The following is provided on the Kramar Pet Products website: http://www.kramar.com.au/index.html
VOLUNTARY PRODUCT RECALL OF DOG TREATS
DECEMBER 9 2008
KRAMAR SUPA NATURALS CHICKEN BREAST STRIPS 150G – PRODUCT CODE 85148
KRAMAR SUPA NATURALS CHICKEN BREAST STRIPS 110G –PRODUCT CODE 85149
The KraMar Pet Company Pty Limited has announced a voluntary product recall of its KraMar Supa
Naturals chicken breast strips made in China.
KraMar is taking this step as a precaution because of an alleged association between the product and
instances of Fanconi-Like Syndrome in small dogs.
The number of cases of illness reported to KraMar is 15, since the product was launched 15 months
ago.
KraMar has been in discussions with Dr. Linda Fleeman BVSc PhD MACVSc, Senior Lecturer in Small
Animal Medicine from the Faculty of Veterinary Science at the University of Sydney to investigate the
issue of some instances of illness in dogs.
To date there has been no scientific evidence to link the product with the development of Fanconi-Like
Syndrome.
The KraMar Pet Company had tested every shipment for E-Coli, Salmonella and Melamine. More
recently at the request of some veterinary surgeons tests were done for other potential Toxins. The
manufacturing facility in China has been approved by the Australian Quarantine Inspection Service
(AQIS). All tests to date have been clear.
KraMar’s CEO Bryan Fouche has announced that the decision has been made to recall all Supa
Naturals chicken breast strips from sale effective immediately.
Explaining the decision Mr Fouche said “KraMar regards the health and welfare of all dogs as
paramount.” “We have been in the market of supplying dog care products for over 50 years and our customers rely
on us to maintain the care.”
Mr Fouche stressed that none of the company’s other products are impacted and KraMar is already
exploring the potential of taking steps to move the production of Supa Naturals products to Australia.
“This precautionary measure has been taken despite the lack of scientific evidence because of our
concerns for the welfare of dogs.”
The KraMar Pet Company Pty Ltd ACN 000 364 394
144 Hartley Road, Smeaton Grange, NSW 2567, Australia.
Locked Bag 5000, Narellan, NSW 2567, Australia.
T 02 4648 8500 F 02 4648 8599 www.kramar.com.au
The symptoms of Fanconi-like Syndrome are:
• Decreased food consumption, although some may continue to consume the treats to the
exclusion of other foods
• Decreased activity or lethargy
• Vomiting
• Diarrhoea, sometimes with blood
• Increased water consumption and/or increased urination
In severe cases, blood tests may indicate kidney failure and glucose in the urine may indicate Fanconilike
Syndrome. (According to data from the US Food & Drug Administration website, 26 September
2007)
KraMar advises customers whose dogs show any of these symptoms to immediately consult their vet if
signs are severe or persist for more than 24 hours.
All Supa Naturals Chicken Breast Strips will be removed from shelves effective immediately.
-ends-
For media enquiries please contact:
Mary-Lou Jarvis
Executive Director PR
Bay Street Mediaworks
Phone 02 92124335 Mobile 0414 309179