Pet Food Recall as of May 5, 2012

Pet Food Recall (Info as of May 5, 2012)

(This info was passed along to us from a retailer that sells Dog Food on the east coast. As of today, it is preliminary in nature and the list may grow.)

Below is general information passed along about the recall from the manufacture of pet foods that may have been contaminated with Salmonella.  Remember not only is Salmonella dangerous for your pets but it can also be contracted by humans handling the contaminated pet food.  So you really should take this seriously and check  any of the dog foods that you are feeding your pets from the following pet food companies.

(Note from Blog Author: Personally, I find it disgusting that this type of contamination has happened yet again.  Consumers trust that pet food manufactures are testing these foods before they go to market.  Obviously they are not!  One of the best things that you can do is to stop purchasing from them and find a food such as Life’s Abundance Dog and CatFood that has never, ever been on a recall list.)

If you purchased any of the following brands, we encourage you to check your product now, not only for your pet’s protection but for your own.)

If by chance you do have a formula that is part of the recall, see the contact information at the bottom of this post for assistance in getting more information and instructions on how to obtain a refund.

Remember too that this is just a preliminary list.  The list is likely to grow with more brands involved.

May 5, 2012 UPDATE

Diamond Dry Cat might also be included in this recall.  Previously it was stated that it was only Diamond Dry Dog.

May 4, 2012

Dear Valued Retailer, 

A few brands announced a recall late Friday, May 4th 2012. 

The information below is preliminary and each one of the brands below is preparing factual statements and processes and will be loading them on their individual web sites. 

Once they have finalized this information, we will also be adding it to our blog.     

So far, the following brands have issued a voluntary recall.  More information will be following as it is released.

The below Diamond Pet Dry Dog Food Brands - To determine if what you have is affected, you should check the production codes on the back of bags that have a number "2" or a "3" in the 9th or 10th digit and an "X" in the 11th digit.

The best-before dates for the recalled brands are December 9, 2012 through April 7, 2013.  Please note- not all Diamond brands were produced at the affected plant manufacturing lines. Phillips receives products from numerous Diamond plants. 

Also, no cat or can skus are affected.

•             Chicken Soup for the Pet Lover's Soul - All skus

•             Country Value - All Skus

•             Diamond - All Skus

•             Diamond Naturals - All Skus

•             Premium Edge - All Skus

•             Professional - All Skus

•             Taste of the Wild - All Skus

The below Wellness sku with a Best by Date of January 9, 10, & 11th  2013:

Wellness Complete Health® Super5Mix® Large Breed Puppy, 15 and 30 lb. bags and 5 oz. samples with best by dates of JAN 9 2013 through JAN 11 2013

May 4th, 2012 - No other Wellness skus were affected.

Please note that no salmonella cases have been reported on Wellpet. They are recalling for the safety of the pet and the pet parent.

The below Natural Balance Skus:

5 LB Natural Balance Sweet Potato & Venison Dog; Best By Date: December 12, 2012; December 13, 2012; March 12, 2013

15 LB Natural Balance Sweet Potato & Venison Dog; Best By Date: December 12, 2012; December 13, 2012; December 14, 2012; March 5, 2013; March 6, 2013

28 LB Natural Balance Sweet Potato & Venison Dog; Best By Date: December 12, 2012; December 13, 2012; December 14, 2012; March 5, 2013; March 6, 2013; March 7, 2013; March 8, 2013; March 12, 2013

5 LB Natural Balance Lamb Meal & Brown Rice Dog; Best By Date: December 10, 2012; December 21, 2012; December 22, 2012

15 LB Natural Balance Lamb Meal & Brown Rice Dog; Best By Date: December 10, 2012; December 21, 2012; December 22, 2012

28 LB Natural Balance Lamb Meal & Brown Rice Dog; Best By Date: December 10, 2012; December 21, 2012; December 22, 2012

5 LB Natural Balance Sweet Potato & Bison Dog; Best By Date: December 17, 2012; December 18, 2012; December 28, 2012; December 29, 2012

15 LB Natural Balance Sweet Potato & Bison Dog; Best By Date: December 9, 2012; December 17, 2012; December 18, 2012; December 28, 2012; December 29, 2012

28 LB Natural Balance Sweet Potato & Bison Dog; Best By Date: December 9, 2012; December 17, 2012; December 18, 2012; December 28, 2012; December 29, 2012

5 LB Natural Balance Vegetarian Dog; Best By Date: December 9, 2012

28 LB Natural Balance Lamb Meal & Brown Rice Dog Large Breed Bites; Best By Date: December 12, 2012; December 20, 2012; December 21, 2012

5 LB Natural Balance Lamb Meal & Brown Rice Dog Small Breed Bites; Best By Date: December 21, 2012

12.5 LB Natural Balance Lamb Meal & Brown Rice Dog Small Breed Bites; Best By Date: December 21, 2012

May 4, 2012- Please note that only these 5 flavors of Natural Balance were affected. The other flavors are produced on other lines and plants.

Please note that no salmonella cases have been reported on Natural Balance. They are recalling for the safety of the pet and the pet parent.

Natural Balance Pet Foods apologizes for any potential issues this may have caused. Pet owners who are unsure if the product they purchased is included in the recall, or who would like replacement product or a refund, may contact Natural Balance Pet Foods Customer Service at (800) 829-4493 (8am - 5pm, PST). Consumers may also go to www.naturalbalanceinc.com for more information. The company is working with distributors and retailers to ensure all involved date codes are removed from shelves.

The below Canidae skus with production codes that have both a number "3" in the 9th or 10th digit and an "X" in the 11th digit with a best before dates of December 9, 2012, through January 31, 2013 which are being recalled.

Canidae Dog, All Life Stages

Canidae Dog, Chicken Meal & Rice

Canidae Dog, Lamb Meal & Rice

Canidae Dog, Platinum

A message from Canidae:

It is with regret that we are reporting a voluntary recall on a limited production run of CANIDAE dry dog food produced out of the Diamond Pet Foods South Carolina plant. Even though not one of our products have been tested positive for Salmonella, it is out of pure precaution that this product is being removed from the market place. We are working diligently to make this process as seamless as possible for you, our retailers and consumers.

Although there have been no animal or human illnesses related to Canidae Pet Food, and the product has not tested positive for Salmonella, the company has voluntarily initiated this recall out of caution to ensure the health and safety of consumers and their pets.

Following is an example of how to read the production code and best before date:

Production Code                              Best Before Date

FDE0104R5 3X TS                              10 - January - 2013        

The recall affects only products distributed in the following Eastern U.S. states which were manufactured at the Diamond Pet Food Gaston, South Carolina plant. Further distribution to other pet food channels may occur:

Florida, Massachusetts, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee

Canidae Pet Foods apologizes for any potential issues this may have caused pet owners and their pets

What to Do

Pet Parents will have questions and will want to return product. These brands want to assist and ask that the consumer call the below hotline numbers before returning any items to any store. 

Diamond:  866.918.8756   8am - 6pm EST  Monday - Sunday or www.diamondpetrecall.com

Wellpet:   877.227.9587  8am - 6pm EST Monday - Friday and 9am - 5pm Saturday/Sunday

Natural Balance: 800.829.4493  8am - 5pm EST or www.naturalbalanceinc.com

Canidae:  800.398.1600  Press 1 for Consumer Service.   9am - 5pm PST

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We recommend Lifes Abundance Dog Food.  Life's Abundance Dog Food has never, ever been on a recall list.

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On April 30, 2012 Diamond Foods Expands Pet Food Recall

Diamond Pet Foods Expands Voluntary Recall to Include Diamond Puppy Formula
due to Possible Salmonella Contamination

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - April 30, 2012 - Diamond Pet Foods is expanding a voluntary recall to include Diamond Puppy Formula dry dog food. The company took this precautionary measure because sampling revealed Salmonella in the product. No dog illnesses have been reported.

Salmonella can affect animals eating the products and there is risk to humans from handling contaminated pet products, especially if they have not thoroughly washed their hands after having contact with the products or any surfaces exposed to these products.

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.

For the entire article from USDA: Click Here Now

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Lifes Abundance Dog Food has never, ever been on a recall list.  Learn more about how Life's Abundance Dog Food contains only healthy, wholesome ingredients.  Life's Abundance Pet Food does not contain corn gluten, wheat gluten, added chemical preservatives or artificial flavors or colors.  You'll feel confident in knowing that you are feeding a healthy pet food.

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ProPet Vitamins Recalled

June 22, 2010
Possible Samonella Poisoning Cited.

ProPet Vitamins for Dog has been Voluntarily Recalled.

According to the American Veternarian Medical Association (AVMA) website, the United Pet Group, Cincinnati, Ohio, has voluntarily recalled Pro-Pet Adult Daily Vitamin Supplement Tablets for Dogs because of possible Salmonella contamination. The affected products include all lots with expiration dates on or before June 2013 (06/13). The expiration date can be found imprinted vertically on the right side of the product label.

Sold nationally through various retailers, the Pro-Pet vitamins are in 100-count white plastic bottles with a light blue label.

The Food and Drug Administration is aware of this recall.

These products are being removed from retail stores and consumers should immediately stop feeding these supplements to dogs.

Laboratory testing has revealed that one Lot of this vitamin product was contaminated with Salmonella. The company is recalling all unexpired Lots of the product out of an abundance of caution.

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.

People who handle dry pet food and/or 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.

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. Salmonella can result in more serious ailments. Consumers exhibiting these signs after having contact with this product should contact their healthcare providers.

Consumers who have purchased the product are urged to contact United Pet Group or the place of purchase for further direction. Consumers may contact United Pet Group at 1-800-645-5154 ext. 3, Monday through Friday, from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm EST.

Looking for a Replacement Supplement?

If you are looking for an Alternative Dog Vitamin from a company that has never, ever been involved in a pet food or product recall, we recommend Lifes Abundance Canine Wellness Food Supplement.

Supplementing your dog’s diet can play a crucial role in maintaining overall good health and wellness. It's a fact that some dogs and dog breeds require additional nutritional intake to help them maintain a healthy body. For example, factors such as age, breed, environment, illness will likely cause your canine to require extra nutrition and supplementation.

Based on this premise, holistic veterinarian. Dr. Jane Bicks, has formulated a brand new vitamin supplement formula to enhance your dog’s daily diet called Life’s Abundance Wellness Food Supplement for Dogs. It's formulated with a broad array of naturally nutritious ingredients from real food to help maintain overall health.

Click for more information bout Lifes Abundance Wellness Food Supplement for Dogs.

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Tainted Peanut Butter also a Menace to Pets

By Jaye Watson and Alex Johnson
Reporters
msnbc.com and NBC News
updated 3:20 a.m. PT, Wed., Feb. 4, 2009

www.msnbc.msn.com/id/28938874

CANTON, Ga. - Bert Kanist thought nothing of it when he gave his dog Ozzie a treat one day last month — two packages of peanut butter crackers.

Within hours, Ozzie was terribly sick.

“He was throwing up,” Kanist said outside his home in this suburb of Atlanta. “He had diarrhea. His knees were wobbly.”

The next day, Ozzie was dead. But Kanist’s other dog, Snickers — a pound mutt, like Ozzie — refused the crackers and was just fine.

The crackers were from a brand called Austin, made by Kellogg Co. Kellogg recalled them in mid-January because the line was made with peanut paste supplied by Peanut Corp. of America of Lynchburg, Va., whose salmonella-contaminated products are blamed for sickening more than 500 people and may have contributed to at least eight deaths.

The Austin crackers were just one of more than 420 products that companies across the food industry have recalled because they may be contaminated with salmonella, which most people probably think of only as a human pathogen.

But food safety experts say pets can be equally at risk, either from eating contaminated pet food or contaminated people food. That’s why at least 14 brands of pet treats are on the Food and Drug Administration’s list of foods that have been recalled since Jan. 1 because they were made with products from Peanut Corp.

From owner to pet and back again - As hard as it might be to lose a beloved pet to salmonellosis, doctors say an infected pet poses a bigger problem: It could infect its owner, because the bacterium Salmonella spp. can be transmitted via waste or saliva.

That means you could contract salmonellosis simply by letting your dog lick you, veterinarians warn.

Even if their pets show no signs of the illness, owners should always be careful. Researchers at the University of Wisconsin School of Veterinary Medicine said last year that they were able to easily isolate Salmonella spp. from healthy-looking dogs and cats, making them classic carrier animals.

“Dogs and cats may suffer salmonellosis as a ‘reverse zoonosis,’ with infection transmitted from human-to-dog and subsequently back to other humans,” the researchers wrote. “Similarly, outbreaks of salmonella infections in large animal teaching hospitals have been linked to the introduction of bacteria from infected human personnel, with subsequent spread to animals and then back to other human workers.”

Most people recover from salmonella exposure without treatment, but it can be deadly to infants, the elderly and people with compromised immune systems. Of particular concern are children who own “pocket pets” — smaller animals like lizards, turtles and other reptiles — which also can transmit the illness.

In a separate report last year, the American Academy of Pediatrics found that as many as 11 percent of all salmonella illnesses in American children stemmed from contact with small reptiles. Pet turtles were responsible for 103 cases of salmonella infection in the second half of 2007, most of them in young children, the report said.

“It’s pretty common,” said Patricia Joyce, a veterinarian in New York specializing in small animal medicine. “They’re definitely not ideal pets for kids who are still working out their understanding of hygiene.”

Simple steps to stay safe
Unfortunately, said the lead author of the academy’s report, Larry Pickering, an infectious disease specialist at the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “many parents clearly don’t understand the risks from various infections” such animals can carry.

The CDC said parents could take some simple steps to keep themselves and their pet-loving children safe:

- Regularly wash your pet’s feeding bowls to prevent growth of bacteria.
- Thoroughly wash your hands and your children’s hands with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds after handling dry pet foods, including pet treats.
- Avoid letting any human food and utensils come into contact with pet food.
- Make sure to thoroughly clean any counters and utensils you use to prepare your pet’s dinner.
- Handle litter boxes carefully, and always thoroughly wash your hands and keep the area around the litter box clean.

‘Where I went, he went’
Bert Kanist didn’t get sick from salmonella — at least not physically. The hole in his life after Ozzie died is another matter.

“He’s my son in a fur coat,” Kanist said. “Where I went, he went.”

As the investigation of the contaminated peanut products continues, Kanist said he was having a hard time getting authorities to give him a straight answer as to who’s responsible. Until he gets one, Kanist said, he will struggle with a terrible uncertainty, wondering “whether I poisoned my own dog.”

Note from Blog Host... You are a pet's parent and it is up to you to keep educated and learn about the foods you feed your pets. If you are looking for a dog treat that is safe and healthy, please visit: Healthy Dog Treats