These people have moved the web page site to a new locale since April 2009, but they still aren't wondering:
http://www.fda.gov/cvm/CVM_Updates/NutroProducts.htm
Page Not Found
Our apologies. The link or location you used does not exist or was moved.

http://www.fda.gov/AnimalVeterinary/NewsEvents/CVMUpdates/ucm143393.htm

pfpsa's test results from 2008 and 2009 haven't caused the CVM to wonder yet apparently. Or
is it the ultimate stakeholder's clout that is holding back investigation? Would be really, really nice
to see the FDA/CVM protect consumers who have done so much investigation for them.

I just found this thread but have been affected by this recall- My cats have been eating Nutro food for at least a year- who knows how long this has been going on! 

Now that I've stopped feeding my smallest cat Nutro food, she seems a lot more comfortable and happy- she used to not like being pet too much, almost like it hurt.  She had to go to the ER after she stopped moving or eating, was in a lot of pain in her abdomen and muscles, had weakness, fever and loss of coordination (possible pancreatitis).  That was after eating a recent bag of "Nutro Natural Choice Complete Care Adult Indoor" 8lb, but unfortunately this type of food is not currently listed as part of the recall!

I am so confident that this bag caused my cat's unresolved health issues and hospitalization that I think Nutro needs to expand the recall.  Both of my cat's symptoms are in line w/ the zinc and potassium problems. (Other one got diarrhea for a while.) 

Also, I agree that the Nutro press releases downplay the severity of the problems, and list very general symptoms of illness. I noticed that when I mentioned to Nutro that my cat had those listed symptoms, they counter by saying the symptoms like vomiting and diarrhea and lethargy could be caused by anything! Luckily I did my own research:  I had no idea symptoms could be so severe (and totally in line w/ my cat's symptoms) until I found this article written by a vet: http://www.examiner.com/examiner/x-7468-Providence-Pet-Health-Examiner~y2009m5d27-Nutro-cat-food-recall-Symptoms-to-watch-for-in-cats-fed-these-diets?

Funny enough, when I reported my cat's illness to Nutro, they asked a bunch of questions (indoor? houseplants? pet snacks?) and I told them I feed them Greenies snacks, they didn't say anything.  At the time I thought they'd jump on that as the potential cause, but I saw on this forum that Greenies is also by Mars?!  That would explain why they couldn't blame it on snacks!

I contacted the FDA and apparently this bag came from the Victorville plant, and though it's not part of the recall, they will have someone review the manufacturing records, sanitation, etc at the next inspection.  I also reported my cat's illness to the FTC and to Nicole at Nutro-

Now I'm looking to test my food for zinc and potassium levels, but noticed some people found other ingredients in the food.  I'm afraid to send off the food for testing only to find that maybe I didn't choose the right test or right detection levels.  Regardless of whether it was the zinc or potassium, I want to find out what exactly was in the food that made my cats sick!

Good work alisaberry. I'm sad to hear about your companions ordeal, but have to be optimistic she's feeling and getting better now from your description.  I believe a key to our efforts beginning now and into the future is to use every tool available to us.

Report to FDA.
Photograph and save evidence.
Contact the Brand
Keep records.
Independently test foods.
Cultivate relationships and build allies.
Get out the word.
Get it on public record. (Such as here)

Be unflinchingly firm yet civilized when dealing with representatives and don't get in the way when they are making mistakes or evading or spinning.  Keep a detailed record of them.

Let's see if we can find an appropriate lab testing options in the meantime.

Take a look at this new complaint at Consumer Affairs.  This woman called Nutro twice, Nutro site still says no reports of affected pets.  She told them that her vet has said her cat is anemic from the zinc in the cat food and a Nutro rep had the nerve to say her vet is wrong!  So what kind of new lows will they sink to next?   

http://www.consumeraffairs.com/pets/nutro.html

Connie of Concho, AZ June 25, 2009

This is an update from my earlier post regarding my 5 cats, all of whom became ill after eating Nutro. My 13 year old Ben was the worst, his blood work shows he is suffering from nutritionally deficient anemia. I've already spent over 500.00 in vet bills and I'm not done yet. He goes back next week for follow up blood work, I'm afraid for what it will show.

I called Nutro AGAIN and informed them about the anemia. My vet told me it is caused from the food being deficient in nutrients and toxic levels of zinc. The person I talked to had the nerve to tell me my vet was wrong! Excuse me??? She said she never heard of excess zinc causing anemia and that my cat must require more nutrients than other cats. What?? Who is she??? I looked it up in the Merck Veterinary Manual (the bible for vets) and it says in there that anemia can be caused from toxic levels of zinc. How dare those answering the phone contradict our highly trained and skilled vets and dismiss our complaints?

I know that Nutro is not going to come out and admit fault, however, a little compassion or empathy would go a long ways. I wouldn't be quite as angry if I could hear them say I'm sorry your kitty is ill or let me refer you to our vet or nutritionist to see if they have any suggestions to make your cat better. There are things they could say without admitting fault. The continued denials are a slap in the face to pet parents.

With all these people reporting illness, sickness and death - is something being attempted to be hidden or pull the wool over the consumers eyes? Won't admit there is an overload still  in the food or what? How many more eating this stuff with waayy too much zinc in it will it take?

One thing I am certain of:  Nutro was NOT unaware of the complaints in Consumer Affairs going on for a year and more.  If we were aware of it, how much more they?  I think they are just a very arrogant bunch who prey on those pet guardians who don't check product reviews on line.  Sadly, they were getting away with it.  This "Voluntary Recall" was practically forced on them, I now believe, by the FDA and leaks to really "nosey" internet bloggers that Nutro was under FDA investigation. 

Ugh. Don't even tell me that.

I noticed that Petco today had a sign right on the checkout register so customers could view it regarding the Nutro Cat Food Recall of 2009, including representative images of bag of the recalled food.