Category Archives: Mars

Mars, Incorporated is a private, family-owned company founded in 1911 and employing more than 65,000 associates at over 370 locations, including 135 factories in 68 countries worldwide. Headquartered in McLean, Virginia, U.S.A., Mars, Incorporated is one of the world’s largest food companies, generating global revenues of $28 billion annually and operating in six business segments: Chocolate, Petcare, Wrigley Gum and Confections, Food, Drinks, and Symbioscience. These segments produce some of the world’s leading brands: Chocolate – M&M’S®, SNICKERS®, DOVE®, GALAXY®, MARS®, MILKY WAY® and TWIX®; Petcare – PEDIGREE®, WHISKAS®, SHEBA®, CESAR® and ROYAL CANIN®; Wrigley – ORBIT®, EXTRA®, STARBURST®, DOUBLEMINT® and SKITTLES®; Food – UNCLE BEN’S®, DOLMIO®, EBLY®, MASTERFOODS® and SEEDS OF CHANGE®; Drinks – KLIX® and FLAVIA®; Symbioscience – WISDOM PANELTM MX, SERAMIS®, and COCOAPRO™.

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Comprehensive List Of Mars Brands—-http://www.mars.com/global/our-brands.aspx

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Portland pet food manufacturer ceases operations 13 May 2009
Mars Petcare US is closing its Portland, Indiana manufacturing plant later this year. Due to reduced consumer demand profitable operation of the plant is no longer feasible and 51 employees have to be laid off.
The Portland facility produces dog biscuits and package dry pet products under the brands Pedigree, Whiskas and Sheba.

“We constantly monitor and evaluate customer and consumer demand for products and adjust our production to meet their needs,” Mars Petcare said in a statement.

“As a result of reduced customer demand in our Exclusive Brands business and subsequent levels of utilization in our network, we will cease operations at the Portland, IN, Le Sueur, MN and Allentown, PA manufacturing sites in 2009.”

“We take seriously the long-term sustainability of our business. The decision to close the Portland, Le Sueur and Allentown facilities was a difficult one and made only after careful review and analysis,” Mars said.

SOURCE:
http://www.allaboutfeed.net/news/portland-pet-food-manufacturer-ceases-operations-3182.html

Sunday, January 11, 2009

The Mars Petcare USA company announced a recall in November of certain of its cat and dog food products.

That recall recently has been renewed and expanded. Currently, the following pet food products are on a recall list:

n Berkley & Jensen Bistro Blend Premium Cat Food

n Berkley & Jensen Small Bites and Bones Dog Food

n Ol’Roy Complete Premium Dog Food

n Ol’ Roy Puppy Complete Premium Dog Food

n Complete Nutrition Premium Dog Food

n High Performance Premium Dog Food

n Meaty Chunks & Gravy Premium Dog Food

n ShopRite Crunchy Bites, Bones & Healthy Squares Dog Food.

Additionally on recall are these cat foods made by the Mars Company:

n Special Kitty Original Premium Cat Food

n Gourmet Blend Premium Cat Food

n Kitten Premium Cat Food

All of the above listed products were manufactured at the Mars Petcare plant in Allentown, Pa. They were sold in BJ’s Wholesale Club, ShopRite Supermarkets and Wal-Mart locations in Connecticut, Massachusetts, Maine and New Hampshire, plus other eastern states.

Mars Petcare also announced that they have a new state-of-the-art testing facility in the works that should be open sometime in mid-2009. Theoretically, once this facility is online, the danger of recalls will be greatly reduced.

Theoretically.

Meanwhile, the cause of this ongoing recall is a finding of Salmonella in tests done by the United States Food and Drug Administration. So far there have been no cases of human or pet illness caused by Salmonella associated with these products, but the risk continues.

According to the FDA, there are steps one can and should take whenever dealing with prepared pet foods. While dogs and cats are at risk of Salmonella infections, certain people are at greater-than-usual risk also. Those particularly at risk include children and the elderly, as well as anyone whose immune system has been compromised by disease or some underlying condition.

To reduce your risk, the FDA suggests that you follow these procedures:

n Wash your hands with hot water for at least 20 seconds both before and after handling any pet foods.

n Wash pet food bowls, dishes and implements with soap and hot water after each use.

n Do not use the pet’s bowl as a scooping device, rather, use a clean spoon or scoop that is kept only for this use.

n Dispose of any old or spoiled pet food in a safe manner, such as in a securely tied plastic bag that is then placed in a covered trash receptacle.

n Do not flush it down your toilet or throw it outdoors.

Storage of pet foods is also important. The FDA recommends that any leftover canned food be stored in a refrigerator. It’s probably best to pick up any leftover canned food after 20 minutes.

All dry products should be stored in a cool, dry place. The best way to store dry pet foods is in their original paper container, rolled down to eliminate air as much as possible, then placed into a plastic container with a tight-fitting top. This method has the additional advantage of helping to preserve the vitamins and minerals in the food.

SOURCE: http://www.fosters.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090111/GJCOMMUNITY_01/701119891/-1/FOSLIFESTYLES

SOURCE: http://www.petcare.mars.com/

Mars Petcare US Voluntary Limited Food Recall
(US recall only; Puerto Rico not affected)

Mars Petcare US Issues Voluntary Recall of Everson, PA Plant Dry Pet Food Product due to Potential Salmonella Contamination
Contact:
Debra Fair
Public Relations Manager — Central Marketing
MARS PETCARE US
(973) 691-3536

For Immediate Release
Mars Petcare US Announces Nationwide Voluntary Recall
Franklin, Tennessee (September 12, 2008)—Today, Mars Petcare US announced a voluntary recall of products manufactured at its Everson, Pennsylvania facility. The pet food is being voluntarily recalled because of potential contamination with Salmonella serotype Schwarzengrund. This voluntary recall only affects the United States.

Salmonella can cause serious infections in dogs and cats, and, if there is cross contamination caused by handling of the pet food, in people as well, especially children, the aged, and people with compromised immune systems. Healthy people potentially infected with Salmonella should monitor themselves for some or all of the following symptoms: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramping and fever. On rare occasions, Salmonella can result in more serious ailments, including arterial infections, endocarditis, arthritis, muscle pain, eye irritation, and urinary tract symptoms. Consumers exhibiting these signs after having contact with this product should contact their healthcare providers.

Pets with Salmonella infections may be lethargic and have diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever, and vomiting. Some pets will have only decreased appetite, fever and abdominal pain. Animals can be carriers with no visible symptoms and can potentially infect other animals or humans. If your pet has consumed the recalled product and has these symptoms, please contact your veterinarian.

The company stopped production at the Everson facility on July 29, 2008 when it was alerted of a possible link between dry pet food produced at the plant and two isolated cases of people infected with Salmonella Schwarzengrund.

Even though no direct link between product produced at Everson and human or pet illness has been made, Mars Petcare US is taking precautionary action to protect pets and their owners by announcing a voluntary recall of all products produced at the Everson facility beginning February 18, 2008 until July 29, 2008 when we stopped production.

The company is continuing to work collaboratively with the FDA to determine the nature and source of Salmonella Schwarzengrund at the Everson facility. Since it has not yet identified the source of the Salmonella Schwarzengrund at the Everson facility, Mars Petcare US does not plan to resume production out of a commitment to the safety of our pet owners and their pets, customers, and associates.

The top priority of Mars Petcare US has always been and continues to be the health and welfare of pets and their owners. Consumers can continue to have confidence in the quality and safety of the products produced at other Mars Petcare US facilities. Only those products which were produced at the Everson facility are impacted by the voluntary recall.

Many of the brands involved in the recall are national brands produced at multiple facilities. A chart for all products is below. For example, PEDIGREE® is manufactured in numerous facilities throughout the country, and Everson represents a very small portion of the manufacturing base – 2.7 percent of total PEDIGREE® production.

Mars Petcare US will work with retail customers to ensure that the recalled products are not on store shelves. These products should not be sold or fed to pets. In the event that consumers believe they have purchased products affected by this voluntary recall, they should return the product to the store where they purchased it for a full refund. Specific product details and other information can be found at www.petcare.mars.com

In an effort to prevent the transmission of Salmonella from pets to family members and care givers, the FDA recommends that everyone follow appropriate pet food handling guidelines when feeding their pets. A list of safe pet food handling tips can be found at: www.fda.gov/consumer/updates/petfoodtips080307.html

Pet owners who have questions about the recall should call 1-877-568-4463 or visit www.petcare.mars.com.

Production Lot Code – (found on back of bag just after “Best Before” date).
The products listed in the chart below are made at our Everson facility on behalf of a variety of retailers. All production lot codes, with the exception of PEDIGREE®, are listed in a similar format as noted below:
Consumers should look for “17″ as the first two digits of the second line. Sample:
Best By Feb 18 09
17 1445 1

For PEDIGREE® the Everson code date format is as follows:
Consumers should look for “PAE” on the bottom line – the sixth, seventh and eighth digits. Sample:
PEDIGREE ® Small Crunchy Bites
Best Before 02/2009
808G1PAE01 12:00

Recalled Pet Food
Please find recalled pet food UPC information below. UPC code numbers can be found directly underneath the bar code on the package.

IMPORTANT: If you see a product you purchased listed below, please review the Production Lot Code information samples from above to confirm that your product is included in the recall.

PLEASE GO HERE FOR A LIST OF RECALLS IN CASE THEY ADD MORE LATER :
http://www.petcare.mars.com/

Product Name / Bag Size / UPC

Country Acres Cat Food 40# 16603 02181

Country Acres Ration Dog Food 40# 16603 02333

Country Acres 18% Dog Food 40# 16603 02331

Country Acres Hi Pro Dog Food 50# 16603 02021

Doggy Bag Dog Food 40# 73893 40000

Members Mark Complete Nutrition Premium Cat Food 20# 81131 89881

Members Mark Complete Nutrition Premium Dog Food 50# 05388 67055

Members Mark Crunchy Bites & Savory Bones Adult Dog Food 50# 05388 67309

Members Mark High Performance Premium Dog Food 50# 81131 75479

Natural Cat Food (Sam’s Club) 15# 81131 89883

Natural Dog Food (Sam’s Club) 25# 81131 89884

Ol’ Roy Complete Nutrition 4.4# 81131 69377

Ol’ Roy Complete Nutrition 8# 05388 67144

Ol’ Roy Complete Nutrition 22# 05388 60342

Ol’ Roy Complete Nutrition 50# 78742 01022

Ol’ Roy High Performance Nutrition Dog Food 20# 05388 60345

Ol’ Roy High Performance Nutrition Dog Food 50# 78742 05815

Ol’ Roy Meaty Chunks ‘n Gravy Dog Food 8# 81131 69629

Ol’ Roy Meaty Chunks ‘n Gravy Dog Food 22# 81131 69630

Ol’ Roy Meaty Chunks ‘n Gravy Dog Food 50# 81131 69631

Ol’ Roy Puppy Complete 4# 81131 79078

Ol’ Roy Puppy Complete 8# 81131 79079

Ol’ Roy Puppy Complete 20# 81131 79080

Paws & Claws Delicious Mix Cat Food 8# 79818 96632

Paws & Claws Delicious Mix Cat Food 20# 49394 05746

Paws & Claws Delicious Mix Cat Food 40# 79818 96676

Paws & Claws Premium Choice Cat Food 8# 79818 96633

Paws & Claws Premium Choice Cat Food 20# 49394 00008

Paws & Claws Premium Choice Cat Food 40# 49394 05747

Pedigree Large Breed Adult Nutrition 20# 23100 29158

Pedigree Large Breed Adult Nutrition 30.1# 23100 31484

Pedigree Large Breed Adult Nutrition 36.4# 23100 31479

Pedigree Large Breed Adult Nutrition 40# 23100 29154

Pedigree Small Crunchy Bites Adult Nutrition 4.4# 23100 05104

Pedigree Small Crunchy Bites Adult Nutrition 8.8# 23100 05103

Pedigree Small Crunchy Bites Adult Nutrition 20# 23100 14719

Pedigree Small Crunchy Bites Adult Nutrition 32# 23100 31483

Pedigree Small Crunchy Bites Adult Nutrition 40# 23100 31478

Pedigree Small Crunchy Bites Adult Nutrition 44# 23100 05100

Pedigree Small Crunchy Bites Adult Nutrition 52# 23100 05110

Pet Pride Indoor Cat 3.5# 11110 74584

Pet Pride Indoor Cat 18# 11110 74585

Pet Pride Weight Management Dog Food 17.6# 11110 74578

PMI Nutrition Bites & Bones Dog Food 50# 42869 00174

PMI Nutrition Canine Advantage 50# 42869 00172

PMI Nutrition Feline Medley 20# 42869 00171

PMI Nutrition Gravy Crunches Dog Food 40# 42869 00033

Red Flannel Active Formula Dog Food 40# 42869 00063

Red Flannel Adult Formula Dog Food 20# 42869 00055

Red Flannel Adult Formula Dog Food 40# 42869 00054

Red Flannel Canine Select Dog Food 20# 42869 00068

Red Flannel Canine Select Dog Food 40# 42869 00067

Red Flannel Cat 10# 42869 00059

Red Flannel Cat 20# 42869 00058

Red Flannel Hi Pro Formula Dog Food 50# 42869 00065

Red Flannel Prime Dog Food 25# 42869 00052

Red Flannel Prime Dog Food 50# 42869 00053

Red Flannel Puppy 40# 42869 00056

Retriever Bites & Bones Dog Food 8# 79818 96757

Retriever Bites & Bones Dog Food 20# 79818 96634

Retriever Bites & Bones Dog Food 50# 49394 05666

Retriever Gravy Blend Dog Food 50# 49394 05665

Retriever Gravy Blend Dog Food 8# 79818 96756

Retriever Hi Protein Dog Food 8# 79818 96755

Retriever Hi Protein Dog Food 25# 49394 00002

Retriever Hi Protein Dog Food 50# 49394 00003

Retriever Mini Chunk Dog Food 8# 79818 96754

Retriever Mini Chunk Dog Food 25# 49394 00006

Retriever Mini Chunk Dog Food 50# 49395 00005

Retriever Puppy Blend Dog Food 6# 49394 56221

Retriever Puppy Blend Dog Food 8# 79818 96758

Retriever Puppy Blend Dog Food 20# 49394 00004

Retriever Puppy Blend Dog Food 40# 79818 96706

Special Kitty Gourmet 3.5# 81131 17546

Special Kitty Gourmet 4# 78742 53199

Special Kitty Gourmet 7# 81131 17547

Special Kitty Gourmet 8# 78742 53200

Special Kitty Gourmet 18# 81131 15748

Special Kitty Gourmet 20# 78742 53201

Special Kitty Gourmet 25# 78742 54314

Special Kitty Kitten 3.5# 81131 17553

Special Kitty Kitten 4# 78742 53198

Special Kitty Kitten 7# 81131 17554

Special Kitty Kitten 8# 81131 24739

Special Kitty Original 3.5# 81131 17557

Special Kitty Original 4# 78742 04930

Special Kitty Original 7# 81131 17562

Special Kitty Original 8# 78742 05744

Special Kitty Original 18# 81131 17559

Special Kitty Original 20# 78742 05794

Special Kitty Original 25# 81131 68869

Wegman’s Bruiser Complete Nutrition Dog Food 4.4# 77890 33654

Wegman’s Bruiser Complete Nutrition Dog Food 20# 77890 32988

Wegman’s Bruiser Complete Nutrition Dog Food 37.5# 77890 32994

Wegman’s Bruiser Puppy Dog Food 4.4# 77890 33621

Wegman’s Bruiser Puppy Dog Food 17.6# 77890 32991

Wegman’s Bruiser Small Crunchy Bites Dog Food 4.4# 77890 33618

Wegman’s Bruiser Small Crunchy Bites Dog Food 20# 77890 32982

Wegman’s Buju & Ziggie Complete Cat Food 3.5# 77890 10005

Wegman’s Buju & Ziggie Complete Cat Food 18# 77890 10004

Wegman’s Buju & Ziggie Indoor Cat Food 3.5# 77890 12038

Wegman’s Buju & Ziggie Indoor Cat Food 18# 77890 12039

Wegman’s Buju & Ziggie Kitten 3.5# 77890 12036

Wegman’s Buju & Ziggie Original Medley Cat Food 3.5# 77890 10006

Wegman’s Buju & Ziggie Original Medley Cat Food 18# 77890 10003
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Media Statement
Mars Petcare US Comments on Voluntary Recall of Everson, PA Plant Dry Pet Food Product
September 12, 2008

Today Mars Petcare US announced a voluntary recall of all products produced at its Everson facility beginning February 18, 2008 until July 29, 2008. The pet food is being recalled because of potential contamination with Salmonella Schwarzengrund. This voluntary recall only affects 31 states in the United States.

“Even though no direct link between products produced at the Everson manufacturing plant and human or pet illness has been made, we are taking this precautionary action to protect pets and their owners. We are continuing to work collaboratively with the FDA to determine the nature and source of Salmonella Schwarzengrund at the Everson facility, and are committed to making sure our consumers and customers have the information they need regarding our voluntary recall,” said Catherine Woteki, Global Director of Scientific Affairs, Mars, Incorporated.

Mars Petcare US stopped production at the Everson facility on July 29, 2008 when the company was alerted of a possible link between dry pet food produced at the plant and two isolated cases of people infected with Salmonella Schwarzengrund.

In order to avoid any potential risk to pets and their owners, the company initiated an extensive internal investigation to determine the extent of the involvement of the Everson facility in cooperation with the FDA. Ultimately, none of the pet foods found in consumer homes have been determined to contain Salmonella, and there have been no reports of pet illnesses in those households. However, the strain of Salmonella Schwarzengrund involved in the illnesses has been detected in the company’s Everson facility.

Many of the brands involved in the recall are national brands produced at multiple facilities. For example, the company manufactures PEDIGREE® in numerous facilities throughout the country, and the Everson facility represents a very small portion of the manufacturing base – 2.7 percent of total PEDIGREE® production.

Consumers can continue to have confidence in the quality and safety of the products produced at Mars Petcare US’ other facilities. Only those products which were produced at the Everson facility are impacted.

Mars Petcare US will work with all of its customers to ensure that the recalled products are not on store shelves. These products should not be sold or fed to pets. In the event that consumers believe they have purchased products affected by this voluntary recall, they should return the product to the store where they purchased it for a full refund. Specific product details and other information can be found at http://www.petcare.mars.com.

Catherine Woteki concluded, “Our top priority has always been and continues to be the health and welfare of pets and their owners. At Mars, we hold ourselves to the highest quality standards.”

SUMMERY: Mars Inc. bought the production plant from Menu Foods in the wake of massive product recalls. Menu Foods issued the recalls when pet food processed at its …

Mars to shed jobs at North Sioux plant
By Molly Montag Journal staff writer

NORTH SIOUX CITY — Mars Petcare U.S. is in the process of eliminating 26 jobs at its Heartland facility in North Sioux City, a move a company spokeswoman says is temporary.

Bertille Glass, corporate communications spokeswoman for Mars North America, said the company has begun reducing the North Sioux City plant’s work force by 26 people. READ FULL
http://www.siouxcityjournal.com/articles/2008/05/17/news/latest_news/fb1f0fdc1700f8398625744d000cd459.txt

Select Krasdale Gravy Dry Dog Food 5lb Bags Voluntarily Recalled in Five States

<SNIP>

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE — FRANKLIN, Tenn. — August 21, 2007

– Mars Petcare US, Inc. today announces a voluntary recall of select five pound bags of Krasdale Gravy dry dog food sold in Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania. The pet food is being recalled because it has the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella, which can cause serious infections in dogs and cats, and, if there is cross contamination, in people, especially children, the aged, and people with compromised immune systems.

<SNIP>

Affected Products

Product: Krasdale Gravy dry dog food
Size: 5 pound bag
UPC Code: 7513062596
Best By Date: July 16 & 17, 2008
Best By Date Location: Back of bag
Affected Stores: Various stores located in Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania.

Product: Red Flannel Large Breed Adult Formula dry dog food
Size: 50 pound bag
UPC Code: 4286900062
Best By Date: July 12, 2008
Best By Date Location: Back of bag
Affected Stores: The stores are located in Reedsville, PA and Richlandtown, PA

KRASDALE PRESS RELEASE
RED FLANNEL PRESS RELEASE

Additional information about the product is available on www.marspetcare.com. Pet owners who have questions about the voluntary recall should call (866) 298-8332, or visit the web site for more information.

FDA’s Recalls, Market Withdrawals and Safety Alerts Page: http://www.fda.gov/opacom/7alerts.html