The recall occurred after reports surfaced regarding sickened pets after the consumption of the food. It covers "cuts-and-gravy"-style wet dog and cat food sold in small pouches and cans and marketed under brand names including Purina, IAMS, Eukanuba and Purina. In many instances kidney failure and even death was the outcome of consumption of the Menu Food's dog and cat food.

The contaminated pet food was produced in Menu Foods' Emporia, Kansas facility between early December 2006 and March 2007. It is unsure thus far what part of the food is tainted; some reports cite tainted wheat gluten, but consumers will not know until further tests have been conducted by the federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Menu Foods. The FDA is reporting that at least 13 animals have died due to the tainted pet food, but consumers across the country are reporting even more deaths of dogs and cats after eating tainted Menu Foods pet food.

The news has panicked pet owners, who have overloaded veterinary telephone lines and are watching their dogs and cats' symptoms with concern. Kidney failure in pets is usually accompanied by foul breath, reduced appetite, vomiting, lethargic behavior or other signs of illness. It is advisable for pet owners to immediately stop providing the Menu Food to their pets and contact the company for a refund, according to the FDA.

Because of the recall, many are asking about the standards as well as quality control regulations among the pet food industry. While food intended for human consumption must be carefully regulated, the pet food industry sets its own testing standards and is more self-policing than the mainstream food industry. In fact, FDA inspectors had never even been to the plant that is suspected to have produced the tainted food; the FDA places human food and health at a higher priority than those of pets. However, the adverse affects have already taken a toll on those pets that have been fed the tainted food. food now subject to the pet food recall.

Since the recall affects 53 dog food brands and 42 cat food brands with varying UPC codes, visit Menu Foods' recall website at www.menufoods.com/recall to determine whether you have purchased food subject to the pet food recall. Menu Foods has also set up a recall information hotline at 1-866-895-2708. Immediately contact your veterinarian if your cat or dog is showing any of the symptoms stated above after consuming the tainted food.

It is important to speak with an attorney who is experienced in unsafe products if your pet had been sickened by the tainted food or if the animal died because of the cuts and gravy Menu Food. Receiving monetary compensation is a potential outcome.