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.