FDA CVM Update on Jerky Treats

FDA CVM Update on Jerky Treats January 9, 2013 The U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s Center for Veterinary Medicine (CVM) released today a progress report on its investigation into reports of illnesses and deaths associated with jerky pet treats from China. The report includes a summary of adverse event reports received by FDA through August 2012, Establishment Inspection Reports from FDA’s inspection of two chicken jerky manufacturing plants in China, and details about FDA’s ongoing investigation. FDA is in communication with the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets (NYSDAM) regarding its finding of antibiotic residues in chicken jerky treats from China. Correspondingly, Del Monte, the company that makes Milo’s Kitchen Chicken Jerky Treats and Chicken Grillers, and Nestle-Purina, the makers of Waggin’ Train and Canyon Creek Ranch dog treats have both initiated a nationwide removal of these products from the market. Based on the FDA’s review of the NYSDAM results, there is no evidence that raises health concerns, and these results are highly unlikely to be related to the reports of illnesses FDA has received related to jerky pet treats. FDA commends Del Monte and Nestle-Purina for withdrawing these products from the market in response to this product quality issue. FDA also welcomes additional information about NYSDAM’s testing methodology, which is different and reportedly more sensitive than currently validated and approved regulatory methods. FDA reminds pet owners that jerky pet treats are not necessary for pets to have a fully balanced diet, so eliminating them will not harm pets. Commercially produced pet food, which is very safe, contains all of the nutrients that pets need. For more information: FDA investigates animal illnesses linked to jerky pet treats Information on reports of illnesses and the ongoing investigation into jerky pet treats Summary of reports received up to August 2012 2010 Reports 2011 Reports January - April 2012 Reports April - August 2012 Reports Yantai Aska Establishment Inspection Report Acidchem International; Sdm. Bhd. Establishment Inspection Report Milo’s Kitchen notice Nestle-Purina notice disclaimer icon IMS Trading Corp to voluntarily withdraw Cadet Brand Chicken Jerky Treat Products disclaimer icon

Milo's Kitchen Voluntarily Recalls Chicken Jerky, Chicken Grillers

Milo’s Kitchen® Voluntarily Recalls Chicken Jerky and Chicken Grillers Home-style Dog Treats Contact: Consumer: 1-877-228-6493 Media: Chrissy Trampedach 415-247-3420 media.relations@delmonte.com FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - January 9, 2013 - Milo’s Kitchen® today announced that it is voluntarily recalling its Chicken Jerky and Chicken Grillers home-style dog treats from retailer shelves nationally. No other Milo’s Kitchen® products are affected. On Monday, New York State’s Department of Agriculture informed the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Company that trace amounts of residual antibiotics had been found in several lots of Milo’s Kitchen® Chicken Jerky. After consultation with the New York Department of Agriculture and FDA, the company decided to voluntarily recall Milo’s Kitchen® Chicken Jerky and Chicken Grillers, which are both sourced from the same chicken suppliers. The use of antibiotics to keep chickens healthy and disease-free while raising them is standard practice in poultry production for both human and pet food. However, the antibiotics found in the products were unapproved and should not be present in the final food product. Milo’s Kitchen® has a comprehensive safety testing program in place for its products from procurement through manufacturing and distribution. Part of that program involves extensive testing for a wide range of substances commonly used to ensure the health of chickens. However, Milo’s Kitchen® did not test for all of the specific antibiotics found by the New York Department of Agriculture. "Pet safety and consumer confidence in our products are our top priorities," said Rob Leibowitz, general manager, Pet Products. "While there is no known health risk, the presence of even trace amounts of these antibiotics does not meet our high quality standards. Therefore, today we decided to recall both products and asked retailers to remove the products from their shelves. "Consumers who discard the treats will receive a full refund," said Leibowitz. "We are committed to Milo’s Kitchen® and stand by our guarantee of complete consumer satisfaction." Consumers with questions about Milo’s Kitchen products can get further information at 1-877-228-6493. ###