Here are some updates and follow up information provided by Diamond Pet Food.
#1 The letter from Diamond Pet Food to retailers dated February 2012 regarding production delays (to read full article Click Here), Diamond Pet Food Media Rep Janine Smiley assured me there is no connection of this production delay to the recent Diamond recalls. She assured me the reason for the production delay cited in the February letter was as stated Diamond had “exceed our production capabilities causing product shortages”.
#2 Diamond Pet Food has confirmed that production at the South Carolina plant has been stopped. Information provided to me from Diamond originally stated they were suspending delivery – not suspending production. It is now confirmed that production was suspended on April 8, 2012.
#3 Janine Smiley was unable to provide additional information as when the plant will be back in production. “We do not know when the Gaston plant will resume production and delivery, but it will not do so until all quality issues are resolved. An internal investigation continues at the plant to determine the cause of the salmonella contamination.”
#4 Natural Balance – a pet food made at the South Carolina plant has laid-off in store representatives (part time employees that provide sales information to customers in national retail pet stores) until further notice.
#5 Artemis Pet Food, another brand manufactured by Diamond (though at their CA plant) sent a letter to retailers in March stating “Artemis Pet Food has been experiencing production delays for the last couple of months due to machinery maintenance and upgrades at our manufacturing facility. Due to those delays, this has caused a major back up in production scheduling.” Janine Smiley (Diamond Media Rep) shared “to my knowledge there is no linkage with this Artemis production delay letter and the recent recalls.”
#6 An independent pet food store owner shared with me late Monday (after my discussion with Diamond and after the latest recall update) that Diamond is picking up (removing) all product (all products they manufacture, not just Diamond brand) from distribution centers (not retail outlets…distribution centers).
Diamond Pet Food – specifically their media reps – have been very helpful and have tried to answer all of my questions. However, I am disappointed that within a few hours of speaking to Diamond they announced another recall; I cannot understand why they wouldn’t have shared this with me during our conversation. As well, the Diamond media rep mentioned nothing about Diamond picking up all product from distribution centers.
It is almost as if they (most pet food manufacturers) don’t believe we can handle the truth. To all pet food manufacturers including (but not limited to) Diamond, we can handle the truth. Just tell us, everything – don’t leave any detail out. Trust can begin with honesty and transparency.
Wishing you and your pet(s) the best,
Susan Thixton
Pet Food Safety Advocate
Author, Buyer Beware
Co-Author Dinner PAWsible
TruthaboutPetFood.com
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