Publications
Partners
Despite a recall in the US, diets in the three ranges (Iams, Eukanuba and Eukanuba Veterinary Diets) in South Africa are completely unaffected and safe for pets.
In an urgent press release from Dr Sarah Miller, Director of Cube Route Pty (Ltd), it was confirmed that none of the South African produccts come from the USA - they are manufactured in a plant in The Netherlands (Coevorden) and as such as unaffected by the US recall.
The release further stated that:
At Coevorden/NL, P&G’s pet food plant for EMEA, we have testing and food safety programs in place that are at the highest standards and comparable to the best practices in the human food industry. They are in line with EU regulations, in many areas exceeding the expectations in the regulations.
- Given the fact that salmonella prevention is an industry wide challenge, our constant monitoring on the presence of potentially harmful bacteria and other microorganisms shows a longstanding track record of excellent results.
- These results are confirmed by frequent independent testing by the Dutch authorities. Their randomly taken probations have all been negative on salmonella since the inception of the plant.
- Finished product is also tested for salmonella before it is shipped to South Africa. Again, all tests have always been negative.
According to Miller, each and every bag of food that leaves our plant in Holland has had over 120 quality and safety checks.
"For the past seven years we have subjected our plant to assessment by the AIB (American Institute of Bakers- used to assess safety, hygiene and quality of production in HUMAN food plants). We have received seven consecutive “Superior” (their highest) ratings from AIB. In 2010 only 8% of all companies assessed received this rating . This makes our “Pet food plant” superior to 92% of the human food companies checked, " she said.
The US recall
With regard to the US recall, Miller added that the recall was only a precationary measaure as no salmonella-related illnesses had yet been reported.
"The Procter and Gamble Company (P&G) is voluntarily expanding its recall to include veterinary and some specialised dry pet food as a precautionary measure because it has the potential to be contaminated with salmonella. Please note No salmonella-related illnesses have been reported.
She reiterated that this did not include or impact on any Iams, Eukanuba or Eukanuba Veterinary Diets available in South Africa.
If you have any further concerns contact the South African Customer Care line on 0800 00 4267.
(Press release, August 2010)
