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Thursday, June 27, 2019

Pet (Fish) Food Recalled After Lab Misreads Salmonella Results

A Wisconsin firm is recalling fish food, Aqueon Betta Food, after Salmonella test results were reversed and called positive.  It appears the firm shipped the product on getting negative Salmonella results and then had to conduct a recall after two negatives were confirmed as positive.  "Central Aquatics has appropriate testing protocols and followed all such internal testing protocols. However, the outside independent laboratory contracted to conduct and read Salmonella testing mistakenly indicated the two lots of the recalled product were negative for Salmonella, when in fact it was found to be positive for Salmonella. Central Aquatics immediately initiated steps to recall the subject product upon notification of the error by the independent laboratory."

As indicated in the report, there is little information on the impact of Salmonella on fish, however, the concern would be that people handling the fish food, often dosed to the fish by pouring some in the fish feeders hand,  could be transmitted to that person or others.

The important point in this is the impact of the laboratory and the results they furnish regarding the product.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/central-aquatics-recalls-aqueon-betta-food-95-oz-jar-because-possible-salmonella-health-risk
Central Aquatics Recalls Aqueon Betta Food (.95 oz Jar) Because of Possible Salmonella Health Risk
Summary
Company Announcement Date: June 26, 2019
FDA Publish Date: June 26, 2019
Product Type: Animal & Veterinary  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement: Potential Salmonella contamination
Company Name: Central Aquatics
Brand Name: Aqueon
Product Description: Aqueon Betta Food

Company Announcement

Central Aquatics of Franklin, Wisconsin is recalling 96 cases of Aqueon Betta Food (item number 100106051 sold in a .95 oz jar) because it has the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella. 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.

Healthy people infected with Salmonella should monitor themselves for some or all 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.

Fish with Salmonella infections are not well documented and fish carrying salmonella typically do not show any signs of disease.

The Aqueon Betta Food, that is the subject of this recall, was distributed to Georgia, Illinois, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania via distribution centers.

The Aqueon Betta Food, as referenced above and the subject of this recall, is sold only in a 0.95 oz plastic jar with the expiration dates of EX04JUN22 and EX05JUN22, item number 100106051, UPC Code 0 15905 06051 6, and manufacturing dates of 06/04/2019 and 06/05, 2019 (see pictures for easier identification).

No illnesses have been reported to-date.

Central Aquatics has appropriate testing protocols and followed all such internal testing protocols. However, the outside independent laboratory contracted to conduct and read Salmonella testing mistakenly indicated the two lots of the recalled product were negative for Salmonella, when in fact it was found to be positive for Salmonella. Central Aquatics immediately initiated steps to recall the subject product upon notification of the error by the independent laboratory.

Consumers who may have purchased Aqueon Betta Food, with manufacturing and expiration dates of 06/04/2019 (EX04JUN22 expiration date) and 06/05/2019 (EX05JUN22 expiration date) are urged to return it to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact Central Aquatics at 1-888-255-4527.

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