Source: FDA.gov

The Procter & Gamble Company is voluntarily expanding its recall to include veterinary and some specialized dry pet food as a precautionary measure because it has the potential to be contaminated with salmonella. No salmonella-related illnesses have been reported.

The following dry pet food products are included:

The affected products are sold in veterinary clinics and specialty pet retailers throughout the United States and Canada. No canned food, biscuits/treats or supplements are affected by this announcement. A full listing of UPC codes can be found at www.iams.com.

These products are made in a single, specialized facility. In cooperation with FDA, P&G determined that some products made at this facility have the potential for salmonella contamination. As a precautionary measure, P&G is recalling all products made at this facility.

Consumers who have purchased the specific dry pet foods listed should discard them. People handling dry pet food can become infected with Salmonella, especially if they have not thoroughly washed their hands after having contact with surfaces exposed to this product. Healthy people infected with Salmonella should monitor themselves for some or all of the following symptoms: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramping and fever. Rarely, Salmonella can result in more serious ailments including arterial infections, endocarditis, arthritis, muscle pain, eye irritation and urinary tract symptoms. Consumers exhibiting these signs after having contact with this product should contact their healthcare providers.

Pets with Salmonella infections may have decreased appetite, fever and abdominal pain. If left untreated, pets may be lethargic and have diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever and vomiting. Infected but otherwise healthy pets can be carriers and infect other animals or humans. If your pet has consumed the recalled product and has these symptoms, please contact your veterinarian.

For further information or a product replacement or refund call P&G toll-free at 877-340-8823 (Monday – Friday, 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM EST).

Merrick Pet Care, Inc. is recalling 86 cases of its 10-ounce “Beef Filet Squares for Dogs” pet treats because they have the potential to be contaminated with salmonella.

The July 2 recall is for treats are sold in 10-ounce plastic bags marked with “Lot # 10084TL7 Best By Mar 24, 2012″ on the top of the bag and on a sticker applied to the bottom.

On January 14, the U. S. FDA warned consumers not to use Merrick Beef Filet Squares for dogs distributed by Merrick Pet Care with a package date of “Best By 111911″ because the product may be contaminated with Salmonella.

Salmonella can affect animals and there is risk to humans from handling contaminated pet products.

People handling the treats can become infected with Salmonella, especially if they have not thoroughly washed their hands after having contact with the chews or any surfaces exposed to these products.

Consumers should dispose of these products in a safe manner by securing them in a covered trash receptacle.

Healthy people infected with Salmonella should monitor themselves for some or all of the following symptoms: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramping and fever. Rarely, Salmonella can result in more serious ailments, including arterial infections, endocarditis, arthritis, muscle pain, eye irritation, and urinary tract symptoms. Consumers exhibiting these signs after having contact with this product should contact their healthcare providers immediately.

Pets with Salmonella infections may be lethargic and have diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever, and vomiting. Some pets will have only decreased appetite, fever and abdominal pain. Infected but otherwise healthy pets can be carriers and infect other animals or humans. If your pet has consumed the recalled product and has these symptoms, please contact your veterinarian immediately.

The Beef Filet Squares were shipped to distributors and retailers throughout the US. These individuals have been notified and have activated their recall procedures.

No illnesses have been reported to date. FDA collected a surveillance sample of “Merrick Beef Filet Squares for Dogs” (lot #10084TL7) which were purchased from a retail store. The sample tested positive for Salmonella.

Consumers who have purchased 10-ounce packages of “Beef Filet Squares for Dogs” are urged to return the unused portion to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact the company at 1-800-664-7387 M-F 8:00 – 5:00 CDT.

Feline’s Pride is announcing a voluntary recall of Feline’s Pride Raw food with ground bone for cats and kittens, Natural Chicken Formula, Net Wt. 2.5 lbs. (1.13 kg., 40 oz.) produced on 6/10/10, because it may be contaminated with Salmonella. People handling raw pet food can become infected with Salmonella, especially if they have not thoroughly washed their hands after having contact with the raw pet food or any surfaces exposed to the product.

When consumed by humans, Salmonella can cause an infection, salmonellosis. The symptoms of salmonellosis include nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, minimal diarrhea, fever, and headache. Certain vulnerable populations, such as children, the elderly, and individuals with compromised immune systems, are particularly susceptible to acquiring salmonellosis from such pet food products and may experience more severe symptoms.

Pets with Salmonella infections may be lethargic and have diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever, and vomiting. Some pets will have only decreased appetite, fever and abdominal pain. Infected but otherwise healthy pets can be carriers and infect other animals or humans. If your pet has consumed the recalled product and has these symptoms, please contact your veterinarian.

The product is packaged in uncoded plastic containers and sold frozen to private consumers nationwide. Once thawed, the pet food has a shelf life of about 1 week. The firm manufactures the pet food by an as-ordered basis. This recall affects only those orders placed and shipped from June 10 through June 17, 2010.

The firm and FDA are investigating this matter to determine the source of this problem, and will take any additional steps necessary to protect the public health.

To date, both the firm and the FDA have received no reports of Salmonella infection relating to this product.

This product should not be fed to pets but should instead be disposed of in a safe manner (e.g., in a securely covered trash receptacle). People who are experiencing the symptoms of Salmonella infection after having handled the pet food product should seek medical attention, and report their use of the product and illness to the nearest FDA office.

People should thoroughly wash their hands after handling the pet food – especially those made from raw animal protein such as meat or fish — to help prevent infection. People may risk bacterial infection not only by handling pet foods, but by contact with pets or surfaces exposed to these foods, so it is important that they thoroughly wash their hands with hot water and soap.

Since certain vulnerable populations, such as children, the elderly, and individuals with compromised immune systems, are particularly at risk from exposure they should avoid handling this product.

Consumers with questions should contact the company at (716) 580-3096, Monday –Friday from 10 am – 4 pm EDT.

Source: PRNewswire.com, June 19, 2010

Natural Balance Pet Foods, Inc., of Pacoima, CA, announces a voluntary recall of Natural Balance Sweet Potato & Chicken Dry Dog Food with the “Best By” date of June 17, 2011, in 5-lb. and 28-lb. bags because it has the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella.

No illnesses have been reported to date. The recall notification is being issued out of an abundance of caution based on an isolated instance in which a product sample with a “Best By” date of June 17, 2011, had a positive result for Salmonella in a random sample test conducted by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. This product was originally manufactured on December 17, 2009, and is the only Natural Balance product being recalled.

Salmonella can affect animals and there is a risk to humans from handling contaminated pet products. People handling dry pet food can become infected with Salmonella, especially if they have not thoroughly washed their hands after having contact with surfaces exposed to this product. This product was manufactured on December 17, 2009.

Healthy people infected with Salmonella should monitor themselves for some or all of the following symptoms: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramping and fever. Rarely, Salmonella can result in more serious ailments including arterial infections, endocarditis, arthritis, muscle pain, eye irritation and urinary tract symptoms. Consumers exhibiting these signs after having contact with this product should contact their healthcare providers.

Pets with Salmonella infections may be lethargic and have diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever and vomiting. Some pets will have only decreased appetite, fever and abdominal pain. Infected but otherwise healthy pets can be carriers and infect other animals or humans. If your pet has consumed the recalled product and has these symptoms, please contact your veterinarian.

Recalled products were only distributed in pet specialty stores in the states of Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Washington, Wisconsin and Wyoming.

The only product affected by the recall is the Sweet Potato & Chicken Dry Dog Food with the “Best By” date of June 17, 2011, product information as follows:

Consumers who have purchased Natural Balance Sweet Potato & Chicken Dry Dog formula with the “Best By” date of June 17, 2011, are urged to return it to the place of purchase for a full refund. A separate letter and instructions will be forwarded to all relevant Natural Balance customers. For additional information, please contact Natural Balance Pet Foods Customer Service at (800) 829-4493 (8am – 5pm, PDT) or by visiting www.naturalbalanceinc.com.

Source: PRNewswire.com, Mar 8, 2010

Nature’s Variety has expanded its voluntary recall of Chicken Formula Raw Frozen Diets for dogs and cats to include the “Best If Used By” dates of 10/29/10 and 11/9/10 because these products may be contaminated with Salmonella.  Salmonella can affect animals and there is risk to humans from handling contaminated pet products. People handling pet food can become infected with Salmonella, especially if they have not thoroughly washed their hands after having contact with the product or any surfaces exposed to these products.

Healthy people infected with Salmonella should monitor themselves for some or all of the following symptoms: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramping and fever. Rarely, Salmonella can result in more serious ailments, including arterial infections, endocarditis, arthritis, muscle pain, eye irritation, and urinary tract symptoms. Consumers exhibiting these signs after having contact with this product should contact their healthcare providers.

Pets with Salmonella infections may become lethargic and have diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever, or vomiting. Some pets may experience only a decreased appetite, fever, or abdominal pain. If your pet has consumed any of the affected products and is experiencing any of these symptoms, please contact your veterinarian.

The recall includes the following products with a “Best If Used By” date of 10/29/10 or 11/9/10:

• UPC#7 69949 60131 9 – Chicken Formula 0.75 lb trial sized medallions
• UPC#7 69949 60130 2 – Chicken Formula 3 lb medallions
• UPC#7 69949 60120 3 – Chicken Formula 6 lb patties
• UPC#7 69949 60121 0 – Chicken Formula 2 lb single chubs

In an abundance of caution, Nature’s Variety has also chosen to expand this voluntary recall to include all Chicken Formula and Organic Chicken Formula Raw Frozen Diets for dogs and cats with any “Best If Used By” date on or before 2/5/11.  Nature’s Variety has elected to clear the market of raw frozen chicken diets as it implements a state-of-the-art new food safety process called High Pressure Pasteurization for use on all Nature’s Variety Raw Frozen Diets.

The products included in the expanded recall are any Chicken Formula or Organic Chicken Formula Raw Frozen Diet with a “Best If Used By” date on or before 2/5/11, including:

• UPC#7 69949 60131 9 – Chicken Formula 0.75 lb trial sized medallions
• UPC#7 69949 60130 2 – Chicken Formula 3 lb medallions
• UPC#7 69949 60120 3 – Chicken Formula 6 lb patties
• UPC#7 69949 60121 0 – Chicken Formula 2 lb single chubs
• UPC#7 69949 50121 3 – Chicken Formula 12 lb case of chubs
• UPC#7 69949 60137 1 – Organic Chicken Formula 3 lb medallions
• UPC#7 69949 60127 2 – Organic Chicken Formula 6 lb patties

The “Best If Used By” date is located on the back of the package above the safe handling instructions.  The affected product was distributed through retail stores and internet sales in the United States and Canada.

No other Raw Frozen Diets are involved in this expansion other than chicken, and no other Nature’s Variety products are involved.

Nature’s Variety now uses High Pressure Pasteurization on their Raw Frozen Diets as a unique process to kill pathogenic bacteria through high-pressure, water-based technology.  Having incorporated this state-of-the-art technology on a portion of their raw product offerings in late 2009, Nature’s Variety was able to confidently implement the process universally on all Raw Frozen Diets after the 2/11/10 recall in order to enhance food safety.  Nature’s Variety also utilizes a test and hold protocol to ensure that all High Pressure Pasteurized Raw Frozen Diets test negative for harmful bacteria before being released for sale.

“Nature’s Variety believes replacing all raw frozen chicken products on the market with new raw frozen chicken products that use High Pressure Pasteurization is an important and responsible step in order to reinforce consumer confidence and trust,” stated Reed Howlett, CEO of Nature’s Variety.  ”By recalling all raw frozen chicken products with ‘Best If Used By’ dates on or before 2/5/11, we can provide our pet parents with new raw frozen chicken products that have been processed through High Pressure Pasteurization. Adopting High Pressure Pasteurization is an important step to ensure that our products meet the strictest quality and food safety standards.”

Howlett stated, “Our commitment to consumers in the future is the same as it’s been in the past – to offer Raw Frozen Diets made from the highest quality ingredients, made in our own plant in the Midwest, by people who care deeply about pet nutrition, health, and happiness.”

If you are a consumer and have purchased one of these products, please return the unopened product to your retailer for a full refund or replacement.  If your package has been opened, please dispose of the raw food in a safe manner by securing it in a covered trash receptacle.  Then, bring your receipt (or the empty package in a sealed bag) to your local retailer for a full refund or replacement.

Consumers with additional questions can call the Nature’s Variety dedicated Customer Care line 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 800-374-3142.  For additional resources about High Pressure Pasteurization or other Nature’s Variety food safety protocols, visit www.naturesvariety.com.

About Nature’s Variety

Nature’s Variety specializes in natural, holistic dog and cat food.  The line of premium products was developed by families who have been practicing sustainable agriculture for more than 140 years, raising quality livestock and growing crops in America’s heartland.  Nature’s Variety offers the purest forms of pet nutrition – including a wide variety of protein choices in every pet food form (raw frozen diets, dry kibble diets, canned diets, and treats).  For more information about Nature’s Variety, visit www.naturesvariety.com.

Source: AnimalRadio.com, Jan 21, 2010

While there has been no recall yet, the U. S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is warning consumers that Merrick Beef Filet Squares for dogs may be contaminated with Salmonella.

The food is distributed by Merrick Pet Care with a package date of ‘Best By 111911.’ The treats come in a 10 oz. green and red plastic bag. The ‘Best By‘ date is printed on a part of the bag that is torn off when it’s opened. The FDA suggests consumers who are unable to read the ‘Best By‘ date – discontinue use of the product to be safe.

Salmonella can be spread between pets and people. Humans can become infected simply by holding the pet-food. Pet guardians should wash their hands immediately after holding any pet-treat or food.

No illnesses have been reported, however the FDA is warning pet-guardians that already have the questionable pet-treat ‘not to handle or feed them to their pets.’

Last December, Merrick Beef Filet Squares had tested positive for Salmonella. A follow-up inspection found problems with the packaging and manufacturing processes.

If you have the treat, you should dispose of it by securing them in the trash, away from prying animal noses.

You should see your doctor if you get any of these symptoms:
Vomiting, diarrhea, cramping or fever.

Untreated, Salmonella can cause endocarditis, arthritis and urinary problems.

You should get your pet to the vet if you see any of these symptoms:
Lethargy, diarrhea, vomiting, fever, decreased appetite.

Infected pets can infect other humans or pets.

Source: Associate Press, Dec 2, 2009

A Missouri company said Tuesday its recalled dried cat food has sickened 21 cats and the pet food was distributed in multiple states in the South and along the East Coast.

Diamond Pet Foods recalled certain bags of Premium Edge Finicky Adult Cat and Premium Edge Hairball cat food in September because they could lead to gastrointestinal or neurological problems for cats. They do not contain enough thiamine, an essential nutrient for cats.

If cats fed these foods have no other source of nutrition, they could develop thiamine deficiency. If untreated, this disorder could result in death, said the Meta, Mo., manufacturer.

The company updated information on the recall on Tuesday, saying it has confirmed 21 reports of thiamine deficiency in New York and Pennsylvania and the pet food was distributed in 18 states altogether. These states include Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, New Jersey, Maryland, Delaware, New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Alabama, Tennessee, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia and Florida.

Initial symptoms of thiamine deficiency include decreased appetite, salivation, vomiting and weight loss. Later, neurological problems that could develop include bending the neck toward the floor, wobbly walking, circling, falling and seizures.

The affected cat food was pulled from store shelves on Sept. 23, according to the company. No incidents have been reported since Oct. 19.

For a full refund, consumers can return the recalled cat food to the place it was purchased. For more information, consumers can call 800-977-8797.

• Premium Edge pet food: http://www.premiumedgepetfood.com/

Source: PRWeb, Nov 19, 2009

Pet food company donates truckloads of premium pet food to The Pongo Fund Pet Food Bank in Portland, Oregon enabling them to distribute high quality dog food and cat food to the animals of anyone in need, helping to keep families together in challenging economic times.

San Luis Obispo, CA (PRWEB) November 19, 2009 — CANIDAE Pet Foods, a manufacturer of all natural dog and cat food, has donated $125,000 USD worth of premium pet food to The Pongo Fund, allowing Larry Chusid, Founder and Executive Director, to open the nation’s largest pet food bank.

The Pongo Fund Pet Food Bank opened Sunday, November 8, 2009, operating out of a warehouse in Portland, directly across from the Oregon Convention Center. Over 30 enthusiastic volunteers were on hand to help ensure that everyone with a genuine need would receive a two week supply of premium pet food for each of their dogs or cats. In addition to receiving free pet food, recipients were given nutritional information and tips for safely transitioning their dogs to an all natural, premium diet. All recipients were all invited to return every two weeks to receive more food for their companion animals, so long as they had a need.

“Our first day was exceptional, a perfectly joyful opportunity to help the community,” explained The Pongo Fund Founder Larry Chusid. “We were able to effortlessly guide each person through the facility, providing them with food and nutritional advice, in only a matter of minutes. Providing a respectful and efficient experience will be critical as we expect to help more and more people as news of the pet food bank spreads. Our goal is to be able to provide eight tons of free premium pet food every month.”

In addition to the homeless, many of the people who arrived on opening day had a place to live, but were unemployed and so were unable to feed their companion animals. “Pets mean so much to people, they’d do anything for them. If people can’t afford to feed their pet, they have to give them up. The Pongo Fund fills a unique need… they help keep families together by feeding the pets,” said Lael Concordia, Director of Social Services at William Temple House, another Portland organization that helps individuals and families in crisis.

The Mayor of Portland, Sam Adams, was so impressed with Chusid’s vision and the unprecedented donation from CANIDAE, that he declared Sunday, November 8, 2009 to be “CANIDAE All Natural Pet Foods Day” in the city.

“A lot of these folks were surprised to find that they needed less CANIDAE than the pet foods from grocery stores they were used to feeding,” said CANIDAE Sales Manager Jon Tingle. “We explained that because CANIDAE doesn’t contain the corn, wheat and fillers that some other brands do, there is a lot more nutrition in each pound. We asked everyone to fill out a Pet Profile so the next time they come we can quickly give them the right amount of food for their dog or cat.”

Chusid spotted one man leaving the pet food bank with only a 4 pound bag of FELIDAE cat food. He was concerned the man did not take enough to last two weeks and caught up with him outside the warehouse. When asked, the man said he only had one very small cat and four pounds was, “all he needed.” When offered an additional bag of Felidae, the man graciously declined. “I don’t want to take more than I need; I want to make sure there’s enough for everyone else.”

Among the volunteers were representatives from all three Healthy Pets Northwest stores including Laura Amiton from the Alberta District store, Julie Cantonwine from the Hawthorne District store, and Mike Carroll and Barb Cantonwine from the Multnomah Village store. They offered their years of expertise in pet nutrition to the needy dog and cat owners and were among those that helped to calculate the right amount of food to last each pet for two weeks.

After opening, an anonymous individual was so impressed with The Pongo Fund Pet Food Bank that he called Chusid to donate $3,000 for purchase of even more CANIDAE. “We are thrilled that the community has responded so well. Sometimes it’s simply a bowl of kibble that can keep a family together and save the lives of the animals they love,” said Chusid.

The Pongo Fund Pet Food Bank is open the second and fourth Sunday of every month. Details at www.thepongofund.org.

About The Pongo Fund

Founded in 2007 by Larry Chusid, The Pongo Fund has provided over 100,000 quality meals to the dogs and cats of the needy and homeless in and around the Portland, Oregon area, helping to protect these animals from being abandoned or surrendered simply because their families cannot afford to feed them. The Pongo Fund is an all volunteer charity and the only program specifically designed to consistently provide quality dog and cat food to the animals of anyone in need. Their address is PO Box 8244, Portland, Oregon, 97207. The Pongo Fund is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit public charity. www.thepongofund.org

About CANIDAE All Natural Pet Foods

Founded out of love for pets and animals, CANIDAE Pet Food, Inc. manufactures and distributes a complete line of healthy meat-based, holistic, all natural dog food, cat food, and gourmet pet treats sold worldwide through independent pet food retailers including over 7,000 locations throughout the United States and Canada. For the most recent information about CANIDAE and its line of healthy pet products, visit http://www.canidae.com/canidae-news-updates.html. About Responsible Pet Ownership In accordance with its philosophy of promoting Responsible Pet Ownership through proper nutrition and care, CANIDAE All Natural Pet Foods is the title sponsor of the Responsible Pet Ownership blog which provides helpful tips and advice for caring pet owners. This daily RPO blog exists as a free service to all pet owners, offering articles from a range of professional pet authors on topics such as natural nutrition, training and exercise, veterinarian care, planned breeding, spaying and neutering, and supporting reputable breeders and rescue groups. Pet owners can subscribe to these informative daily articles at http://canidaepetfood.blogspot.com.