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Nutro Products Announces Voluntary Recall of Limited Range of Dry Cat Food Products

Joy — Fri, 22 May 2009 05:38:46 GMT

Natural Choice Complete Care and Nutro Max dry foods

Franklin, Tennessee (May 21, 2009) -- Today, Nutro Products announced a voluntary recall of select varieties of NUTRO® NATURAL CHOICE® COMPLETE CARE® Dry Cat Foods and NUTRO® MAX® Cat Dry Foods with “Best If Used By Dates” between May 12, 2010 and August 22, 2010. The cat food is being voluntarily recalled in the United States and ten additional countries. This recall is due to incorrect levels of zinc and potassium in our finished product resulting from a production error by a US-based premix supplier.

Two mineral premixes were affected. One premix contained excessive levels of zinc and under-supplemented potassium. The second premix under-supplemented potassium. Both zinc and potassium are essential nutrients for cats and are added as nutritional supplements to NUTRO® dry cat food.

This issue was identified during an audit of our documentation from the supplier. An extensive review confirmed that only these two premixes were affected. This recall does not affect any NUTRO® dog food products, wet dog or cat food, or dog and cat treats.

Affected product was distributed to retail customers in all 50 states, as well as to customers in Canada, Mexico, Japan, Korea, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, and Israel. We are working with all of our distributors and retail customers, in both the US and internationally, to ensure that the recalled products are not on store shelves. These products should not be sold or distributed further.

Consumers who have purchased affected product should immediately discontinue feeding the product to their cats, and switch to another product with a balanced nutritional profile. While we have received no consumer complaints related to this issue, cat owners should monitor their cat for symptoms, including a reduction in appetite or refusal of food, weight loss, vomiting or diarrhea. If your cat is experiencing health issues or is pregnant, please contact your veterinarian.

Consumers who have purchased product affected by this voluntary recall should return it to their retailer for a full refund or exchange for another NUTRO® dry cat food product. Cat owners who have more questions about the recall should call 1-800-833-5330 between the hours 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM CST

For more information, see NutroProducts.com

Economic Stimulus Scams

Joy — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 15:48:34 GMT

Federal Trade Commission Issues Warning

For Release: 03/04/2009
FTC Warns Consumers About Economic Stimulus Scams
The FTC is warning consumers that they could get stung by an economic stimulus scam. The scams come in different forms.

Right now, on the Web and in e-mail, scammers are telling consumers they can help them qualify for a payment from President Obama's economic stimulus package. All they have to do is provide a little information or a small payment.

E-mail messages may ask for bank account information so that the operators can deposit consumers' share of the stimulus directly into their bank account. Instead, the scammers drain consumers' accounts of money and disappear. Or bogus e-mail may appear to be from government agencies and ask for information to "verify" that you qualify for a payment. The scammers use that information to commit identity theft. Some e-mail scams don't ask for information, but provide links to find out how to qualify for funds. By clicking on the links, consumers have downloaded malicious software or spyware that can be used to make them a victim of identity theft.

"Web sites may advertise that they can help you get money from the stimulus fund. Many use deceptive names or images of President Obama and Vice President Biden to suggest they are legitimate. They're not," says Eileen Harrington, Acting Director of the FTC's Bureau of Consumer Protection. "Don't fall for it. If you do, you'll get scammed."

Some sites suggest that for a small sum of money - as little as $1.99 in some cases - consumers can get a list of economic stimulus grants they can apply for. But two things can happen: the number of the credit card the consumer uses to pay the fee can fall into the hands of scam artists, or the $1.99 can be the down payment on a "negative option" agreement that may cost hundreds or thousands of dollars if the consumer does not cancel.

"Consumers who may already have fallen for these scams should carefully check their credit card bills for unauthorized charges and report the scam to the FTC," Harrington said.

The Federal Trade Commission works for consumers to prevent fraudulent, deceptive, and unfair business practices and to provide information to help spot, stop, and avoid them. To file a complaint in English or Spanish, visit the FTC’s online Complaint Assistant or call 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357). The FTC enters complaints into Consumer Sentinel, a secure, online database available to more than 1,500 civil and criminal law enforcement agencies in the U.S. and abroad. The FTC’s Web site provides free information on a variety of consumer topics.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Office of Public Affairs
202-326-2180

Posted by Joy Moffat, Best Friends Staff
Photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons

First Case of Pet Poisoned with Salmonella Reported in Oregon

Joy — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 18:15:48 GMT

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Hagerstown, MD: The Humane Society of Washington County (HSWC) wants the public to be aware that the first confirmed case of salmonella contaminated peanut butter poisoning in a dog was identified by officials in Oregon. The dog ingested Happy Tails Multi-Flavor dog biscuits manufactured with peanut butter from the Peanut Corporation of America plant located in Blakely, GA.

Peanut butter products from that plant have been linked to the salmonella poisonings of 575 people nationwide. The dog biscuits had previously been listed on a recall list as Multi-Flavored Dog Biscuits (Sold at ACME, Albertsons, Jewel-Osco, and Shaw's/Star Market) recalled by Supervalue in the 4 pound and 26 ounce sizes, product codes, 41163-42403 & 41163-42406.

“This is a very serious matter,” stated Paul Miller, HSWC Executive Director. “We now have definitive proof that the tainted product is still out in the public and is a threat to our pets.” Miller is advising all pet owners to check the products they have and throw out any products they are suspect of. He is also suggesting pet owners check the HSWC website for a list of the pet food products currently recalled by the U.S Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Got www.hswcmd.org, Recent News, article titled Pet Foods in Recall due to Fears of Salmonella Contamination. For a complete list of all foods currently under recall by the FDA visit their website at www.fda.gov/oc/opacom/hottoics/salmonellatyph.

The Humane Society of Washington County is located at 13011 Maugansville Road in Hagerstown, MD. Visit our website, www.hswcmd.org, for information on animal related issues, directions to the shelter and information about our programs and services.

The Humane Society of Washington County exists to improve the quality of life for all animals. Through education, legislation, action and leadership, we strive to eliminate overpopulation and to foster an environment of respect, responsibility and compassion.

CONTACT: Katherine Cooker 13011 Maugansville Road

PHONE: (301) 733-2060 x 237 Hagerstown, MD 21740

email: kcooker@hswcmd.org Fax: (301) 733-0248

www.hswcmd.org

Posted by Joy Moffat, Best Friends Staff
Photo courtesy of Morguefile.com

Potpourri and Pets

Joy — Sun, 28 Dec 2008 21:24:28 GMT

Keep pets safe from household toxins

An e-mail is circulating about two dogs that died after ingesting a particular potpourri mixture. It's always best to keep anything that wouldn't be healthy for pets to eat out of their reach.

You can find a good article that quotes a number of sources on Pets911.com.

Posted by Joy Moffat, Best Friends Staff
Photo courtesy of Morguefile.com

Caution to Shelters

Joy — Fri, 05 Dec 2008 19:39:34 GMT

If it sounds to good to be true, it probably is

By Joy Moffat, Best Friends Staff

This e-mail, or ones like it, are being sent to shelters all over the country:

Hi,

My name is Sarah Collins and I own a veterinary clinic where I practice both exotic and companion animal medicine.

We recently acquired new medical supplies and a new mobile van and now offering to donate one ultrasound, autoclave and a pre-used mobile van.

Please give me detailed information about your work and let me know if these contributions would benefit your organization.

Best Wishes,

Sarah Collins
B.S., Veterinary Science.
D.V.M.,Veterinary Medicine.
Ph.D.,Veterinary Physiology.
Tel/Fax 668 456 0559 1

This is a scam where they ask for thousands of dollars up front to cover delivery. The ISP has been traced to India, and the phone number to Thailand.

The photo is of the very real mobile spay/neuter van The Big Fix

Recall of Mylicon Infants' Gas Relief Dye Free Drops

Joy — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 17:32:19 GMT

Many rabbit caretakers use this product

JOHNSON & JOHNSON • MERCK CONSUMER PHARMACEUTICALS COMPANY ANNOUNCES URGENT VOLUNTARY NATIONWIDE RECALL OF INFANTS' MYLICON® GAS RELIEF DYE FREE DROPS (SIMETHICONE-ANTIGAS) NON-STAINING DUE TO POSSIBLE METAL FRAGMENTS

Fort Washington, PA (November 10, 2008) – Johnson & Johnson • Merck Consumer Pharmaceuticals Company (JJMCP) is voluntarily recalling approximately 12,000 units of Infants’ MYLICON® GAS RELIEF DYE FREE drops (simethicone-antigas) non-staining sold in 1 oz. plastic bottles that were distributed after October 5, 2008 nationwide. The company is taking this action in consultation with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Although the potential for serious medical events is low, the company is implementing this recall to the consumer level as a precaution after determining that some bottles could include metal fragments that were generated during the manufacturing process. If any medical events were to occur, most are expected to be temporary and resolve without medical treatment. Parents who have given the product to their infant and are concerned should contact their health care provider immediately.

The two lots of Infants’ MYLICON® GAS RELIEF DYE FREE drops non-staining 1 oz. bottles included in the recall are:

Product

Code #
Lot #
Exp
Product

71683791111-1
SMF007
09/10
Infants’ MYLICON® Gas Relief Dye Free Non-Staining Drops 1 oz.

71683791111-1
SMF008
09/10
Infants’ MYLICON® Gas Relief Dye Free Non-Staining Drops 1 oz.

Consumers can find the lot numbers on the bottom of the box containing the product and also on the lower left side of the sticker on the product bottle.

Consumers who purchased Infants’ MYLICON® GAS RELIEF DYE FREE drops non-staining included in this recall should immediately stop using the product and contact the company at 1-800-222-9435 (Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. EST) or via the internet at www.mylicon.com for instructions regarding how to dispose of the product and request a replacement or refund.

Infants’ MYLICON® drops are sold over-the counter, in retail stores and pharmacies, as an anti-gas medicine to relieve the discomfort of infant gas frequently caused by air swallowing or by certain formulas or foods.

The recall does not affect any Original Infants’ MYLICON® GAS RELIEF products (1/2 oz. or 1 oz. size) or Infants’ MYLICON® GAS RELIEF DYE FREE drops non-staining (1/2 oz. size).

The manufacturer has instructed retailers and wholesalers to return their inventories.

Adverse reactions or quality problems experienced with the use of this product may be reported to the FDA's MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program either online, by regular mail or by fax.

Online: www.fda.gov/medwatch/report.htm

Regular Mail:
Use postage-paid FDA form 3500 available at:
www.fda.gov/MedWatch/getforms.htm.
Mail to MedWatch 5600 Fishers Lane, Rockville, MD 20852-9787

Fax: 1-800-FDA-0178

About MYLICON® drops

Infants’ MYLICON® drops, the #1 pediatrician-recommended anti-gas medicine, relieve the discomfort of infant gas frequently caused by air swallowing or by certain formulas or foods. For more information, visit: www.mylicon.com.

Johnson & Johnson • Merck Consumer Pharmaceuticals Co. is a U.S.-based 50/50 joint venture formed to develop and market non-prescription products derived primarily from Merck & Co., Inc. prescription medicines, as well as products licensed and acquired from outside sources. Brands marketed under this joint venture include Infants’ MYLICON®, MYLANTA®, PEPCID® Complete and PEPCID® AC.

MEDIA INQUIRIES:
Marc Boston
215-273-7649 (office)
215-429-7034 (mobile)

Bonnie Jacobs
215-273-8994 (office)
856-912-9965 (mobile)

Posted by Joy Moffat, Best Friends Staff

Special Kitty Gourmet Blend Recalled

Joy — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 02:06:41 GMT

Limited number of dry food sold at Wal-Mart in 15 states

Mars Petcare US Issues Voluntary Recall of a Limited Number of Bags of SPECIAL KITTY® Gourmet Sold at Wal-Mart locations in Fifteen States due to Potential Salmonella Contamination
Contact:
Debra Fair
Public Relations Manager — Central Marketing
MARS PETCARE US
(973) 691-3536

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
FRANKLIN, Tenn. — October 27, 2008 — Mars Petcare US today announced a voluntary recall of a limited number of bags of SPECIAL KITTY® Gourmet Blend dry cat food sold at Wal-Mart locations in Connecticut, Delaware, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, North Carolina, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Virginia, Vermont, and West Virginia. The pet food is being voluntarily recalled following a positive test result indicating a potential contamination with Salmonella.

This product should not be sold or fed to pets. Pet owners should dispose of product in a safe manner (example, a securely covered trash receptacle) and return the empty bag to the store where purchased for a full refund.

Salmonella can cause serious infections in dogs and cats, and, if there is cross contamination caused by handling of the pet food, in people as well, especially children, the aged, and people with compromised immune systems. Healthy people potentially infected with Salmonella should monitor themselves for some or all of the following symptoms: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramping and fever. On rare occasions, Salmonella can result in more serious ailments, including arterial infections, endocarditis, arthritis, muscle pain, eye irritation, and urinary tract symptoms. Consumers exhibiting these signs after having contact with this product should contact their healthcare providers.

Pets with Salmonella infections may be lethargic and have diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever, and vomiting. Some pets will have only decreased appetite, fever and abdominal pain. Animals can be carriers with no visible symptoms and potentially infect other animals or humans. If your pet has consumed the recalled product and has these symptoms, please contact your veterinarian.

There have been no complaints or reports of illness resulting from consumption or handling of the recalled product.

Pet owners who have questions about the recall should call 1-877-568-4463 or visit visit www.petcare.mars.com.

Recalled Pet Food
Product: SPECIAL KITTY® Gourmet Blend Dry Cat Food
Best If Used By Date: AUG 11 09
Best By Date Location: Back of bag
Production Lot Code: 50 XXXX X (Found on back of bag just after "Best If Used By" date. Consumers should look for "50" as the first two digits of the second line.)

UPC Code: UPC code numbers can be found directly underneath the bar code on the package. Please find recalled pet food UPC information below.

3.5 lb.
SPECIAL KITTY® Gourmet Blend
81131 17546

7 lb.
SPECIAL KITTY® Gourmet Blend
81131 17547

18 lb.
SPECIAL KITTY® Gourmet Blend
81131 17548

Affected Stores: Wal-Mart locations in Connecticut, Delaware, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, North Carolina, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Virginia, Vermont, and West Virginia.

In an effort to prevent the transmission of Salmonella from pets to family members and care givers, the FDA recommends that everyone follow appropriate pet food handling guidelines when feeding their pets. A list of safe pet food handling tips can be found at: http://www.fda.gov/consumer/updates/petfoodtips080307.html

Pet owners who have questions about the recall should call 1-877-568-4463 or visit www.petcare.mars.com.

RE: I got the infamous "Adopt a Yorkie Puppy" scam email!

missydog — Wed, 22 Oct 2008 02:59:28 GMT

The Fraud Watch site is very interesting and it's also interesting how gullible people can be. I suppose they have good intentions and think they are saving a dog or simply getting a bargain. If only they would go through a breed rescue or some other rescue organization. There are many small breeds available through rescue organizations and there is no shipping involved. Thanks for posting this.

Forwarded e-mails : I got the infamous "Adopt a Yorkie Puppy" scam email!

Sherylcatmom — Wed, 22 Oct 2008 02:10:04 GMT

You can read posts and warnings from others who have gotten this scam email. The photo above was attached to the email I received and here's the email exchange:

The person who supposedly has the Yorkie wrote:

hello,
My names is esther ndidi. I Have a beautiful Yorkshire Terrier who is in need of a good home. If you are interested i can send you some pictures of the Yorkshire Terrier as well as any papers i have regarding her shots etc if Can Adopt her let me know .Hope to hear from you soon!
esther ndidi

My b.s. detector went wild; nonetheless I replied:

Hi Esther,

Thanks for contacting me!

Please reply with your street address, city, and state, as well as telephone number. Please let me know how old the Yorkie is and how she came to be rescued by you (or if she was yours and you're looking to place her yourself). Then I can help locate potential adopters to give this girl the loving forever home she deserves.

I look forward to hearing from you.

She wrote again:

Hello
Thanks for your interest in my pet. The York Shire Terrier (puppy) is still very much available adoption. Katti is a tiny registered Yorkshire terrier puppy.She is as beautiful as you can get,she has a cute little teddy bear face and a soft non shedding hair coat.If you are looking for a little buddy to take with you everywhere you go,then here she is.She has a wonderful personality and loves to cuddle AKC registered ADORABLE and SOCIABLE with GREAT Personalities and very good bloodlines.She is also very healthy and current on her puppy vaccinations. a nice crate and health certificate. more so ever i want you to know that i am in Western African on our Christian mission along with my Husband and the puppy .after a while i notice that the Western African weather is not good for the puppy and i have not been able to take good care of her the way i always do because of my job.i need someone to adopt her and take care of her in the right way as i have always done for her.

AKC FEMALE YORKIE PUP1/2 LBS.)
CHAMPIONS SHE WILL WEIGH APPROX. 3 1/2 TO 5 LBS
AKC FEMALE YORKIE PUP REGISTER.
CHAMPION BLOODLINES STUD: Yes
YORKIE DOODLES PISTOL PETE 3 1/2 LBS 7
ALL SHOT COMPLETED :yes
SHE IS 15 WEEKS OLD SHE WILL GO HOME WITH ALL HER CURRENT VACC. AND WORMING SHE CAN BE SHIPPED AT EXPENSE FOR APPROX. $280 BACK TO THE STATE

if you can afford that. please kindly Get Back To Me With The Informations Below If You Are Interested her so that arrangement can be made when i am not in church for the delivery to the information that you will provide for me :

Full Name:
Contact Address:
Nearest Airport:
Contact Phone Number:
nearest airport or would you prefer the baby to deliver to your door-step?
name on the Tag: katti

Let me know if you would like some puppy grooming and feeding guide magazines so that I can include them in the shipping. await to read from you if interested in the yorkie May God Be With You

I replied:

Sorry, I have no rescue contacts in Western Africa or ways to transport Kattie to the United States. Here are some resources for you: www.spca.com and www.uan.org.

Good luck.

Mars Petcare US Announces Nationwide Voluntary Recall

Joy — Sun, 14 Sep 2008 02:23:01 GMT

Mars Petcare US Issues Voluntary Recall of Everson, PA Plant Dry Pet Food Product due to Potential Salmonella Contamination

Franklin, Tennessee (September 12, 2008)—Today, Mars Petcare US announced a voluntary recall of products manufactured at its Everson, Pennsylvania facility. The pet food is being voluntarily recalled because of potential contamination with Salmonella serotype Schwarzengrund. This voluntary recall only affects the United States.

Salmonella can cause serious infections in dogs and cats, and, if there is cross contamination caused by handling of the pet food, in people as well, especially children, the aged, and people with compromised immune systems. Healthy people potentially infected with Salmonella should monitor themselves for some or all of the following symptoms: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramping and fever. On rare occasions, Salmonella can result in more serious ailments, including arterial infections, endocarditis, arthritis, muscle pain, eye irritation, and urinary tract symptoms. Consumers exhibiting these signs after having contact with this product should contact their healthcare providers.

Pets with Salmonella infections may be lethargic and have diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever, and vomiting. Some pets will have only decreased appetite, fever and abdominal pain. Animals can be carriers with no visible symptoms and can potentially infect other animals or humans. If your pet has consumed the recalled product and has these symptoms, please contact your veterinarian.

The company stopped production at the Everson facility on July 29, 2008 when it was alerted of a possible link between dry pet food produced at the plant and two isolated cases of people infected with Salmonella Schwarzengrund.

Even though no direct link between product produced at Everson and human or pet illness has been made, Mars Petcare US is taking precautionary action to protect pets and their owners by announcing a voluntary recall of all products produced at the Everson facility beginning February 18, 2008 until July 29, 2008 when we stopped production.

The company is continuing to work collaboratively with the FDA to determine the nature and source of Salmonella Schwarzengrund at the Everson facility. Since it has not yet identified the source of the Salmonella Schwarzengrund at the Everson facility, Mars Petcare US does not plan to resume production out of a commitment to the safety of our pet owners and their pets, customers, and associates.

The top priority of Mars Petcare US has always been and continues to be the health and welfare of pets and their owners. Consumers can continue to have confidence in the quality and safety of the products produced at other Mars Petcare US facilities. Only those products which were produced at the Everson facility are impacted by the voluntary recall.

Many of the brands involved in the recall are national brands produced at multiple facilities. A chart for all products is below. For example, PEDIGREE® is manufactured in numerous facilities throughout the country, and Everson represents a very small portion of the manufacturing base – 2.7 percent of total PEDIGREE® production.

Mars Petcare US will work with retail customers to ensure that the recalled products are not on store shelves. These products should not be sold or fed to pets. In the event that consumers believe they have purchased products affected by this voluntary recall, they should return the product to the store where they purchased it for a full refund. Specific product details and other information can be found at www.petcare.mars.com

Please find recalled pet food UPC information below.
The products listed below are made at our Everson facility on behalf of a variety of retailers. All code dates, with the exception of PEDIGREE®, are listed in a similar format as noted below:
Consumers should look for “17” as the first two digits of the second line. Sample:
Best By Feb 18 09
17 1445 1

For PEDIGREE® the Everson code date format is as follows:
Consumers should look for “PAE” on the bottom line – the sixth, seventh and eighth digits. Sample:
PEDIGREE ® Small Crunchy Bites
Best Before 02/2009
808G1PAE01 12:00

In an effort to prevent the transmission of Salmonella from pets to family members and care givers, the FDA recommends that everyone follow appropriate pet food handling guidelines when feeding their pets. A list of safe pet food handling tips can be found at: www.fda.gov/consumer/updates/petfoodtips080307.html

Pet owners who have questions about the recall should call 1-877-568-4463 or visit www.petcare.mars.com.

Contact:
Debra Fair
Public Relations Manager — Central Marketing
MARS PETCARE US
(973) 691-3536

Posted by Joy Moffat, Best Friends Staff

NAD Examines Advertising for Petzlife's Oral Care Product for Cats & Dogs

Joy — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 19:04:04 GMT

NAD recommends advertiser discontinue health claims and testimonials

New York, NY – Sept. 3, 2008 – The National Advertising Division of the Council of Better Business Bureaus has recommended that Petzlife Inc. discontinue a wide range of health claims and testimonials for the company’s “PetzLife Oral Care Spray & Gel.” The company has said it will attempt to comply with the decision as quickly as possible.

NAD, the advertising industry’s self-regulatory forum, examined print and Website advertising for the product, marketed for treatment of cats and dogs, pursuant to NAD’s ongoing monitoring program.

Claims at issue included:

“100% Natural, kills bacteria on contact”

“Remove plaque & tartar without anesthesia”

“Reverse oral disease, eliminate bad breath”

“Petzlife revolutionary, award winning products will save you hundreds on Vet bills and can increase your pet’s lifespan by 3-5 years.”

“PetzLife oral care products have worked on my patients that have had severe tartar and gingivitis. Now we can cure the problem while avoiding anesthesia and the drugs.”

At the outset of the NAD inquiry, the advertiser maintained that substantiation for the claims at issue came from “almost 500,000 happy users and 100's of vets.” The advertiser stated that it had modified the claim “can increase your pet’s lifespan by 3-5 years” by crediting it “to the Veterinary community as a general statement as it relates to good oral health.”

PetzLife Oral Care Spray and Oral Car Gel are topical ointments, sprayed or rubbed on cats’ and dogs’ teeth and gums. According to the advertiser’s website, the spray and gel contain grapefruit seed extract, grape seed extract, thyme oil, neem oil, rosemary oil, and peppermint oil which are “specially formulated” with distilled water and grain alcohol.

NAD noted that it has recognized in prior cases the importance of providing consumers with clear and accurate messages about a product’s performance capability, especially when the claims relate to health issues.

NAD noted that the advertiser used strong performance and efficacy claims that positioned its products as an alternative to routine surgical oral care. Specifically, the advertiser claimed PetzLife Oral Care products would reverse oral disease, cure gingivitis and save hundreds of dollars on veterinarian bills. The advertiser provided no evidence to support its health and safety claims.

NAD concluded that the advertiser’s performance and efficacy claims “100% Natural, kills bacteria on contact,” “Remove plaque & tartar without anesthesia,” “Reverse oral disease, eliminate bad breath,” “Petzlife revolutionary, award winning products will save you hundreds on Vet bills and can increase your pet’s lifespan by 3-5 years,” and “PetzLife oral care products have worked on my patients that have had severe tartar and gingivitis. Now we can cure the problem while avoiding anesthesia and the drugs” were not substantiated by competent and scientific evidence and recommended that they be discontinued.

To the extent that the advertiser relied on statements from “almost 500,000 happy users and 100's of vets,” NAD noted that it has observed in prior proceedings that “[t]estimonials are inadequate as support for advertising claims, notwithstanding the fact that they may reflect the existence of satisfied users.”

NAD recommended that, given the absence of any reliable evidence of product efficacy, the advertiser discontinue its use of consumer and veterinarian testimonials in its advertising.

The company, in its advertiser’s statement, said it would “attempt to comply with the decision as quickly as possible.”

NAD's inquiry was conducted under NAD/CARU/NARB Procedures for the Voluntary Self-Regulation of National Advertising. Details of the initial inquiry, NAD's decision, and the advertiser's response will be included in the next NAD/CARU Case Report.

###

About Advertising Industry Self-Regulation: The National Advertising Review Council (NARC) was formed in 1971 by the Association of National Advertisers, Inc. (ANA), the American Association of Advertising Agencies, Inc. (AAAA), the American Advertising Federation, Inc. (AAF), and the Council of Better Business Bureaus, Inc. (CBBB). Its purpose is to foster truth and accuracy in national advertising through voluntary self-regulation. NARC is the body that establishes the policies and procedures for the CBBB’s National Advertising Division (NAD) and Children’s Advertising Review Unit (CARU), as well as for the National Advertising Review Board (NARB) and the Electronic Retailing Self-Regulation Program (ERSP).

NAD and CARU are the investigative arms of the advertising industry’s voluntary self-regulation program. Their casework results from competitive challenges from other advertisers, and also from self-monitoring traditional and new media. The National Advertising Review Board (NARB), the appeals body, is a peer group from which ad-hoc panels are selected to adjudicate those cases that are not resolved at the NAD/CARU level. This unique, self-regulatory system is funded entirely by the
business community; CARU is financed by the children’s advertising industry, while NAD/NARC/NARB’s sole source of funding is derived from membership fees paid to the CBBB. ERSP’s funding is derived from membership in the Electronic Retailing Association. For more information about advertising self regulation, please visit www.narcpartners.org.

Press release courtesy of NAD.

Computer viruses : Fake Headlines as e-mail subject

Marion — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 03:50:04 GMT

For a few days now my spam filter has been catching e-mail message with subject headings that seem to be news headlines. I've been deleting them, but today my curiosity got the better of me and I actually opened three of them. The subject headings of the three e-mails were:

US athletes banned from Beijing Olympics
Venezuela sells oil at US$100 a barrel
Sex change operation went wrong

Each of them contained another headline, which I didn't copy, and a link. I clicked the link to what appeared to be movie site, and my AV software kicked in with a Trojan warning, Exploit-MSDDS, and deleted it immediately. Whew!

Just a word to the wise. Unless you've subscribed to some e-mail news service, and you recognize the e-mail address, it's probably wise not to even open these nasty little critters. :-)

PuppyProfits.com

Joy — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 01:58:19 GMT

Another hoax to get you outraged

By Joy Moffat, Best Friends Staff

This site has been around for a few months, but I've received some inquiries lately. I don't recommend visiting the site, but suffice it to say it purports to promote dog fighting for fun and profit.

Snopes verifies that it's a hoax. Be sure to check out their "cookie-cutter recipe for creating a hoax web site." PuppyProfits is typical of many sites that have come and gone over the years for the sheer purpose of upsetting the public and to see how much attention the site can garner.

Photo of Nochi by Best Friends Staff

FDA Requests Seizure of Animal Food Products at PETCO Distribution Center

Joy — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 17:15:49 GMT

Today, at the request of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), U.S. Marshals seized various animal food products stored under unsanitary conditions at the PETCO Animal Supplies Distribution Center located in Joliet, Ill., pursuant to a warrant issued by the United States District Court in Chicago.

U.S. Marshals seized all FDA-regulated animal food susceptible to rodent and pest contamination. The seized products violate the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act because it was alleged in a case filed by the United States Attorney that they were being held under unsanitary conditions. (The Act uses the term "insanitary" to describe such conditions).

During an FDA inspection of a PETCO distribution center in April, widespread and active rodent and bird infestation was found. The FDA inspected the facility again in May and found continuing and widespread infestation.

"We simply will not allow a company to store foods under filthy and unsanitary conditions that occur as a direct result of the company's failure to adequately control and prevent pests in its facility," said Margaret O'K. Glavin, associate commissioner for regulatory affairs. "Consumers expect that such safeguards will be in place not only for human food, but for pet food as well."

The distribution center in Joliet, Ill., provides pet food products and supplies to PETCO retail stores in 16 states including Alabama, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Ohio, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Texas, and Wisconsin.

FDA has no reports of pet illness or death associated with consumption of animal food distributed by PETCO, and does not have evidence that the food is unsafe for animals. However, the seized products were in permeable packages and held under conditions that could affect the food's integrity and quality.

As a precaution, consumers who have handled products originating from the PETCO distribution center should thoroughly wash their hands with hot water and soap. Any surfaces that came in contact with the packages should be washed as well. Consumers are further advised as a precaution to thoroughly wash products sold in cans and glass containers from PETCO in the 16 affected states.

If a pet has become ill after eating these food products, pet owners should contact their veterinarian and report illnesses to FDA state consumer complaint coordinators.

Posted by Joy Moffat, Best Friends Staff
Photo courtesy of Wikimedia.org

RE: RE: Bio Spot Flea & Tick Treatment

carrie_fosters — Fri, 06 Jun 2008 23:42:35 GMT

This is very good advice. There are brands whose formulation for dogs and cats are exactly the same . . . just the dosages differ. However, you must be very careful to look at ingredients and figure dosages.

Advantage is probably the easiest to convert but I have found that it has stopped working in my household. I have just switched to Frontline because it is reasonably easy to convert dog dosages to cat dosages and the ingredients are the same.

The reason I buy large dog doses is that applying individually packaged monthly treatment to three dogs and eight cats is financially impossible for me and we need regular flea control here. I know that it is less than ideal but I think it can work if you're very careful about ingredients and dosages.

RE: Bio Spot Flea & Tick Treatment

Joy — Fri, 06 Jun 2008 21:36:45 GMT

There's a very good pet health alert in this week's newsletter from the ASPCA: Don't Use Fido's Flea Drops on Fluffy!

RE: RE: Bogus email's subject line: "ADOPT PUPPY"

Sherylcatmom — Mon, 26 May 2008 17:21:40 GMT

Exactly. This is one of those many emails selling "vapor," attempting to tug at the heartstrings of dog lovers who will cough up $500 (!!!!!!) to "rescue" a nonexistent pup. Can you imagine that there are no dogs like that thriving in the U.K., and/or no willing adopters? Bizarre.

RE: Bogus email's subject line: "ADOPT PUPPY"

missydog — Mon, 26 May 2008 17:03:18 GMT

Sounds like a scam to me. Note how the top of the e-mail is written and then the bottom details. Of course it's AKC registered. and has a 1 year health guarantee. If the puppy gets sick, do you pay another $500 to ship the poor thing back to them? Is this a puppy mill, backyard breeder, or is there even a puppy?

Forwarded e-mails : Bogus email's subject line: "ADOPT PUPPY"

Sherylcatmom — Mon, 26 May 2008 15:56:55 GMT

Bogus email content (note the $500 "shipping fee"):

MY NAME IS GERRY ME AND ,MY WIFE WE ARE ON A CHRISTAIN MISSION TO UK AND WE HAVE PUPPY COMING ALONG WITH US THEIR ARE ( Yorkshire Terrier and bulldog).AFTER A WHILE I DISCOVER AND NOTICED THAT THE WHETHER OF UK IS NOT GOOD FOR THE PUPPY AND ADOPT IT YOU WILL TAKE A GOOD CARE OF THE PUPPY AND I HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO TAKE GOOD CARE IF YOU KNOW YOU CAN TAKE CARE OF HER DO SEND ME ---pup info--- Registration-AKC Registered Health-100% ok de-wormed (+1 year health Guarantee)
Shot: 1st shots, and vaccinated.
Breed-Yorkshire Terrier
Present weight: 1.3lbs
At full Grown --4.5
Age-10weeks
Coat: Short and smooth
Life Expectancy: 8 - 10 years.
Price..0.00
Shipping Fee...$500.
Thanks
Gerry Moore
+447024016714