Paul K. Henderson, President, Chief Executive Officer and Director of Menu Foods GenPar Limited
Menu Foods Income Fund
8 Falconer Drive; Streetsville, ON
Canada L5N 1B1
ph: +1-905-826-3870; fax: +1-905-826-4995

Serge Darkazanli, President and Chief Executive Officer
Menu Foods Income Fund
8 Falconer Drive; Mississauga, ON
Canada L5M 2C1
ph: 905-826-3870; fax: 905-826-8102
email: sdarkazanli@menufoods.com, adoremus@menufoods.com

Mark Wiens, Executive Vice President
Menu Foods Income Fund
8 Falconer Drive; Mississauga, ON
Canada L5M 2C1
email: mwiens@menufoods.com

Dear Mr. Henderson, Mr. Darkazanli, Mr. Wiens, and Menu Foods:

Thank you for announcing plans to reimburse caretakers able to link their animals' illnesses with products named in the recall of 60 million Menu Foods cans and pouches.

As you know, results from the New York State Food Laboratory originally identified the rat poison aminopterin as the contaminant behind the deaths of 15 cats and two dogs (as of 3/24/07). Since then, FDA and Cornell University scientists uncovered melamine, a component in plastics and fertilizer, in wheat gluten used in affected Menu Foods products. However, experts are uncertain if melamine is the primary culprit.

While FDA and Menu Foods recognize a handful of deaths, a veterinarian at Cornell University's prestigious New York State Animal Health Diagnostic Center predicts fatalities may skyrocket into the thousands. At PetConnection.com, a veterinarian's self-reporting website, at least 2,907 deaths (1,592 cats and 1,314 dogs as of 4/2/07) are linked to poisoned foods. The mortality rate is certain to climb.

• Overhaul its system of oversight at all manufacturer sites.
• Discontinue testing toxic food on lab-confined cats and dogs.
• Replace all animal experiments with laboratory analysis and other non-animal methods.

I am shocked to learn Menu Foods induces kidney failure in cats and dogs for lab tests engineered to counter consumer grievances. Histological analyses and necropsies of already deceased animals who ate noxious food ought to present sufficient data to isolate and even treat the effects of the contaminant. Other cruelty-free models include a functional gastro-intestinal dog (FIDO) or TIM-1 and TIM-2 (small and large gastro-intestinal models).

I cannot purchase your goods until a no-animal testing policy is instated. Quite simply, polluted human foods are never tested in humans. The forced ingestion of "suspect raw materials" in animals is equally repugnant.

Though manufacturers are not legally required to experiment on animals to earn market approval, Menu Foods has authorized animal studies long before the March 2007 recall. Tests to gauge "metabolic energy" of dog and cat food restrain animals in barren stainless- steel cages, sometimes for years. Exercise and other forms of stimulation (such as toys) are virtually nonexistent.

In 2002 and 2003, investigations inside Sinclair Research Center, a laboratory under contract with Iams and Menu Foods, exposed dogs with muscle chunks severed from their thighs huddling on a cold floor. Two dogs died post-surgery and at least 27 were killed over the course of this experiment alone. Sinclair recently settled with the USDA for alleged violations of the federal Animal Welfare Act.

The recall initiated a chain of fear and pain for animals and people. I encourage Menu Foods to implement stricter security measures and prevent future tragedies. In addition, please replace old-fashioned animal experiments with progressive, non-animal research modes.

Thank you,

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The Honorable Mark Saltmarsh
Crown Attorney's Office
Grenville & William Davis Courthouse, 5th Fl., Ste. 100
7755 Hurontario St.
Brampton, ON L6W 4T6, Canada
ph: 905-456-4777; fax: 905-456-4780

Dear Mr. Saltmarsh:

In light of the recent recall of 60 million pet food cans and pouches, I respectfully ask you to open an investigation to determine if the manufacturer, Menu Foods, has disobeyed Canadian law.

As you know, results from the New York State Food Laboratory originally identified the rat poison aminopterin as the contaminant behind the deaths of 15 cats and two dogs (as of 3/24/07). Since then, FDA and Cornell University scientists uncovered melamine, a component in plastics and fertilizer, in wheat gluten used in affected Menu Foods products. However, experts are uncertain if melamine is the primary culprit.

While FDA and Menu Foods recognize a handful of deaths, a veterinarian at Cornell University's prestigious New York State Animal Health Diagnostic Center predicts fatalities may skyrocket into the thousands. At PetConnection.com, a veterinarian's self-reporting website, at least 2,907 deaths (1,592 cats and 1,314 dogs as of 4/2/07) are linked to poisoned foods. The mortality rate is certain to climb.

Menu Foods allegedly learned about contamination concerns by February 20, 2007, yet waited until March 16 to recall foods marketed across North America under 95 brands. During this delay, caretakers continued to feed their animals tainted food, thus prolonging the potential for illness and death. I urge you to hold Menu Foods liable for each fatality, to the extent permissible under Canadian law.

Furthermore, Menu Foods is inducing kidney failure in cats and dogs for lab tests engineered to counter consumer grievances. Histological analyses and necropsies of already deceased animals who ate noxious food ought to present sufficient data to isolate and even treat the effects of the contaminant. Other cruelty-free models include a functional gastro-intestinal dog (FIDO) or TIM-1 and TIM-2 (small and large gastro-intestinal models).

• R.S.C., ch. C-34, S 446.(1)(a) "Every one commits an offence who willfully [causes]... unnecessary pain, suffering or injury to an animal..."
• R.S.C., ch. C-34, S 446.(1)(e) "Every one commits an offence who willfully, without reasonable excuse, administers a poisonous or an injurious drug or substance to a domestic animal..."

If an investigation shows Menu Foods in violation of Canadian law, I urge you to prosecute involved parties to the maximum degree allowed by law.

Thank you for your valuable time and deliberation,

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The Honorable Joseph D. Deters, Prosecuting Attorney
Hamilton County Prosecutor's Office
230 E. Ninth St., Ste. 4000; Cincinnati, OH 45202
ph: 513-946-3006; fax: 513-946-3017; email: Joe.Deters@hcpros.org
website: http://www.hcpros.org/directory.html

Dear Mr. Deters,

In light of the recent recall of 60 million pet food cans and pouches, I respectfully ask you to open an investigation to determine if Iams Company has disobeyed Ohio anti-cruelty law (Ohio Rev. Code Ann. S 959.131). Iams and Eukanuba are among the 95 recalled brands manufactured at Menu Foods and distributed across North America.

As you know, results from the New York State Food Laboratory originally identified the rat poison aminopterin as the contaminant behind the deaths of 15 cats and two dogs (as of 3/24/07). Since then, FDA and Cornell University scientists uncovered melamine, a component in plastics and fertilizer, in wheat gluten used in affected Menu Foods products. However, experts are uncertain if melamine is the primary culprit.

While FDA and Menu Foods recognize a handful of deaths, a veterinarian at Cornell University's prestigious New York State Animal Health Diagnostic Center predicts fatalities may skyrocket into the thousands. At PetConnection.com, a veterinarian's self-reporting website, at least 2,907 deaths (1,592 cats and 1,314 dogs as of 4/2/07) are linked to poisoned foods. The mortality rate is certain to climb.

Iams' manufacturer, Menu Foods, allegedly learned about contamination concerns by February 20, 2007, yet waited until March 16 to issue a mass recall. During this delay, caretakers continued to feed their animals tainted food, thus prolonging the potential for illness and death. Iams presumably became aware of contaminated foods well before the publicized recall. I urge you to hold Iams liable for each related fatality, to the extent permissible under Ohio law.

Thank you for your valuable time and deliberation,

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Molly Aust, Animal Control
616 Big Bear Blvd.; Columbia, MO 65202
ph: 573-449-1888; fax: 573-442-5416

Dear Ms. Aust,

In light of the recent recall of 60 million pet food cans and pouches, I respectfully ask you to open an investigation to determine if Sinclair Research Center and Menu Foods have disobeyed state law.

As you know, results from the New York State Food Laboratory originally identified the rat poison aminopterin as the contaminant behind the deaths of 15 cats and two dogs (as of 3/24/07). Since then, FDA and Cornell University scientists uncovered melamine, a component in plastics and fertilizer, in wheat gluten used in affected Menu Foods products. However, experts are uncertain if melamine is the primary culprit.

While FDA and Menu Foods recognize a handful of deaths, a veterinarian at Cornell University's prestigious New York State Animal Health Diagnostic Center predicts fatalities may skyrocket into the thousands. At PetConnection.com, a veterinarian's self-reporting website, at least 2,907 deaths (1,592 cats and 1,314 dogs as of 4/2/07) are linked to poisoned foods. The mortality rate is certain to climb.

Furthermore, Menu Foods is inducing kidney failure in cats and dogs for lab tests engineered to counter consumer grievances. Please question Sinclair Research Center's possible participation in the forcible ingestion of toxicants. News sources indicate this experiment occurred on or near February 27.

As you may be aware, 2002/2003 investigations inside Sinclair, a Columbia, MO laboratory under contract with Menu Foods and [formerly] Iams, exposed significant violations of the federal Animal Welfare Act. Investigators documented dogs with muscle chunks severed from their thighs huddling on a cold floor. Two dogs died post-surgery and at least 27 were killed over the course of this experiment alone. Sinclair recently settled with the USDA.

The deliberate poisoning of healthy animals is particularly repugnant. Histological analyses and necropsies of already deceased animals who ate noxious food ought to present sufficient data to isolate and even treat the effects of the contaminant. Other cruelty-free models include a functional gastro-intestinal dog (FIDO) or TIM-1 and TIM-2 (small and large gastro-intestinal models).

I urge you to consider a statute in Missouri criminal code, Mo. Ann. Stat. SS578.005-578.012 that seems relevant to these circumstances. Please thoroughly investigate Menu Foods and Sinclair (a Menu Foods' contract Laboratory). If deemed in violation of Missouri law, prosecute all implicated parties to the maximum extent allowed by law.

Thank you for your valuable time and deliberation,

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Daniel G. McChesney, Ph.D., Director
Food and Drug Administration, Center for Veterinary Medicine
Office of Surveillance and Compliance
7500 Standish Pl., HFV-230; Rockville, MD 20855
ph: 240-453-6830; fax: 240-453-6880
email: daniel.mcchesney@fda.hhs.gov
website: Association of American Feed Control Officials

Dear Dr. McChesney,

In light of the recent recall of 60 million pet food cans and pouches, I am relieved to know the FDA has opened an investigation into contaminated Menu Foods products and escalating animal deaths.

As you know, results from the New York State Food Laboratory originally identified the rat poison aminopterin as the contaminant behind the deaths of 15 cats and two dogs (as of 3/24/07). Since then, FDA and Cornell University scientists uncovered melamine, a component in plastics and fertilizer, in wheat gluten used in affected Menu Foods products. However, experts are uncertain if melamine is the primary culprit.

While FDA and Menu Foods recognize a handful of deaths, a veterinarian at Cornell University's prestigious New York State Animal Health Diagnostic Center predicts fatalities may skyrocket into the thousands. At PetConnection.com, a veterinarian's self-reporting website, at least 2,907 deaths (1,592 cats and 1,314 dogs as of 4/2/07) are linked to poisoned foods. The mortality rate is certain to climb.

Menu Foods allegedly learned about contamination concerns by February 20, 2007, yet waited until March 16 to recall foods marketed across North America under 95 brands. During this delay, caretakers continued to feed their animals tainted food, thus prolonging the potential for illness and death. Iams Company and other private labels under Menu Foods presumably became aware of contaminated foods well before the publicized recall. Please hold Menu Foods, Iams and all companies informed about pre-recall contamination issues liable for related fatalities or illnesses.

I hope the FDA intends to thoroughly examine the actions of Menu Foods, associated companies, and their agents. I respectfully ask you to implement any penalties judged suitable at the end of your inquiry. I would greatly appreciate feedback about the FDA's investigation.

Thank you for your valuable time and deliberation,

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