Ferrets have joined the fray of pets affected by the food recall that started in March 2007. One brand of ferret food – produced by Chenango Foods – was recalled this month along with several more dog and cat food brands recalled for cross contamination. A complete list of recalled products can be found online at the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Web site.

On May 11, 2007, Royal Canin USA recalled eight products in the Sensible Choice and KASKO lines of dry dog and cat foods.

On May 22, 2007, Chenango Valley Pet Foods recalled Ultra Brand Advanced Nutrition due to the presence of melamine and melamine compounds, and on May 23, 2007, Diamond Pet Foods announced the recall of Nutra Nuggets’ 40 pound bag of lamb meal and rice formula.

The FDA no longer holds teleconferences to update press members, and although some believe that recall announcements have come to an end, pet owners continue to complain about pet foods not included on the recall list. For example, a recent article posted on the Consumer Affairs Web site quotes several owners complaining about Nutro Products; company officials, however, claim that the products are safe.

“The recalls are essentially behind us,” said Kurt Gallagher, communications director for the Pet Food Institute, a trade group that represents dog and cat food manufacturers.

The United States Department of Food and Agriculture has also released the nationwide hold on tainted livestock after tests showed that human consumption of animals that had eaten feed contaminated with melamine and melamine compounds was safe.