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Expanded Pet Food Recall Brings Changes

By Dan Flynn and Suzanna Schreck

Nature's Variety expanded a 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.

Its initial recall was issued Feb. 12.

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.

The recall now 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

The expanded recall includes 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.

In a statement, Nature's Variety said it 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 in the United States and Canada.

It was also sold on the Internet.

Nature's Variety plans to control Salmonella contamination through High Pressure Pasteurization on the Raw Frozen Diets to kill pathogenic bacteria through high-pressure water-based technology and a test and hold protocol to ensure that only Raw Frozen Diets that test negative for harmful bacteria are released for sale.

The new procedures were implemented on all products after Feb. 11, 2010.

"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."

Salmonella symptoms include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramping, and fever.

Salmonella can result in more serious ailments, including arterial infections, endocarditis, arthritis, muscle pain, eye irritation, and urinary tract symptoms.

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.

Any pet that has consumed any of the affected products and is experiencing any of these symptoms should be taken to a veterinarian.

Consumers who purchased one of these products may return the unopened product to the retailer for a full refund or replacement. If the package has been opened, 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.

Full post as published by Food Safety News on March 10, 2010 (boomark / email).