A Recall and a Rumor

After the pet food recalls of 2007, I'm sure most of us are much more aware of the dangers that foods, treats, and products can pose to our pets (as well to to us!). The unpleasant truth is that even after so many of us - especially professional writers - created a huge fuss over the lack of official response to these problems and recalls, problems still exist. Not only are many recalls slow to happen, but ingredients that are potentially a problem are still in foods. I can't believe that melamine, which was one of the problems in the 2007 pet food recalls, was the source of baby food poisonings and recalls in China in 2008! The last time I checked, more than 65,000 babies had been hospitalized with no official count of how many died and how many will have permanent kiver and or kidney problems.

One of the latest food problems is in regards to peanuts and peanut butter. In mid-January, it was announced that people were getting sick and dying due to peanuts and peanut butter infected with salmonella. Many people with pets will recognise salmonella as the bacteria that aquatic turtles may carry. In fact, that is why it is now illegal to buy those tiny quarter sized red eared sliders that used to be for sale everywhere. When cared for incorrectly (left dirty) these turtles to transmit salmonella to the people who handled them; especially children who might put their hands in their mouths.

It turns out the Peanut Corporation of America was the source of the salmonella. Although many human foods were infected and recalled, as of this writing only PetSmart's Grreat Choice dog biscuits have been recalled. If I hear of any other products, I will post that news here.

Unfortunately, news of dangers travels fast and that includes false news or rumors. One of the ones I heard recently concerns the Swiffer floor cleaning system. According to Snopes.com (as excellent source of true or false rumors) the Swiffer floor care systems are safe for pets, even if pets walk on the floor and lick their paws afterwards. If you have any concerns, go to http://www.snopes.com/critters/crusader/swiffer.asp

As always,

Liz