RECALLS

MARKET WITHDRAWALS - Updated 1/21/10

PRODUCT ADVISORIES

RECALLS

12/02/09 - Premium Edge Cat Food Recall Reannouncement - No New or Expanded Recall: Updated Information
Several alert readers pointed out that the November 27 Premium Edge voluntary recall announcement published by Associated Press contained information not included in the original announcement. This information lead some to believe that there has been a new or expanded recall. We spoke with Diamond about this and they assure us that:

1. The November 27 announcement was a legal compliance issue only and it referred only to the situation previously announced in September 2009.
2. There has been no expansion or renewal of the original recall.
3. There have been no new reports of illness since October 19, 2009.

We feel confident that the AP article did not signal any new recall or risk. Please note that this recall was limited to the Eastern U.S.. No recalled product was sold by Pet Food Express.

12/01/09 - Premium Edge Cat Food – Press Release – No New or Expanded Recall
On September 23, 2009, Diamond issued a recall on their Premium Edge Finicky Adult Cat and Premium Edge Hairball Cat, date codes RAF0501A22X 18lb., RAF0501A2X 6 lb., RAH0501A22X 18 lb., RAH0501A2X 6lb. The FDA is now requiring them to issue a press release to the AP with regard to this issue. THERE HAS BEEN NO NEW OR EXPANDED RECALL on these or any Premium Edge pet foods.

11/17/09 - Wysong’s - UPDATE
We have spoken at length with Wysong about their recall and received a detailed explanation of how and why this problem occurred. Their explanation and the changes they have consequently instituted satisfy us that they have suitably considered the conditions and procedures that gave rise to this situation and have now taken appropriate measures to correct them. Wysong’s improvements to their monitoring and communications protocols should prevent reoccurrence of this specific problem and, should future problems arise, ensure that they will proactively notify and handle the situation effectively.

We have replaced all moldy and potentially moldy products with new product. Additionally, Wysong has improved their lot identification procedure to make it easier to indentify lot numbers; they are devising a system to directly contact all of their dealers regarding product problems rather than leaving it to distributors; and they have committed to full transparency. We believe that these changes will significantly improve their response to any future problems.

www.wysong.net/moreinfo.php

11/16/09 - Pet Carousel Beef Hooves and Pig Ears - UPDATE
Pet Carousel has implemented significant changes in their processes and protocols to address the issues raised in the FDA Health Alert of 11/6/09. After extensive discussion with them and examination of microbiological test results, we are confident that they have corrected the problems identified in the inspection and have gone even further in instituting systemic changes that assure the safety of their products. We believe that this standard meets the needs and desires of our customers and we are in the process of restocking our stores with new product that has been produced and tested under their new procedures. This should be largely completed by 11/27/09.

We have done business with Pet Carousel for some time and have always been happy with their dedication to providing outstanding quality, safety, and service. We are extremely pleased by their willingness to use this potentially damaging experience to learn and to improve their business.

Pet Carousel recall 11-11

11/06/09 - Pet Carousel Beef Hooves and Pig Ears
The FDA has issued a health alert to consumers not to use Pet Carousel beef hooves and pig ears due to Salmonella contamination they detected during routine testing and inspection of the Pet Carousel manufacturing facility. Although the FDA states that no illnesses associated with these products have been reported, Pet Food Express has recalled all sizes and all lots of the following products:

As a further precaution, Pet Food Express has withdrawn all related Pet Carousel products from sale pending certification of their safety.

If you purchased any of the recalled products, please discontinue their use immediately and return the product for a refund or exchange. Additionally, you should thoroughly wash and disinfect your hands and all surfaces that have been in contact with suspect product with an anti-bacterial cleaner that will kill the Salmonella bacterium.

Dogs commonly carry Salmonella without any apparent ill effects. It is generally thought the high acidity in their digestive tract offers them some protection. Signs of actual infection include diarrhea, bloody diarrhea, lethargy, fever, and/or vomiting. If your pet is exhibiting any of these symptoms, consult your veterinarian.

The greater risk is to humans who can pick up Salmonella from pets’ food, treats, saliva, or feces. People infected with Salmonella may develop diarrhea, fever, or abdominal cramps 12 to 72 hours after infection. The elderly, infants, and those with impaired immune systems are most susceptible to the illness. Rarely, even more severe ailments may arise. Customers who have concerns about their own health should consult a medical professional.

If you believe that you or your pet have suffered an illness as a result of Salmonella contamination from a Pet Carousel product purchased from Pet Food Express, retain the product, packaging, and receipt and any and all documentation of the illness and treatment. Then, notify Terry Lim at tlim@petfoodexpress.com.

To learn more about the recall, visit the following link:
www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm189400.htm

To read the response from Pet Carousel, visit the following link:
www.petfoodexpress.com/pci_recall.html

If you have concerns about your health or the health of your pet, please consult a medical professional.

10/28/09 - Additional Products Added to Wysong’s Recall
We have received notice that the following products should be added to the list of recalled products from Wysong due to the passivity of mold:

• Maintenance – 53215 & 53218 – Lot# 090817
• Senior – 53233 & 53236 – Lot# 090811
• Synorgon – 53239 & 53242 – Lot# 090629

We spoke today with Wysong and feel confident that the moisture problem is under control. They have tested all of the batches produced since June and found excessive moisture in only the lots that have been listed on 10/26 and 10/28. Additionally, they have taken measures to review and improve their quality assurance processes to make sure that they are meeting appropriate standards of safety. We are convinced that they recognize and understand the errors they made in handling this recall and are committed to improving their processes to assure that they will communicate more proactively and effectively in the future. Pet Food Express is returning all of the product that was not recalled to its shelves immediately. We are thankful to Wysong for their willingness to recognize their errors and to make changes to correct them and assure that they are not repeated.

10/16/09 - Wysong Pet Food
Mold has been found in certain lots of bags of Wysong dry extruded foods manufactured in June and July of 2009, as noted on their website at www.wysong.net/recall.php

To be safe, the company states no suspect products from these batches should be fed. The affected products are:

• Wysong Maintenance™: lot #: 090617
• Wysong Maintenance™: lot #: 090624
• Wysong Maintenance™: lot #: 090706
• Wysong Maintenance™: lot #: 090720
• Wysong Senior™: lot #: 090623

To locate lot numbers, look at the top flap on boxes or bottom seals on bags. Any suspect food should be returned to the store you purchased it for a full refund.

Wysong believes the problem stems from unusually high heat and humidity during the time period the food was manufactured. This, combined with a malfunctioning moisture checking device is believed to be the cause of the higher moisture.

At this time, the above listed products (all canine) are the only ones that Wysong ahs reported as affected. They are produced in a facility that is owned and operated by Wysong. Wysong has received reports of dogs being fed the product getting diarrhea but no cause and effect has yet to be established. An internet poster claiming the food resulted in her dog’s death is currently being denied by Wysong.

Until such a time that Wysong can demonstrate that all dry product is safe and is unaffected by this current problem, Pet Food Express is pulling all Wysong dry product from our shelves, both dog and cat. If you have any of the affected lot codes, please return them immediately for a refund. If you have purchased Wysong and are unsure of the lot code or safety of the product, you are also welcome to return it. If your pet is showing any signs of illness, please consult your veterinarian.

If you have questions or concerns, please contact Wysong at 1-800-748-0188 or email them at wysong@wysong.net

MARKET WITHDRAWALS

1/15/10- Halo Dry Chicken and Salmon Dog Foods - UPDATE
Independent test results for toxins and microbiological contamination for the suspect lot confirm that these foods are free of contaminants and that there is/was no threat to pets’ health. PFE is satisfied and is the process of restocking all formulas. We were very impressed and pleased by Halo’s swift and decisive response to the problem. PFE is very demanding when it comes to safety issues and Halo demonstrated their commitment to pet welfare, the highest standards of professional conduct, and to making the best product they can. We applaud their handling of this situation and will hold them up as an example of how pet food companies should behave when confronted with such circumstances.

1/11/10 - Halo Dry Chicken and Salmon Dog Foods
PFE received customer reports of a bad odor in Halo dog food the week of 12/27/09. We contacted Halo and were informed that they had received two other reports and were investigating. The problem occurred in two dog food formulations with a "Best By" date of 4/22/11. They are:

• Halo Adult Dog Wholesome Chicken in the 4 lb. and 18 lb. sizes
• Halo Adult Dog Wild Salmon in the 4 lb. and 18 lb. sizes

Halo has already sent samples of the suspect lots to an independent lab for testing. They report that preliminary results indicate that the malodor is due to a particular ingredient that routinely has wide variation in its smell but poses no safety hazard. Nonetheless, Halo is withdrawing the product because the odor is objectionable.

As is our practice, PFE has removed all Halo dry products from our shelves as a precaution until testing is complete and we are completely confident that there is no risk to pets' health.

If you are currently feeding a Halo product and wish to return it, please feel free to do so. If you are concerned about your pet's health, please consult your veterinarian. You may contact Halo at Halopets.com for more information. We expect to receive word of conclusive test results the week of January 11, 2010 and will update you at that time.

(Revised for clarity 1/21/10)

PRODUCT ADVISORIES

Update - 6/10/09 - product is back on shelves and available for purchase.
04/23/09 - Flea & Tick Collar Advisory
It was reported today that Zodiac and Bio Spot flea and tick collars leave a residue on pet fur that may be unsafe for children that have extensive contact with them. This is the first that we have heard of it but in keeping with our commitment to safety, we have pulled all flea and tick collars off of our shelves until we can determine whether the credibility of the report and the extent of the risk. We will decide whether or not to restock them once we are able to make this evaluation. Thank you for your patience while we investigate.

The implicated products are:

Description	UPC
Zodiac Tick Collar for Dogs	041535447403
Zodiac Flea Collar for Dogs	041535448707
Zodiac Flea Collar for Cats	041535442507
Bio Spot® Flea & Tick Collar for Dogs - Large	039079059558
Bio Spot® Flea & Tick Collars For Cats & Kittens	039079059565
Bio Spot® Flea & Tick Collar for Dogs - Small	039079059541
Zema® Tick Detach 90-Day Tick Collar For Dogs over 60lbs	079264521880
Zema® Tick Detach 90-Day Tick Collar For Dogs under 60lbs	079264521859

03/20/09 - Over-the-counter topical flea control hazards
Recent news reports have cautioned pet owners about the use of topical flea control products containing pyrethrins and pyrethroids (the common synthetic version used in pet products is permethrin). We have long been aware of the potential hazards of these substances and posted appropriate cautions to our customers for their safe use shortly after their introduction (see #1 below.) During the many years that we have sold products like those mentioned in news report, we have received only two reports of problems, both which were minor, out of many thousands of units sold. In case there was new information that we were not aware of, we contacted the ASPCA’s Animal Poison Control Center (APPC), which takes upwards of 140,000 calls a year about animal poisonings and is considered the best source of information regarding pet poisonings. They reported to us that they consider these flea and tick products to be safe if used properly. In 2008, the vast majority of the over 31,000 calls related to insecticides that the APPC toxicologists fielded were related to misuse of products. Correct use of pyrethrin/permethrin-based products includes the following:

1. ALWAYS follow label directions precisely (i.e., age, weight, dosage).
2. NEVER apply a dog product on a cat.
3. Do not use these products on dogs that reside in a household that also houses cats. Cats can be exposed to harmful concentrations of pesticides either directly from contact with the dog or through other household items such as bedding and carpets.
4. Never apply products to pets that are sick or ill. If you are unsure, consult with your veterinarian.
5. If this is the first time you are using the product on the pet, make sure you do so when you will be home to observe the  pet.

Some animals, like humans can be sensitive to specific ingredients, making owner involvement key to safe use. Knowing the health status of the pet, observing the pet and properly applying the product will result in effective and safe flea and pest control.

We concur with the news report recommendation for non-pyrethrin/permethrin-based products such as Frontline and Advantage. However, for some people these products are simply not affordable. We believe that in this situation it is better to use a less expensive alternative such as Bio-Spot, properly applied, than it is to allow the pet to suffer from flea and/or tick bites and the problems that follow. Pet Food Express is continuing to offer Farnam's Bio Spot and will qualify and caution all purchasers appropriately.

#1 Caution for Bio-Spot "spot-on" products

Here are some links to web pages and articles that may interest those wishing to learn more:
Low-cost flea control remedies could be deadly for your pet

What You Should Know about Flea and Tick Products

www.aspca.org/pet-care/poison-control/

Perils of the New Pesticides | Articles - Pets and Pesticides: Let’s Be Careful Out There

www.team4reports.com/documents/biospot.pdf