A commenter from Syracuse has asked a valid question so I’ve pulled it up into this post.
This press release put out  through CCNMathews for Menu Foods was released March 19th.

Enhanced Website and Call Center for Precautionary Recall of Dog and Cat Food by Menu Foods Income Fund

TORONTO, ONTARIO–(CCNMatthews - March 19, 2007) -

Attention Business/Financial Editors:

NOT FOR RELEASE OVER US NEWSWIRE SERVICES

In order to better respond to the needs of its customers, Menu Foods Income Fund (the “Fund”) (TSX:MEW.UN) has enhanced the accuracy, comprehensiveness and user-friendliness of its website focused on its recent recall of dog and cat food. The Fund is encouraging consumers to check back with the website regularly, to get the most up-to-date information available. Furthermore, the Fund has enhanced its call center capabilities to better respond to consumers.

The Fund announced on March 16 the precautionary recall of a portion of the dog and cat food it manufactured between December 3, 2006 and March 6, 2007. The recall is limited to “cuts and gravy” style pet food in cans and pouches manufactured at two of the Fund’s United States facilities. These products are both manufactured and sold under private-label and are contract-manufactured for some national brands.

Consumers can find the latest information at www.menufoods.com/recall. The website contains detailed information on the products subject to recall, together with updated dates of production and links to related recalls.

Why was this PR not for release over US wire services?

Update:  Paul K. Henderson President and CEO of Menu Foods Friday, March 23, 2007 4 pm Toronto

Ladies and gentlemen:

Thank you for assembling on such short notice.

I have some brief opening comments. And then we will take questions. The news conference will conclude at 4:30 sharp.

My name is Paul Henderson, and I am the President and CEO of Menu Foods.

With me today is Dr. Richard Shields, Executive Vice President of Menu Foods. Rick is head of Menu’s technical services that includes research & development, regulatory and quality assurance. Rick is a PhD in Animal Nutrition.

We are happy and relieved that the experts from the New York State Department of Agriculture and Cornell University have discovered the root of the issue that has harmed North American cats and dogs. This important discovery caps an unprecedented search by top experts.

Dedicated and knowledgeable researchers at universities, independent laboratories, and our own veterinary consultants worked tirelessly to defend and protect our cats and dogs.

Over the past seven days, we have spoken with almost two hundred thousand consumers. They were scared. Some, like myself, are angry. They demonstrated a level of care and concern that only those of us who are pet owners can understand.

Our hearts go out to the many thousands of pet-owners across Canada and the U.S. for their losses and their worry. We are grateful to them for their patience as we hunted for the root of the problem.

I can anticipate some of your questions, so let me address them briefly.

Q. How did this substance get into our products?

A. At this stage, we do not know. Our immediate next steps will be to begin testing of all suspect raw materials with the goal of quickly identifying the means through which this substance entered our supply chain.

Q. Which specific products made by our company contain this

substance?

A. Again, we do not know with certainty. This morning, the

researchers advised us of their discovery as they investigated the recalled product. At this time we have no reason to suspect that this matter goes beyond the recalled product.

Q.What should pet-owners do?

A. Until we have these answers, we have the following advice for consumers:

– We want to reinforce our view that all consumers should immediately stop using the recalled product.

– If your pet is showing any signs of illness after consuming any recalled pet food, see a veterinarian immediately

Q.What about the future of Menu Foods?

A. We have a strong, sustainable business, and we’re confident about the future. Our customers and partners have been understanding, supportive and loyal. And for that, we are grateful.

As I have explained, we have a lot of work to do. And we are eager to get back to it. But we will take questions for about 20 minutes.

The questions were basic. Consumers can take recalled food back to retailers for refunds, the company believes the tainted product came out of the New Jersery and Kansas plants, they have been working with Cornell University and the New York State lab because this ingredient is so rare it did not show up in their test results.

They will take full responsibility for compensation, the concern of the company at this stage is pet safety, litigation issues will be dealt with in the future as more information becomes available. There is no reason to suspect product tampering, thee company is working out the appropriate scientific testing and will start with suspect raw materials.

Update:  I’ve contacted the company, there is no investor information on the PR which would fall under US regulations, so hopefully an explanation will be forthcoming.