FDA Searches Offices of Pet Food Maker, Supplier

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On Thursday, China banned melamine from its food products, but rejected the charge that the substance caused the pet deaths, the AP reported.

China's Foreign Ministry said in a statement that there was no evidence to support the FDA's claim but that it would cooperate with the United States to find out what actually killed the animals.

"At present, there is no clear evidence showing that melamine is the direct cause of the poisoning or death of the pets," the statement said. "China is willing to strengthen cooperation with the U.S. side ... to find out the real cause leading to the pet deaths in order to protect the health of the pets of the two countries."

An unknown number of dogs and cats have been sickened or died after eating chemical-laced pet food.

More information

For more information on pet food, visit the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.