Health study prompts recall of famous dog, cat food brand

Health study prompts recall of famous dog, cat food brand

The Jakarta Post, Jakarta

The distributor of well-known dog and cat food, PT Effem
Indonesia, the local branch of U.S.-based Effem Foods voluntarily
recalled several products from the market starting Friday over
concerns as to the quality of raw materials used at Effem Foods
facility in Thailand.

In a media release, the multinational's country representative
announced that the recalls were ordered immediately after traces
of mold were discovered in two kinds of raw materials at the
Pakchong plant last Wednesday.

The plant stopped operation on March 6 after the U.S.-based
parent company linked the consumption of Pedigree Dry dog food to
the increasing number of pets suffering from kidney disease.

In a claimed prudence control, the recall applies not only to
Pedigree Dry dog food, but also Whiskas Dry cat food and other
dog treats such as Pedigree Dog's Delight Ringo, Pedigree Dog's
Delight Tasty Bone as well as Pedigree Puppy Biscuit dog treats,
which are all produced in Thailand.

The products were sold in six Southeast Asian countries, South
Korea and Japan.

"We are taking this action out of an abundance of caution and
in the best interests of our customers and their pets," Effem
Foods regional scientific affairs manager Duncan Hall said in the
statement.

"This is the right thing to do to eliminate any concerns about
the quality and safety of these products, and to ensure the
health of our customers' pets."

Effem Indonesia suggested costumers to check the product label
on packages for information as to where it was produced as the
company had only recalled products from its Thai plant.

In Indonesia, most Pedigree Dry dog foods on the market are
produced in Australia.

Effem Indonesia promised a full refund for all unopened,
purchased products.

Customers should visit www.pedigreeinfo.com or call (021)
890541 for further information.