Menu Foods Recall Paper

Essay by Bandit07University, Master'sA+, April 2007

download word file, 7 pages 0.0

Topic OverviewThe issue in marketing that I am going to discuss is the recall on dog and cat food issued by Menu Foods of Canada. There are two plants that are thought to be responsible for the contamination. These plants are Kansas and New Jersey. Both of the plants received shipment of wheat gluten, which has been identified as the possible source of contamination. This recall was not implemented by the food and drug administration, but Menu Foods themselves. Menu Foods recalled nearly 100 brands of the “cuts and gravy” style food. The recall was issued because some of the cans and pouches of food have been blamed for kidney failure and have killed at least 16 pets. What makes this issue even worse is neither the manufacturer nor have the authorities been able to determine exactly why the pets died. Another problem that Menu Foods has to deal with is that there are several large retailers that sell their product, including Wal-Mart and Kroger.

Menu Foods is also a contract manufacturer for the top branded pet food companies, including Procter & Gamble Co. Menu Foods brands include Iams and Eukanuba which are very popular high end brands.

Situation AnalysisThe Menu Foods recall is an important issue because it affects so many people not just in the U.S but in the world. In 2005, the U.S. dog population was 63 million and the cat population was 81.4 million. There is a huge market for individuals who are pet owners. Menu Foods manufactures over 100 brands of dog and cat food used by distributors around the world. In 2005, the total sales in the United States reach 14.3 billion dollars. Commercial pet food is one of the most highly regulated products on the shelves. The FDA along with Federal Trade Commission...