Costco dog food added to pet food recall list

KIRKLAND, Wash. - Kirkland-based Costco has announced the recall of one of its pet foods after the manufacturer announced that it contained rice protein that may be contaminated.

American Nutrition says the rice protein concentrate in Costco's "Kirkland Signature Lamb and Rice canned dog food" may contain melamine, an industrial chemical that was found in other recently recalled pet foods. The chemical used to make plastics and fertilizers may be harmful to animals if eaten.

The dog food is sold as part of the Kirkland Signature Premium Dog Food 2-Flavor Variety Pack, item #38436, with a specific code on the package that reads, "Best if used by Apr 15 09."

Costco is asking customers to stop using this food immediately and return it to any Costco warehouse for a full refund.

For more information call American Nutrition at 800-257-4530.

More than 100 brands of pet food have been recalled since March 16 because they were contaminated with melamine. An unknown number of dogs and cats have been sickened or died after eating chemical-laced pet food.