Human food supply free of contaminated wheat gluten: Importer

The contaminated wheat gluten that prompted an extensive recall of pet food was not used in food for humans, the ingredient's importer confirmed on Tuesday.

Stephen Miller, ChemNutra Inc.'s chief executive officer, said his companydistributed the wheat gluten only to pet food companies. He declined to identify the companies who purchased the wheat gluten.

ChemNutra Inc. imported the wheat gluten from China's Xuzhou Anying Biologic Technology Development Co.

Meanwhile, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration says it's possible more pet foods will be recalled in the coming days as investigators continue to track the distribution of contaminated wheat gluten used in pet food.

'It is impossible for us to say at this time that there won't be additional recalls.' —David Elder, U.S. Food and Drug Administration

Last month, Ontario-based Menu Foods recalled 60 million containers of its "cuts and gravy" style wet pet food, sold under nearly 100 store labels and major brands across North America. Hill's Pet Nutrition Inc., Del Monte Pet Products and Nestle Purina PetCare Co. have also recalled some of their pet food products.

"It is impossible for us to say at this time that there won't be additional recalls. We're continuing to follow the trail," said David Elder, who oversees enforcement in the FDA's office of regulatory affairs, on Monday.

Officials with the FDA said last week that it had found the presence of melamine — a chemical used in plastics, countertops, glue and fertilizers — in test samples of the recalled wet and dry pet food and treats. The chemical was also found in cats who died after eating the contaminated food.

FDA blocks wheat gluten from Chinese company

The FDA on Friday announced it was blocking all imports of wheat gluten from Xuzhou Anying Biologic Technology Development Company Ltd.

"The wheat gluten that is positive for melamine all has come from this manufacturer," said Neal Bataller, director of the division of compliance with the FDA's veterinary medicine office.

But a spokesman for Xuzhou Anying Biologic Technology Development Company Ltd. said the company did not manufacture the gluten but had instead purchased the ingredient from an outside source.

FDA officials said that while they are still tracking the distribution of the contaminated wheat gluten.

Pet food companies print full-page ads

The company that owns Iams and Eukanuba has announced it is running full-page ads in 59 North American newspapers on Tuesday and Wednesday, outlining the steps they've taken to address the problem.

"This is a very confusing situation, and we intend to do our very best to inform our customers and personally contact each and every one of those who call us," said Dan Rajczak, the company's general manager, in the letter.

The company says it isworking alongside the U.S. FDA and with retailers to ensure the effectiveness of the recall. It is also consulting with veterinarians.

Three pet food companies issue recalls

The Canadian division of Del Monte Foods announced Monday it was recalling its Jerky Treats Beef Flavour Dog Snacks with the best before date of Aug. 16, 2008. In the U.S., Del Monte Pet Products has recalled its Jerky Treats Beef Flavour Dog Snacks, Gravy Train Beef Sticks Dog Snacks and Pounce Meaty Morsels Moist Chicken Flavor Cat Treats.

Del Monte's announcement immediately follows the weekend recall of one of the best-known brands of dog food, Purina. The company pulled its Alpo Prime Cuts in Gravy product from U.S. store shelves. The product was not sold in Canada.

Hill's Pet Nutrition said last Friday its Prescription Diet m/d Feline dry cat food included the tainted wheat gluten. The FDA said the source was the same company. Hill's, a division of Colgate-Palmolive Co., is so far the only company to recall any dry pet food. The cat food in question is sold in both Canada and the United States.

The FDA traced the problem to melamine after pet owners grew concerned about apparent kidney failure in their cats and dogs. There have been 16 confirmed cases of animals dying in the U.S. after eating Menu Foods products.