Media Advisory
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 30, 2005
Media Contact:
Mark Brinkman, Diamond Pet Food
573/229-4203
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 aveterinarian 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.
What products are being recalled?
Recalled products 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.
Diamond’s quantitative analysis records substantiate that shipments were definitively clear of aflatoxin after December 10. As such, “Best By 11-June-07” date codes or later are not affected. Also, products with “Best By” dates prior to 28-Feb-07 are safe.
Products manufactured at our Gaston S.C. facility included in the recall:
Diamond Premium Adult Dog Food
Diamond Hi-Energy Dog Food
Diamond Maintenance Dog Food
Diamond Professional for Adult Dogs
Diamond Performance Dog Food
Diamond Puppy Food
Diamond Low Fat Dog Food
Diamond Maintenance Cat Food
Diamond Professional Cat Food
Country Value Puppy
Country Value Adult Dog Food
Country Value High Energy Dog Food
Country Value Adult Cat Food
Professional Chicken & Rice Adult Dog Food
Professional Puppy Food
Professional Large-Breed Puppy Food
Professional Reduced Fat Cat Food
Professional Adult Cat Food
What products are NOT included in the recall?
Although certain pet foods produced at the Gaston facility have been voluntarily recalled due to potential aflatoxin contamination, a wide range of the plant’s products are perfectly safe and still can be purchased from retailers.
Gaston products not part of the recall include:
All Premium Edge products
The complete Chicken Soup product lines
Diamond Lamb and Rice Adult
Diamond Large Breed Adult 60+
Diamond Large Breed Puppy
Diamond Senior 8+
Diamond Kitten
Professional Lamb and Rice
Professional Reduced Fat Chicken & Rice Dog Food
What states receive products from the Gaston facility?
The Gaston facility provides products to our customers in 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.
*These states receive product from other Diamond Pet Food facilities. Please check your date code carefully. Unless it has a capital “G” in the 11th or 12th position of the date code on the larger 15 lb. to 55 lb. bags, it is not included in the recall. The capital “G” will be in the 9th position on smaller 4 lb. to 8 lb. bags.
Are products manufactured at other Diamond facilities affected by this situation?
No. Products manufactured at our Gaston facility are the only ones subject to the recall.
What clinical signs should I look for from my pet?
Symptoms of potential illness in dogs may be difficult to discern, but include:
Please be aware that many other medical conditions have similar symptoms. Your veterinarian will be able to distinguish between these other conditions and an exposure to aflatoxin based on your pet’s medical history and current symptoms. Please consult with your veterinarian if you believe your pet is ill, no matter what the cause. If your veterinarian diagnoses and treats your pet because of exposure to aflatoxin, please have your veterinarian contact Diamond Pet Foods toll free at 1-866-214-6945.
What should I do if my pet consumed recalled products and has any of the clinical signs?
If your pet has consumed products included in the recall and exhibits these systems, please urge your veterinarian to run a liver profile. If your pet is found to have abnormal liver function, please have any other dog you may own that was fed the same food tested for liver function as well. Even if your pet does not show symptoms, monitor it for 7 to 12 days and consult your veterinarian if illness develops.
If possible, please save 1-2 cups of the food for testing and analysis.
When should I take my pet to the veterinarian?
If your dog has consumed affected products and has clinical signs of aflatoxin, which 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, or discolored urine, you should immediately consult your veterinarian.
Because numerous diseases and conditions may have similar clinical signs, your pet could have a problem other than aflatoxin. If your veterinarian institutes treatment for aflatoxin, please have him or her call Diamond Pet Foods toll free at 1-866-214-6945 and ask to speak with one of our consulting veterinarians.
How can I get a refund?
If your product has been recalled, please take the bag and any remaining product back to the retailer where it was purchased for a full refund. Your retailer will ensure the product is returned to Diamond Pet Food for proper analysis and disposal. Many retailers may offer to replace the product. Please consult your retailer for specific refund or replacement options.
What is Aflatoxin?
Aflatoxin is a naturally occurring toxic chemical by-product from the growth of the fungus Aspergillus flavus, on corn and other crops. The fungus develops on crops during years with severe high temperature stress and drought.
Who can I call for more information?
Customers with questions about this situation should use our Customer Help Form.