FDA Statement
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Statement
December 30, 2005
Media Inquiries:
Rae Jones, 301-827-6242
Consumer Inquiries:
888-INFO-FDA



FDA Issues Consumer Alert on Contaminated Pet Food
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is conducting an investigation
into the deaths and illnesses of dogs that consumed pet food
contaminated with a potent toxin called aflatoxin. To date, FDA is
aware of 23 dogs that have died and another 18 dogs that have become
ill. The pet food is made by Diamond Pet Food at its Gaston, South
Carolina facility.

Customers who have purchased the recalled Diamond Pet Food manufactured
in the South Carolina plant should immediately stop using it and return
any remaining product to their retailer.

Aflatoxin comes from a fungus found on corn and other crops and can
cause severe liver damage in pets. Consumers are urged to contact
their veterinarian if their pets exhibit any of the following symptoms
which may indicate aflatoxin consumption:

Sluggishness
Loss of appetite
Jaundice (yellow whites of the eyes, gums, belly)
Severe, persistent vomiting combined with bloody diarrhea
Fever
FDA also has discovered that some of the recalled product was exported
to at least 29 countries, including countries within the European
Union. These countries have been notified.

FDA is continuing to investigate the situation and is working closely
with the state feed regulatory agencies in the affected states.

Additional information on the various products being recalled can be
found on the following websites:

www.fda.gov/oc/po/firmrecalls/diamond12_05.html
www.diamondpet.com/