Rice Protein Concentrate from China Tainted With Melamine Derivative

Prompts Recall Announcement

    ST CHARLES, Mo., April 20 /PRNewswire/ -- Royal Canin USA is announcing
 today that the company has determined there is a melamine derivative in the
 rice protein concentrate in some of its dry pet food products.
     Although Royal Canin USA has no confirmed cases of illness in pets, we
 have decided to voluntarily remove all of our dry pet food products
 containing rice protein concentrate. We are taking this proactive stance to
 avoid any confusion for our customers about which Royal Canin USA products
 are safe and which products may be affected.
     "We are as passionate about the health and happiness of our customers'
 pets as we are of our own, so we are committed to taking the steps
 necessary to ensure this never happens again," said Olivier Amice,
 President and CEO of Royal Canin USA.
     As a precaution, Royal Canin USA is voluntarily recalling the following
 dry pet food products:
     ROYAL CANIN VETERINARY DIET(TM) (available only in veterinary clinics)
 
     Dry Dog Food
     -- Canine Early Cardiac EC 22(TM)
     -- Canine Skin Support SS21(TM)
 
     Dry Cat Food
     -- Feline Hypoallergenic HP23(TM)
     ROYAL CANIN SENSIBLE CHOICE(R) (available in pet specialty stores
 nationwide)
     Dry Dog Food
     -- Chicken Meal & Rice Formula Senior
     -- Lamb Meal & Rice Formula Puppy
     -- Lamb Meal & Rice Formula Adult
     -- Lamb Meal & Rice Formula Senior
     -- Rice & Catfish Meal Formula Adult
     Based on today's announcement, pet owners should immediately stop
 feeding their pets the Royal Canin USA dry pet food products listed. Pet
 owners should consult with a veterinarian if they are concerned about the
 health of their pet. No other Royal Canin diets are affected by this recall
 and CONTINUE TO BE safe for pets to eat.
     Along with this announcement, Royal Canin USA will no longer use any
 Chinese suppliers for any of our vegetable proteins.
     "On behalf of the entire Royal Canin family, our hearts go out to the
 pet owners and everyone in the pet community who have been affected by all
 of the recent recalls," said Dr. Denise Elliott, Director of Scientific
 Affairs for Royal Canin USA. "We are working very closely with the FDA to
 assist in its efforts to determine the cause of this most recent and
 disturbing development."
     The safety and nutritional quality of our pet food is Royal Canin USA's
 top priority as we understand that the health of pets comes first. Pet
 owners who have questions about this recall and other Royal Canin USA
 products should call 1-800-592-6687 or visit our web site at
 www.royalcanin.us.
     All Royal Canin USA products have a satisfaction guarantee and we will
 refund or replace the diets that have been recalled.
 
 

SOURCE Royal Canin USA