas 79045

Dear Mr. Merrick:

On December 2, 2009, FDA collected a sample of Merrick Beef Filet Squares manufactured by your Plainview, Texas facility and repackaged by your Hereford, Texas facility. Analysis of this dog chew revealed the product to be contaminated with Salmonella meleagridis. Representatives of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) conducted inspections of your pet treat manufacturing facility located at 901 County Rd Y, Plainview, Texas 79073, on December 29-31, 2009, and your pet treat packaging facility located at 1977 E US Highway 60, Hereford, Texas 79045 on December 28-29,2009 and on January 13-14, 2010. These inspections confirmed that you offered pet treats for sale as food that were adulterated within the meaning of section 402(a)(1) of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (the Act), 21 U.S.C. 342(a)(1) and 402(a)(4) of the Act, 21 U.S.C. 342(a)(4). You can find the Act and its associated regulations on the Internet through links on the FDA web page at www.fda.qov.

Pet treats bearing or containing Salmonella spp., including Salmonella meleagridis, a known animal and human pathogen posing an acute danger to human and or animal health, are considered adulterated within the meaning of section 402(a)(1) of the Act, 21 U.S.C. 342(a)(1). A food, including food for animals, is adulterated within the meaning of section 402(a)(4) of the Act, 21 U.S.C. 342(a)(4), if it has been prepared, packed or held under insanitary conditions whereby it may have become contaminated with filth or may have been rendered injurious to health. Our inspections revealed that the manufacturing processes used by your firm to manufacture pet treats are not controlled and that contamination of these products may occur through inadequate treatment or through recontamination of the treated products due to improper storage or handling after processing.

Specifically, your firm could not provide evidence that your manufacturing processes eliminate pathogens such as Salmonella during processing because your firm does not consistently monitor critical factors in the process such as time and temperature; nor could you provide evidence demonstrating that recontamination was not likely to occur post-processing. Further, your firm could not provide evidence supporting the adequacy of your in-house sampling and testing program, for example, explaining the location and number of samples collected for each lot of finished product.


We recognize that your firm initiated a voluntary recall of Merrick Beef Filet Squares by letter to your customers dated January 11, 2010. The recall was initiated following FDA sampling and your firm's internal sampling, both of which revealed the presence of Salmonella. However, your recall strategy may be determined to be ineffective to the consumer level for the following reasons:

• Your firm delayed your public communication to alert consumers who may have the recalled product in their possession until after FDA issued an FDA Health Alert on January 14, 2010.

• Your recall communications to distributors, retailers, and consumers only included case lot coding 9323, which was different from the lot coding on some of the individual bags. Due to a labeling error, some of the affected bags were coded with the lot code 9333.

• Your recall letter did not identify the hazard involved. Your letter to wholesale and retail consignees indicated the product was recalled because it "may not have been processed properly." Recalls can be less effective if the recall communication does not concisely explain the reason for recall and the hazard involved.

Click here to read the entire letter

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Facebook Contests!

Have you joined us on Facebook yet? We have reached 100 fans and are running a few freebie contests! Join in on the fun!

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Dr. Jane Conference Call Tonight on Dog/Cat Skin Problems

Join Dr. Jane this evening for a conference call!
Wednesday, June 30th at 8:30 p.m. EST

Summer is with us in full force. It’s the time of year when both dogs and cats experience increased skin problems, often leading to furious scratching that can be quite painful and sometimes resulting in self-injury. Many pet parents feel helpless when it comes to reducing itching and improving the health of their companion animals’ skin. Fortunately, there are several ways to help alleviate the suffering of beloved four-footers.

In tonight's “Ask Dr. Jane” conference call, our very own pet product formulator will share helpful tips that can help minimize the discomfort associated with canine and feline skin problems.

We encourage you to join Dr. Jane for what promises to be a call full of beneficial information, and look forward to your participation tomorrow night at 8:30 p.m. EST.
New Conference Call System

Please follow the instructions below to participate:

We are happy to announce a new conference call system that gives you the choice to participate in the calls by phone or online. This new system is not only flexible, but it could even save you money! Here's how it works:

Each announcement email will contain a unique conference call link. Click on the link a few minutes before the scheduled call. (If you click on it more than one hour before the call, you will simply get a reminder of when the upcoming call will take place.) The link will open a web page that says "Click here to listen in". When clicked, you will have the option to "Listen Live via Web" or "Listen Live via Phone", as noted below:

If you choose "Listen Live via Phone", you have two options:
You can use this general conference call number and ID: (561) 515-1695 and 224012#
Or, you can dial one of the local phone numbers. On the "Listen Live via Phone" web page, click on the link that says "local dial-in numbers". If you find an appropriate local number, then you may not have to pay long distance charges. Use ID 224012# with local call numbers.


If you choose "Listen Live via Web", keep the following in mind:
There are no phone charges.
This is basically a broadcast option since you will not have the ability to speak. The only way to comment or ask a question is by typing into a instant-message box.
Click here to listen live this evening!

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Probiotic Eleven - On Sale This Week!

$2 off or Buy 4 and Get 1 Free
Probiotic Eleven


Benefits:
•Helps relieve ocasional gastrointestinal distress, such as diarrhea.
•Populates the gut with beneficial microflora.
•Supports digestion.
•Aids in the elimination of toxins.
•Improves immune system functions.
•Regulates intestinal functions.

Probiotic Eleven® [Intestinal, Digestive, Immune] represents a unique combination of healthful probiotics to help maintain and replenish intestinal supply. These microorganisms perform essential functions in the body and are affected by aging, adverse intestinal pH, microbial interactions, environmental and dietary temperatures, stress, physiological factors, peristalsis, bile acids, host secretions and immune responses.

Probiotic Eleven provides 11 species of live microorganisms that exert many beneficial health effects. Among other things, they support digestion, promote immunity and aid in the elimination of toxins. Probiotics also help regulate intestinal functions and can greatly support colon function. This specially formulated blend contains strains of important gut-beneficial organisms and prebiotics (non-digestible foodstuffs, including fiber) that serve as food for the probiotics in the colon. Clinical studies have shown that short- and long-chain fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS) may improve growth of friendly microorganisms, enhance mineral absorption, support bowel health and function, and promote immune function.

Ingredients include deleted strains of Bifidobacterium bifidum, B. infantis, B. longum, Lactobacillus bulgaricus, L. brevis, L. plantarum, L. rhamnosus, L. salivarius, Streptococcus thermophilus, L. acidophilus, L. casei and inulin.

Click here to order and to see all sale items

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Dog Vitamin Recall

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE –- June 22, 2010 – United Pet Group, Cincinnati, Ohio is voluntarily recalling all unexpired lots of its PRO-PET ADULT DAILY VITAMIN Supplement tablets for Dogs due to possible Salmonella contamination. The Food and Drug Administration is aware of this recall.

The product was sold nationally at various retailers. The product comes in 100-count white plastic bottles with a light blue label, and UPC code 26851-01800. These products are being removed from retail stores and consumers should immediately stop feeding these supplements to their pets. The affected products are those with expiration dates on or before "06/13". The expiration date can be found imprinted vertically on the right side of the product label.

Laboratory testing has revealed that one Lot of this vitamin product was contaminated with Salmonella. The company is recalling all unexpired Lots of the product out of an abundance of caution.

Pets with Salmonella infections may be lethargic and have diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever, and vomiting. Some pets will have only decreased appetite, fever and abdominal pain. Infected but otherwise healthy pets can be carriers and infect other animals or humans. If your pet has consumed the recalled product and has these symptoms, please contact your veterinarian. Click here for full details

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Heat Related Injuries - Dogs

It's been so hot here already this Spring that I can only imagine the summer being just as miserable! Here's some awesome information on heat stroke and your dogs:

Avoiding Heat Related Injuries in Dogs
by: Nate Baxter DVM

The first thing that needs to be understood is that dogs and people are
different enough that most of the info cannot cross lines. I do not profess to
know what the appropriate procedures for people other than what I learned
in first aid.

Dogs do not lose enough electrolytes thru exercise to make a difference, but if
the dog gets truly into heat stroke the physiology changes will make them
necessary. BUT oral replacement at that point is futile, they need IV and lots of
it.

Cooling: Evaporative cooling is the most efficient mean of cooling.
However, in a muggy environment, the moisture will not evaporate so cooling
does not happen well. I cool with the coldest water I can find and will use ice
depending on the situation. The best way is to run water over the dog, so there
is always fresh water in contact. When you immerse a dog in a tub, the water
trapped in the hair coat will get warm next to the dog, and act as an insulator
against the cool water and cooling stops. If you can run water over the dog and
place it in front of a fan that is the best. Misting the dog with water will only help if you are in a dry environment or in front of a fan. Just getting the dog wet is not the point, you want the water to be cool itself, or to evaporate.
Read the entire article

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Natural Balance Recall

Natural Balance Pet Foods, Inc., of Pacoima, CA, announces a voluntary recall of Natural Balance Sweet Potato & Chicken Dry Dog Food with the "Best By" date of June 17, 2011, in 5-lb. and 28-lb. bags because it has the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella.

Read the entire article

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Insect Shield Bandana

A ton of stores are selling it but as usual, most of them don’t test the products or seem to care too much if it harms anybody. I didn’t find even one store online who listed the poison used in the banana, I’m sure it has to be listed on the package. I looked at two pages of stores online who carry this and not one posted what the poison is or any cautions with using this product. I’d guess that’s not because they’re mean or anything, they just don’t think about things the same way I do. There wouldn’t be so many recalls, deaths and illnesses today if everyone would be a bit more discerning about the products that they sell. They simply trust that it’s made for a purpose and sell it without thinking about what might happen to their customers.

The bandanna has poison, Permethrin, in it which isn’t supposed to wash out for up to 70 washes. That would make it the most strong in the first 30 days if you washed it every day, wouldn’t it? How much poison is that? The bandanna is imported so not made in the USA. Some online sites say it can’t be shipped to Canada, perhaps because of the poison.

Permethrin, like all synthetic pyrethroids, is a neurotoxin. Symptoms include tremors, incoordination, elevated body temperature, increased aggressive behavior, and disruption of learning. Laboratory tests suggest that permethrin is more acutely toxic to children than to adults. Read the entire article

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Healthy Pet Net/Life's Abundance

The same great products, all under one name.

Life’s Abundance is the name you trust for top-quality pet products. And soon, it will be the only name you need to remember for all of our superior goods.

We have begun the process of renaming our company and rebranding all of our products after our most popular brand, Life’s Abundance. In the coming months, you will notice gradual changes as we complete the transition. Soon, everything from sales orders, to email notifications, credit card statements, newsletters and shipping boxes will display the Life’s Abundance name. Furthermore, all of our product lines will change to Life’s Abundance in a much more gradual process, which we hope to complete in 2011.

Everything else, including company ownership and management, will remain the same. We will continue to offer the same safe and effective health-promoting products for you and your companion animals. And you will still enjoy the same superior service from the customer service team you’ve come to trust.

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Feline Inappropriate Elimination

Feline idiopathic cystitis (FIC) is the most common lower urinary tract disorder diagnosed in cats. Symptoms can include painful urination, urination outside the litter box and blood in the urine. Stress is a significant factor in the incidence of FIC. Veterinary researchers have determined that cats with highly sensitized nervous and endocrine systems are more prone to FIC. Research indicates that felines suffering from FIC may experience high levels of stress without exhibiting any noticeable symptoms. Fortunately, there are specific alterations to your home and changes you can make in your cat’s daily routine that can help to prevent mental and physical stress. Read the entire article

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Take your dog to work day, June 25.

First celebrated in 1999, Take Your Dog To Work Day was created to celebrate the great companions dogs make and to encourage their adoption from humane societies, animal shelters and breed rescue clubs. This annual event asks pet lovers to celebrate the humane-canine bond and promote pet adoption by encouraging their employers to support TYDTWDay by opening their workplace to employees’ four-legged friends on this one special day.

GO FURRY to promote pet adoption on Friday, June 25

On Friday June 25, 2010, businesses, animal shelters and pet-care professionals from around the world will work together to better the lives of shelter dogs everywhere. Thousands of businesses will GO FURRY to promote pet adoption by opening their doors to employees’ furry, four-legged friends on this day in celebration of the great companions dogs make. Read the entire article

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Iams Announces Recall

For Immediate Release
June 9, 2010


P&G Recalls Specific Canned Cat Foods
Due to Low Levels of Thiamine (Vitamin B1)

CINCINNATI, June 9, 2010 - The Procter & Gamble Company (P&G) (NYSE:PG) is voluntarily recalling specific lots of its Iams canned cat food in North America as a precautionary measure. Diagnostic testing indicated that the product may contain insufficient levels of thiamine (Vitamin B1), which is essential for cats. Cats that were fed these canned products as their only food are at greater risk for developing signs of thiamine deficiency.

The following Iams canned cat foods are included:

Iams ProActive Health canned Cat and Kitten Food - all varieties of 3 oz & 5.5 oz cans, 09/2011 to 06/2012

This recall is limited to only Iams canned cat food distributed in North America. No other Iams pet food is involved.

Early signs of thiamine deficiency may include loss of appetite, salivation, vomiting and weight loss. In advanced cases, signs may include ventroflexion (downward curving) of the neck, wobbly gait, falling, circling and seizures. Contact your veterinarian immediately if your cat is displaying any of these signs. If treated promptly, thiamine deficiency is typically reversible.



Consumers who have purchased canned cat food with these codes should discard it. For further information or a product refund call P&G toll-free at 877-340-8826 (Monday - Friday, 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM EST).

Read the entire article

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Vitamin E

by Jane Bicks, DVM

As a holistic veterinarian, I feel it is incredibly important to take the whole animal into consideration when it comes to nutrition. And, whenever practical, my preference is to provide nutrients, minerals and vitamins in their natural forms. In this post, I’d like to talk to you specifically about vitamin E, to review both the strengths and weaknesses of natural and synthetic forms. Read the entire article

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Affordable Pet Insurance

You already do what you can nutritionally to keep your companion animal healthy. But, if your pet isn’t covered by a health insurance policy, you run the risk of financial setbacks in the future.

With low monthly payments and minimal co-pays, our coverage makes quality vet care possible for everyone. Policies range from simple accidental coverage to more comprehensive protection, including illness, surgery, hospitalization and wellness care.

Plan for a healthier future together. Enjoy the confidence that comes from having quality, affordable pet health coverage. Click here to get a no obligation quote

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Pet Microchip Look Up

The AAHA offers a site where all microchips can be looked up. Click here for microchip look up. This is a great idea because there are so many chip "brands" available today. Having your pet microchipped can potentially save it's life. That was my experience a few months ago when our cat had gotten outside and was attacked by dogs and subsequently picked up by the Animal Shelter. They scanned her and were immediately able to get in touch with me to go and get her. It literally saved her life.

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