(3=importance varies dependent on individual)
While I can see where this would be considered lower on the scale of importance than other issues listed on this list, it's a HUGE deal to those of us who are cat and dog lovers. Many of us consider our adopted furry friends to be part of the family, a sentiment that may be growing in the US and other parts of the world. As the providers and protectors of the animals we bring into our home, we expected these companies to perform a certain level of quality control on their product, and I know many of us feel betrayed by that kind of neglect, just as when our own human food has been found to be contaminated. Sure, it may have been "just a few batches", but that's little consolation to the families who had lost their pets from this.
The only glimmer of hope in this is that hopefully the pet food makers will be pressured into making better quality control checks (and, as a pessimist, I know that may be asking too much) for the sake of our friends. Or, for those of us who are willing and have the time and money to do this, perhaps ask your veterinarian about homemade diets (if you feel confident in your ability to maintain that kind of quality and in your persistance to keep up with it).
My deepest sympathies go out to those who have lost their pets from this.
