Sunshine Mills issues recall of dog biscuits

By Staff
Jason Cannon Franklin County Times
RED BAY – The recent close analysis of pet food brought on by a recent mass recall by Iams has hit close to home.
Alabama Agriculture Commissioner Ron Sparks announced yesterday that as a precautionary measure, Red Bay's Sunshine Mills, Inc. is voluntarily recalling a portion of its branded dog biscuits made at its Red Bay biscuit plant during part of March 2007.
"We have remained in close contact with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to make sure we have the most recent information available concerning all pet food recalls that are taking place," Sparks said.
The treats in question are dog biscuits that are made with wheat gluten.
Testing of the wheat gluten used by Sunshine Mills found that it was contaminated with melamine, a chemical used to make plastics and other products.
Upon learning of the contaminant the Department of Agriculture and Industries' Pesticide Residue Laboratory immediately began the process of obtaining sample standards of melamine and researching methodology for identifying the contaminants in pet food.
Department Agricultural Compliance personnel will continue to monitor the recalls to assure products are promptly removed from the marketplace.
The recall affects Ol'Roy brand biscuits – a brand manufactured for Wal-Mart. The U.S. largest retailer is still reeling from the Salmonella recall of its Great Value peanut butter in February.
The recalled dog biscuits are marketed nationwide by many pet food retailers including the mass channel, traditional grocery, and pet specialty stores.
No dog illnesses or deaths have been reported to date in connection with these dog biscuits.
Consumers should immediately stop feeding their dog the dog biscuits with the specified date codes and consult with a veterinarian if they have any health concerns with their dog.
Sunshine's products are 100-percent guaranteed. Consumers may receive the full replacement value of the recalled dog biscuits by returning them to the place of purchase or consumers may contact Sunshine's customer service number at (800) 705-2111 for further information about the recall and for other instructions on obtaining a product refund.
It is also important to note that dry dog and cat food and soft and chewy treats for dogs or cats manufactured by Sunshine are not affected and not included in this recall.