Menu Foods controversies

2007 melamine and cyanuric-acid pet-food contamination crisis

Following reports of animal illness, kidney failure, and deaths, Menu Foods recalled more than 60 million containers of pet food sold under dozens of labels. University of Guelph testing found melamine, cyanuric acid, and aminopterin in some recalled products. Melamine and cyanuric acid could combine to form crystals that obstructed the kidneys. The episode became one of the largest consumer-product recalls in North American history and led to major reputational, legal, and financial consequences for the company.