Purina Recalls Dog Treats Over Antibiotic Residue
(CBS) -- Nestle Purina PetCare and its subsidiary Waggin' Train LLC have announced a voluntary recall of Waggin' Train and Canyon Creek Ranch brand dog treats sold in the U-S. A separate recall involves Milo's Kitchen dog treats.
The action comes after the discovery in New York State of trace amounts of antibiotic residue in samples of Waggin' Train and Canyon Creek Ranch chicken jerky products. According to the company, those antibiotics are only approved for use in poultry in China and some European Union member states.
Investigators in New York say their investigation involves numerous complaints about the jerky treats that have made pets sick and even die. One report estimated at least 360 pet deaths and thousands of illnesses. The Food and Drug Administration has issued three warnings over the past five years about the possible risks associated with the treats.
Dogs suffer from kidney failure and other symptoms include vomiting and diarrhea.
In a statement from Nestle Purina-Waggin' Train, the company president, Nina Leigh Krueger, said "All of us at Waggin' Train care deeply about pets and their owners, and the quality of our products is of the utmost importance. Waggin' Train has served millions of pets and their owners very well. In the final analysis, our Company and our loyal consumers must have total confidence in the products we sell and feed our pets. Once we understand and determine how to comply with the technicalities of different regulatory frameworks, we will work with all appropriate parties to define the best way to supply the market."
According to the company, the trace amounts of antibiotic residue do not pose a health or safety risk to pets and no other Purina treats or pet food products are affected. For product refund or more information, consumers can call (800) 982-0704 or go to www.waggintrainbrand.com.
Milo's Kitchen has also announced a voluntary recall of its Chicken Jerky and Chicken Grillers home-style dog treats from retailer shelves nationally. No other Milo's Kitchen products are affected.
