Pet deaths likely to rise, Menu Foods admits

TORONTO (AP) -- The potential impact of one of the largest consumer-product recalls in North American history was beginning to take shape Tuesday as Menu Foods admitted the number of dog and cat deaths blamed on tainted pet food is likely to climb.


The company, based in Mississauga, Ont., has confirmed the deaths of only 16 animals, but spokesman Sam Bornstein acknowledged that media reports suggest the final death toll could end up being far higher.


"Based on anecdotal cases, if I believe what I see in the media . . . I would expect that the number would be higher," Bornstein said.

In all, 95 brands of the company's "cuts and gravy'' style dog and cat food -- 60 million cans and pouches in all -- have been recalled for fear they contained traces of aminopterin, a rat poison banned in the U.S.


Tests were continuing to confirm the source of the contamination, but wheat gluten imported from China is considered a prime suspect.


Grieving pet owners frustrated with a company they say is ignoring them have turned to the Internet to share their stories and express their frustration -- and the emerging numbers help to illustrate the magnitude of the recall's impact.


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Recalled Dog Foods
Recalled Cat foods

Menu Foods recall information 1-866-895-2708 or 1-866-463-6738