More on Diamond Dog Food
Pet Food Product Recall Updates
01/12/2006
Diamond Pet Foods Statement on Detection of Aflatoxin in Grain Prior to Recall
Meta, Mo. (Jan.12, 2006) – Diamond Pet Foods has seen media reports implying that our company knowingly distributed finished products containing toxic levels of aflatoxin. These reports are false and misleading.
Prior to the initiation of our current voluntary recall, Diamond Pet Foods had no indication that any finished products manufactured by our Gaston, S.C. facility contained toxic levels of aflatoxin.
What we did know is there was a higher prevalence of aflatoxin in last year's corn crop. This information was communicated by many state Departments of Agriculture because of the weather conditions the corn crop experienced during its growing season. These conditions included severe drought followed by high moisture, which contributed to the growth of this fungus in the crop.
Diamond Pet Foods has stringent testing procedures to test loads of corn as they arrive. Last year, our company was rejecting one to two shipments of corn each week because testing revealed high levels of aflatoxin. However, even with stringent testing protocols, aflatoxin can exist in pockets and be missed.
We have strengthened our testing procedures on incoming shipments of corn, and initiated final product testing as an additive step to our procedures. This additional step will provide an extra layer of protection prior to the bagging and shipping of our products.
We know this is a tragic situation for our customers. But we will continue to do the right thing and be fair and consistent with all who are affected.
01/11/2006
Contaminated Diamond Pet Food Products and "Best By" Dates Narrowed
META, Mo. – Jan. 11, 2006 – Based on analytical sampling of finished product lots retained by Diamond Pet Foods, the company has been able to narrow products and "Best By" dates affected by aflatoxin.
Testing of more than 2,700 finished product samples conducted by independent laboratories confirms that only Diamond Maintenance Dog and Diamond Premium Adult Dog with "Best By" dates of April 3, April 4, April 5, and April 11, 2007, are potentially toxic. These products also will have a capital "G" (in reference to the company's Gaston, S.C., facility) in the 11th or 12th position of the date code (18 lb. to 55 lb. bags). The capital "G" will be in the 9th position on smaller 4 lb. to 8 lb. bags.
Test results for all other products have not been toxic.
As a proactive precautionary measure, Chicken Soup for the Pet Lover's Soul and Premium Edge brands have been tested and are negative for aflatoxin. It is important for consumers to note that Chicken Soup for the Pet Lover's Soul and Premium Edge brands are not included in the product recall.
"This testing will help our customers better identify products affected," said Mark Brinkmann, chief operations officer, Diamond Pet Foods.
Brinkmann also stressed that products included in the original voluntary recall should be returned to retailers. For complete information on the product recall, please refer to the company's Web site, www.diamondpet.com.
On December 21, Diamond Pet Foods initiated a voluntary recall of all products containing corn produced at its Gaston, S.C., facility and distributed to 23 states in the eastern U.S. The only states affected by the recall are Alabama, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Mississippi, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, West Virginia, Vermont and Virginia.
12/30/2005
Media Advisory
Because of testing conducted by officials in North Carolina, Diamond Pet Foods has added Diamond Professional for Adult Dogs to the list of recalled products manufactured in our Gaston, S.C. facility and distributed in the eastern U.S.
The product, Diamond Professional for Adult Dogs, contains a "Best By" date of January 29, 2007.
Testing performed by the North Carolina agriculture department showed a single bag of the product contained high levels of aflatoxin. The product was discontinued in August of this year.
According to Mark Brinkmann, chief operations officer for Diamond Pet Foods, the company will continue working closely with state officials and will not hesitate to take action if testing warrants.
Customers should return any unused product to their retailers and should consult their veterinarian if pets show any signs of illness. Complete information can be found at www.diamondpet.com, or by calling the Diamond Pet Foods Customer Information Center toll-free at 1-866-214-6945.
12/28/2005
Product Testing Update
Testing completed at independent laboratories confirms products included in
the recall with "Best By" dates of June 1-10, 2007, are not contaminated with aflatoxin. These products remain on the recall list, however, and customers should return any unused products to their retailer for a full
refund.
The company was extremely precautious and cast a wide net to ensure all contaminated products were included in the recall. This included recalling products with date codes several weeks before and beyond the suspected target dates for affected product.
Diamond Pet Foods will continue to post updated information as it becomes available.
12/27/2005
Important Customer Information
Due to the discovery of aflatoxin, Diamond Pet Foods has issued a voluntary recall of certain pet food products manufactured in our Gaston, S.C. facility and distributed to states in the eastern U.S.
If you suspect your pet has symptoms associated with aflatoxin, please consult your veterinarian immediately.
We are experiencing an exceptionally high rate of emails and telephone calls in response to the recall. To help answer many of your questions, please review the information contained on this Web site. We appreciate your understanding and pledge to provide updated information on a timely basis.
12/26/2005
Diamond Pet Foods Opens Customer Information Center
Meta, Mo. (Dec. 26, 2005)? Diamond Pet Foods today announced the opening of a toll-free Customer Information Center to provide up-to-date information on the diagnosis and treatment of pets that may be affected by the company's pet food recall in the eastern U.S.
Customers can contact the Information Center toll-free at 1-866-214-6945 to receive complete information on pet health concerns, along with a listing of the products and specific eastern states included in the recall. The Information Center will be open seven days a week from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. EST.
According to Mark Brinkmann, General Manager, Diamond Pet Foods, the Information Center is a vital link to answering customer questions and providing them with the assistance they need to protect the health of their pets.
"We want to make sure our customers receive complete assistance and get all their questions answered as quickly as possible," Brinkmann said. "The Customer Information Center allows customers to speak directly to a veterinarian who can answer health-related questions and provide complete information about the products included in the recall. We're committed to providing the most up-to-date information we receive, and will take aggressive steps to help our customers, retailers and distributors."
Only those states that receive products from the company's Gaston, S.C., facility are included in the recall. Those states are Alabama, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Mississippi, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Vermont, Virginia and West Virginia.
Products included in the recall can be identified by the Date Code and "Best By" dates listed on the back panel of the package. Recalled products will have a capital "G" (in reference to Gaston) in the 11th or 12th position of the date code (18 lb. to 55 lb. bags), and "Best By" dates between March 1, 2007 and June 10, 2007. The capital "G" will be in the 9th position on smaller 4 lb. to 8 lb. bags.
A complete list of products included in the recall is posted on the company's web site at www.diamondpet.com. Clinical signs of aflatoxin include loss of appetite, yellow whites of the eyes, yellow gums, yellow in the belly or areas where hair is very thin, severe, persistent vomiting combined with bloody diarrhea, discolored urine, or fever. If your pet exhibits any of these signs, please consult your veterinarian immediately.
Based in Meta, Mo., family-owned Diamond Pet Foods was founded in 1970. Diamond is one of the nation's leading manufacturers of super-premium dog and cat food and the top choice of professional breeders, sporting and working dog owners and family pet owners.
12/22/2005
Diamond Pet Foods Issues Product Recall
GASTON, S.C., Dec. 22, 2005 -- Due to the discovery of aflatoxin in a product manufactured in its Gaston facility, Diamond Pet Foods has issued a voluntary recall of certain pet food products.
Products included in the recall contain a capital "G" in the 11th or 12th position in the date codes, along with best buy dates between March 1, 2007 and June 10, 2007. Company officials said a complete listing of brands affected by the voluntary recall is posted on the company?Äôs Web site, www.diamondpet.com. The firm's Web site will be updated until the issue has been solved.
States affected by the recall are Alabama, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Mississippi, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, West Virginia, Vermont and Virginia.
"Our highest priority right now is the health and well-being of our customers' pets," General Manager Mark Brinkmann of Diamond Pet Foods said. "We are committed to keeping our customers informed and are taking aggressive steps to resolve this issue. We're proud of our long history of producing high quality and safe products and deeply regret that this situation has occurred."
Brinkmann said customers who purchased recalled products should discontinue use immediately and return the pet food to their retailer for a complete refund. The product codes are located on the lower portion of the bag's back panel. He said the recall does not include products distributed in other states by Diamond Pet Foods facilities in Meta, Mo. and Lathrop, Calif.
Aflatoxin is a toxic chemical byproduct from the growth of the fungus, Aspergillus flavus, on corn and other crops often used as ingredients in pet foods. Brinkmann urged pet owners who suspect their pet is ill from aflatoxin to consult their veterinarian for proper diagnosis and treatment. Symptoms include jaundice combined with lack of appetite, depression, bloody stools and excessive bleeding. Veterinarians may run chemical and clotting profiles as part of the diagnostic protocol.
Based in Meta, Mo., family-owned Diamond Pet Foods was founded in 1970. Diamond is one of the nation's leading manufacturers of super-premium dog and cat food and the top choice of professional breeders, sporting and working dog owners and family pet owners.
Voluntarily Recalled Products and States
Ala., Conn., Del., Fla., Ga., Ky., Maine, Md., Mass, Mich., Miss., N.H., N.J., N.Y., N.C., Ohio, Pa., R.I., S.C., Tenn., W.Va., Vt., Va.
Diamond Low Fat Dog Food
Diamond Hi-Energy Dog Food
Diamond Maintenance Dog Food
Diamond Performance Dog Food
Diamond Premium Adult Dog Food
Diamond Puppy Food
Diamond Maintenance Cat Food
Diamond Professional Cat Food
Country Value Puppy
Country Value Adult Dog
Country Value High Energy Dog
Country Value Adult Cat Food
Professional Chicken & Rice Senior Dog Food
Professional Adult Dog Food
Professional Large-Breed Puppy Food
Professional Puppy Food
Professional Reduced Fat Cat Food
Professional Adult Cat Food
Products included in the recall contain a capital "G" in the 11th or 12th position in the date codes, along with best buy dates between March 1, 2007 and June 10, 2007.
UPDATE
Customers can contact the Information Center toll-free at 1-866-214-6945 to receive complete information on pet health concerns, along with a listing of the products and specific eastern states included in the recall.
12/21/2005
Diamond Pet Food Product Recall Notification
The following Items with best buy date codes between March 1st 2007 and June 10th 2007 with an 11th or 12th digit "G" are not to be sold. These are out of our Gaston Facility only! All customers please stop feeding these items if you are currently.
Diamond Low Fat Dog Food
Diamond Hi-Energy Dog Food
Diamond Maintenance Dog Food
Diamond Performance Dog Food
Diamond Premium Adult Dog Food
Diamond Puppy Food
Diamond Maintenance Cat Food
Diamond Professional Cat Food
Country Value Puppy
Country Value Adult Dog
Country Value High Energy Dog
Country Value Adult Cat Food
Professional Chicken & Rice Senior Dog Food
Profession Reduced Fat Chicken & Rice Dog Food
Professional Reduced Fat Chicken & Rice Dog Food
Professional Adult Dog Food
Professional Large-Breed Puppy Food
Professional Puppy Food
Professional Reduced Fat Cat Food
Professional Adult Cat Food
Symptoms of illness include, sluggishness or lethargy combined with a reluctance to eat, yellowish tint to the eyes or gums and severe bloody diarrhea. If your pet is experiencing these please consult a veterinarian and keep your product date code.
- Retailers please return all products to distributors for full reimbursement.
- Retailers Please Display in your store. Your Diamond Regional Rep will be able to answer any questions.
UPDATE
Customers can contact the Information Center toll-free at 1-866-214-6945 to receive complete information on pet health concerns, along with a listing of the products and specific eastern states included in the recall.
12/20/2005
Important Customer Alert
Diamond Pet Food has discovered aflatoxin in a product manufactured at our facility in Gaston, South Carolina. Aflatoxin is a naturally occurring toxic chemical by-product from the growth of the fungus Aspergillus flavus, on corn and other crops.
Out of an abundance of caution, we have notified our distributors and recommended they hold the sale of all Diamond Pet Food products formulated with corn that were produced out of our Gaston facility (see complete list below). Please note that products manufactured at our facilities in Meta, Missouri and Lathrop, California are not affected. The Gaston facility date codes are unique from other Diamond facility codes in that either the eleventh or twelfth character in the date code will be a capital "G" (in reference to Gaston). The range of date codes being reviewed are "Best By 01-March-07" through Best By "11-June-07". Diamond's quantitative analysis records substantiate that Diamond's corn shipments were definitively clear of aflatoxin after December 10. As such, "Best By 11-June-07" date codes or later are not affected by this notice.
States serviced by our Gaston facility include Alabama, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky (eastern), Main, Maryland, Massachusetts, Mississippi, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, West Virginia, Vermont, and Virginia.
We are rapidly analyzing retained samples of all products produced in Gaston so we can isolate specific lot numbers impacted and provide this information to our distributors, retailers and customers as quickly as possible.
Meanwhile, if your pet is showing any symptoms of illness, including sluggishness or lethargy combined with a reluctance to eat, yellowish tint to the eyes and/or gums, and severe or bloody diarrhea, please consult your veterinarian immediately.
Product quality and customer satisfaction are important to us. We pledge to keep you updated as new developments occur.
Gaston Facility Products Removed From Sale
Diamond Low Fat Dog Food
Diamond Hi-Energy Dog Food
Diamond Maintenance Dog Food
Diamond Performance Dog Food
Diamond Premium Adult Dog Food
Diamond Puppy Food
Diamond Maintenance Cat Food
Diamond Professional Cat Food
Country Value Puppy
Country Value Adult Dog
Country Value High Energy Dog
Country Value Adult Cat Food
Professional Chicken & Rice Senior Dog Food
Professional Reduced Fat Chicken & Rice Dog Food
Professional Adult Dog Food
Professional Large-Breed Puppy Food
Professional Puppy Food
Professional Reduced Fat Cat Food
Professional Adult Cat Food
UPDATE
Customers can contact the Information Center toll-free at 1-866-214-6945 to receive complete information on pet health concerns, along with a listing of the products and specific eastern states included in the recall.
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