In 2006 and 2007, 60 million containers of 180 different brands of pet food and treats, produced by 12 different manufacturers, were recalled due to the intentional contamination of wheat gluten and rice protein imported from China by two Chinese Companies, Xuzhou Anying Biologic Technology Development Co. and Binzhou Futian Biological Technology. This was the largest recall of pet food in U.S. history and was initiated by the dominant manufacturer of dry dog and cat food, the Canadian Company, Menu Foods. The contaminated wheat gluten and rice protein were adulterated with melamine which, combined with cyanuric acid, can lead to acute renal failure if eaten by small animals. The two Chinese supply companies intentionally put melamine into wheat gluten and rice protein to deceive manufacturers and the public of their true protein content, resulting in the deaths of untold numbers of animals and putting at risk more than 100 Million pets in America’s households. This is the true story of this historic $24 Million dollar settlement for 23,000 claimants and how the loss of one family’s pet and friend, Sahara, adversely affected the lives of one pet owner, Tracy Schlutter. Ken Wexler and Ed Wallace, partners at the law firm of Wexler Wallace LLP, join Tracy in recounting this powerful story.
Ken Wexler devotes his practice to helping those whose rights have been denied or who have been victims of the unscrupulous or fraudulent actions of others, most often by more powerful entities. Founder of the firm that bears his name, Ken has been in leadership positions in cases with far-ranging subject matters, including brand name manufacturer suppression of competition from generic drugs, fraudulent and deceptive product overcharges, discrimination and harassment, corporate waste and mismanagement, cost recovery for defective medical devices, false advertising, and government fraud. Ken’s practice is devoted to complex class action and commercial litigation.
Ed Wallace is a partner at the Chicago office of Wexler Wallace. He has seen the judicial system at work from both the plaintiff’s and the defendant’s perspective. He has been asked to serve in prominent positions in numerous complex cases, including recent appointments in cases involving the technology and pharmaceutical industries. Ed is also a member of various legal organizations, including the American Association for Justice and the National Association of Shareholders and Consumer Attorneys.
Wexler Wallace is dedicated to achieving positive change for consumers, employees, shareholders and special groups who have been injured by individuals or organizations through fraud, antitrust violations, unfair competition or other types of unlawful misconduct. The lawyers at Wexler Wallace likewise believe that those who seek to hold the powerful accountable are entitled to lawyers of the same or better quality as the lawyers who represent their adversaries. Wexler Wallace is also different than other law firms because of its passion and because of its willingness to risk what it takes to achieve successful results.
You can contact Ken Wexler and Ed Wallace at 312-346-2222, orwww.wexlerwallace.com