One Thing Leads to Another

Re: Menu Foods

Further testing of some of the recalled pet foods has shown the presence of rat poison. Officials haven't identified the actual chemical or its source beyond saying it was "a" rat poison." The FDA has, of course, said the investigation was focusing on wheat gluten in the food. Wheat gluten alone, however, would not cause kidney failure. Still, the common ingredient could have been contaminated by heavy metals or mold toxins, according to the FDA.

If it is, in fact, rat poison, this begs the question -- was it an accidental contamination, or was it a deliberate act by party or parties unknown?

At the grocery store yesterday, the shelves were nearly completely denuded of "wet" dog food. Those little square packages of gourmet dog food were still up, and the Pedigree pouches. Pedigree, thank God, is still safe as far as I know. At any rate, it's not on the recall list. That's what I bought. The checkout lady asked me if the Pedigree was safe, to which I responded that since it wasn't on the list, I hoped so. Then she told me she was feeding her dog Mighty Dog. Alas, Mighty Dog was still on the store shelves, and -- it's on the recall list. When I told her, she was horrified. She did say she'd throw it out when she got home and keep an eye on her dog.

Update, 4:20 P.M.:

The toxin has now been identified as aminopterin, which is used to kill rats in some countries. Aminopterin is not registered for killing rodents in the United States, according to the Environmental Protection Agency, though it is used as a cancer drug. Officials aren't officially speculatating on how the chemical got into Menu Foods products.

Scientists at the New York State Animal Health Diagnostic Center at Cornell and at the New York State Food Laboratory tested three cat food samples provided by Menu Foods and found Aminopterin in two of them. Scientists said they would test individual components of the pet food, as well. The early test results were released to give veterinarians a better idea of how to treat sick animals.

"Any amount of this product is too much in food," lab personnel said.

Aminopterin, also used as a cancer drug, is highly toxic in high doses. It inhibits the growth of malignant cells and suppresses the immune system and, as we now know, it can cause kidney failure in cats and dogs.



It's such a gorgeous day around here that I've lost my mind a little bit. I'm actually -- Spring cleaning. You know how that goes -- one chore completed necessitates another. When something is nice and clean, after all, you can't in good conscience put it back in place until the space where it goes is also cleaned. Therefore, I had to figure out how to turn on the vacuum cleaner. My bedroom curtains are in the washing machine, along with the comforter.

My bedroom looks much neater, I've rearranged the clutter in the den, and the kitchen is cleaner than it was yesterday. I hope this nonsense stops before I remember how the stove works.

The dog has been walked, and neither of us wanted to come back in. Everything is budding in shades of green. The pear trees are in bloom, as are some kind of trees with pink blossoms. Cherry? Redbud? I'm not sure, but they're beautiful to see. The birds are chirping merrily and the squirrels are playing tag in the back yard. Even the neighborhood stray cats are laid back and grinning today. I love Spring.

Friday with Twisted Linguistics

problem which I believe you were eluding to - Running away from your troubles.

The primerose path - Mush-brain caused by prime-time TV.

visa versa - Reverse the charges, and charge it.

Least I not forget - Loosely translated as "At least, I will not forget."


What time of day are you?

You Are Noon

You are upbeat, ambitious, and never at loss for energy. You have a lot that drives you in life. The desire to be the best, and a secret hope of fame and power. And while you definitely have a Type A personality, you are still fun to be around. You have a ton of charisma and a genuine interest in others. You are adored by many.

What Time Of Day Are You?

*Disclaimer: I am decidedly not a Type-A personality; I'm barely above slug status.


4I'm taking a break from blogging this weekend. I'll be out and about, and also paying more attention to this site than I have been lately. You're welcome to join me.