[Vision2020] MORE Natural Balance Pet Food & Treats Recalled :-(

[Saundra Lund]

http://www.naturalbalanceinc.com/press_release.html

Contact:
Consumer Inquiries: 
(800) 829-4493 
Media Inquiries: 
Daniel Bernstein 
310-275-0777

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -- Pacoima, CA -- April 17, 2007-- Natural Balance,
Pacoima, CA, is issuing a voluntary nationwide recall for all of its Venison
dog products and the dry Venison cat food only, regardless of date codes.
The recalled products include Venison and Brown Rice canned and bagged dog
foods, Venison and Brown Rice dog treats, and Venison and Green Pea dry cat
food. Recent laboratory results show that the products contain melamine. We
believe the source of the melamine is a rice protein concentrate.   Natural
Balance has confirmed this morning that some production batches of these
products may contain melamine.

The recall was prompted by consumer complaints received by Natural Balance
involving a small number of cats and dogs that developed kidney failure
after eating the affected product. 

Dogs or cats who have consumed the suspect food and show signs of kidney
failure (such as loss of appetite, lethargy and vomiting) should be seen by
a veterinarian. We recommend our customers immediately stop feeding our
recalled venison products regardless of date code and return unused product
to their retailer for a full refund.

The products are packaged in bags, cans and zip lock treat bags and sold in
pet specialty stores and PetCo nationally.
No other Natural Balance products are involved in this voluntary recall as
none of our other formulas include the rice protein concentrate.

Although the problems seem to be focused on a particular production period
of the venison products, over the last four days we have notified our
distributors and retailers by phone and e-mail to immediately stop selling
and return all recalled Venison dog foods and treats and the Venison dry cat
food. Venison canned cat food is not involved.

The source of the melamine appears to be a rice protein concentrate, which
was recently added to the dry venison formulas. Natural Balance does not use
wheat gluten, which was associated with the previous melamine contamination.

None of Natural Balance's other dry formulas, none of our other canned or
roll products and none of our other treats are involved with this voluntary
recall. 

We continue to work closely with the FDA in their ongoing investigation.

Consumers with questions may contact the company at 1-800-829-449 or email
info at naturalblanceinc.com.