Nature's Variety Recall

LINCOLN, Neb., Feb. 11 /PRNewswire/ -- Nature's Variety has initiated a voluntary recall of their Chicken Formula Raw Frozen Diet for dogs and cats with a "Best If Used By" date of 11/10/10 because these products may be contaminated with Salmonella. The only products affected are limited to chicken medallions, patties, and chubs with a "Best If Used By" date of 11/10/10. No other Nature's Variety products are affected.

The affected products are limited to the Nature's Variety Chicken Formula Raw Frozen Diet packaged in the following forms:

3 lb chicken medallions (UPC# 7 69949 60130 2) with a "Best If Used By" date of 11/10/10
6 lb chicken patties (UPC# 7 69949 60120 3) with a "Best If Used By" date of 11/10/10
2 lb chicken chubs (UPC# 7 69949 60121 0) with a "Best If Used By" date of 11/10/10


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 in limited distribution in Canada.

If you are a consumer and have purchased one of the affected 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.

Nature's Variety became aware of a potential problem after receiving a consumer complaint. Subsequent testing indicated that the lot code related to the consumer complaint tested negative for Salmonella. However, additional subsequent testing found the "Best If Used By" date of 11/10/10 to be contaminated with Salmonella.

Ear Infection/Dry Coat Problems

Hi Evy,

Our chocolate lab, Joe, has been on your food since around Thanksgiving of this year and it seems to have cleared up his ear infections very well! However, we do have one question for you...

Right now Joe is shedding like nothing we have ever seen! I just filled up an entire plastic grocery bag with his hair from brushing him. I'm not sure if this is a "seasonal shed" gone crazy--or what is going on, but he has been on the food for about 3 months and this just started a few weeks ago. Does this seem normal and have you heard this happening to other dogs on the food?

Thanks for any help!

Tati

Hiya Tati ~

Thanks so much for writing! I'm so glad to hear that Joe's ear infections cleared up so well.

The shedding problem that he is going through is totally normal and really great news for you!! When the hair follicle is well saturated with oil, it does not break off that easily. Many dogs go through a horrible 'coat blow' after being on the food for a couple of months - and I've heard that the first seasonal blow after being on the food is a doozy. The reason this is good news is that their former nutritional state may not have been that great - and now with Kumpi you will see a gorgeous coat fill in.

Glad you wrote and asked!!

Evy

USA Chicken / Beef

I came across this article about Russia's ban on importing chicken from America.

http://www.foodpoisonjournal.com/fsncache/

Another article - interesting that Canada does not pursue this practice.

https://research.tdwaterhouse.ca/research/public/Markets/NewsArticle/1314-LDE60E0XC-1

Just a note to anyone who might be concerned, the chicken used in Kumpi products are not subjected to the injections of chlorine or any other additives. The chicken IS screened for salmonella, e-coli and other pathogens before it is considered for use in the food and the same screening is done after the product has been made.

Found this about beef:

http://fwix.com/olympia/share/b2aaadde08/food_safety_doubtful_researchers_say

Gee, there are days with all the crazy recalls that I feel my pets food is safer than what I eat!!!

Treat Recall / FDA Link

http://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm197700.htm

FDA NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release: January 14, 2010
Media Inquiries: Ira Allen 301-796-5349, ira.allen@fda.hhs.gov
Consumer Inquiries: 888-INFO-FDA

FDA Health Alert for Merrick Beef Filet Squares Dog Treats Packaged and Distributed by Merrick Pet Care
Products may be contaminated with Salmonella

The U. S. Food and Drug Administration is warning 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.

The product was distributed nationwide through retail stores and Internet sales.

Although no illnesses associated with these products have been reported, the FDA is advising consumers in possession of these products not to handle or feed them to their pets.

In December 2009, the FDA conducted routine testing of Merrick Beef Filet Squares and detected a positive finding for Salmonella. A follow-up inspection found deficiencies in the packaging and manufacturing processes.

Salmonella can affect both humans and animals. People handling dry pet treats can become infected with Salmonella, especially if they have not thoroughly washed their hands after having contact with the treats 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 may experience some or all of the following symptoms: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramping and fever. Although rare, Salmonella can result in more serious ailments including arterial infections, endocarditis (inflammation of the lining of the heart), arthritis, muscle pain, eye irritation, and urinary tract symptoms. Consumers exhibiting these signs after having contact with this product should contact their health care provider immediately.

Pets with Salmonella infections may become lethargic and have diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever and vomiting. Some pets may experience only a 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 any of the affected product or is experiencing any of these symptoms, contact your veterinarian immediately.

The affected Merrick Beef Filet Squares were packaged in a 10-ounce green, red and tan re-sealable plastic bag. The “best by” date is imprinted on the top portion of the bag, which is torn off when the bag is opened. The FDA recommends that consumers who are unable to determine the “best by” date discontinue use of the product.

Consumers can report complaints about FDA-regulated pet food and pet treat products by calling the consumer complaint coordinator in their area. Please see http://www.fda.gov/AnimalVeterinary/SafetyHealth/ReportaProblem/ucm182403.htm for additional information.

Treat Recall / FDA Link

http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm193736.htm

Until my time can free up some more, I will be posting recalls on my blog.

I am planning on starting a link on the homepage to advise you of any
recalls and/or substantiated withdrawals by the manufacturer or FDA.
Until then, keep an eye on my blog.

Cats & Throwing Up (happy ending!!)

Hi Evy, the kitties are no longer throwing up...thank God I found you! Happy holidays! Dawn

Welcome Back!!

Hi Evy!

I don't know why, but we tried some XXXXXXX dog food- multiple types. and ALL of them make Snickle throw up and scratch. Not sure what they are putting in their food, but it causes Snicks problems. We've NEVER had a problem with your food...and am happy to be reordering!

Thanks again for making such a great food!

Emi

(many folks are trying to save money and trying other brands and that's ok, I understand - but don't be surprised if......)