Because of recent pet food recalls issued by numerous pet food manufacturers, many manufacturers and retailers are taking a hard look at their products and the possibility of contamination by an industrial chemical. One of the first companies to voluntarily recall their products on the suspicion of contamination was Del Monte Pet Products, based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. This Del Monte pet food recall included some of its more popular products and included food for both dogs and cats.

What Products Are Included In The Recall?
The company issued a complete list of products affected by the Del Monte pet food recall. The products include Jerky Treats, Gravy Train Beef Sticks, Pounce Meaty Morsels, and a number of private label offerings from the company.

The Del Monte pet food recall was issued immediately after the US Food and Drug Administration notified the company of a contamination found in ingredients imported from China that are used in the production of many types of pet food. The ingredient that was responsible for the Del Monte pet food recall was wheat gluten, an additive that increases the protein content of various types of pet food.

How Were The Products Contaminated?
The chemical contaminate that caused the Del Monte pet food recall and many additional recalls from other companies that manufacture pet food is an industrial chemical called melamine. Melamine is not approved for the use of food manufacture, regardless of whether the food is intended for humans or pets. The investigation into the cause of the contamination is still under investigation by the US Food and Drug Administration and any new information will be released to the public as it is discovered. Del Monte Pet Products and numerous other pet food manufacturers are cooperating fully with the investigation.

Only the products directly mentioned in the Del Monte pet food recall included the contaminated ingredients and those products were produced in a limited quantity over a three month period. The company did not use wheat gluten manufactured by the Chinese facility prior to the period included in the Del Monte pet food recall and has discontinued using products from the facility in the production of their pet food varieties. Other manufacturers have also canceled their shipments from the Chinese manufacturing facility.

Any product that is contained in the Del Monte pet food recall list should be discarded immediately or returned to Del Monte Pet Products or place of purchase for a full refund. The number of pets that have been sickened or have died as a result of eating the contaminated products is unknown, but the swift action of the Del Monte pet food recall and recalls by other pet food manufacturers has undoubtedly saved the lives of many beloved animal companions.

If any pet owner believes that their pet may have consumed some of the contaminated products, it may be best to have them checked out by a veterinarian as soon as possible to avoid severe ill effects.