3-22-07 - There is still growing concern among pet owners, nearly one week after a massive pet food recall that began in Kansas. Some pet experts say the number of deaths and illnesses could number in the hundreds, perhaps even thousands.

Fewer than 20 confirmed deaths are officially linked to Menu Foods, which are sold under nearly 100 brand names in North America. Some of the food was manufactured at an Emporia plant.

But some self reporting web sites like www.petconnection.com are reporting more than 1,500 pets sickened or dead from it.

But there's no way to determine the accuracy of those with many animals since disposed of. And veterinarians say there are many things which can cause similar illnesses including the reported kidney problems.

“We see pets every week come in with kidney problems. It may be due to aging, or to tumors. There are a number of things that could cause kidney problems. So it's hard to say if it did in fact come from the food.”

The Food and Drug Administration sent inspectors to the Menu plant in Emporia and one in New Jersey. Menu Foods still says it has found no contamination in its food. Sixty million cans and pouches of food sold under 95 brand names have been recalled.

Customers can contact Menu Foods at 1-866-895-2708. A list of the recalled brands and lot numbers can be found at the company's website.