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Monday, July 1, 2024

Ohio Company Recalls Hedgehog Feed After State Lab Finds Salmonella

Vitakraft Sun Seed Inc. of Weston, OH is recalling Sun Seed Vita Prima Hedgehog Food and Vitakraft Vita Smart Hedgehog Food because it has the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella.  The initial recall was issued on June 21, and then expanded by the company on June 28, 2024.  

Products from the recalled lot were distributed to the following states: AZ, CA, FL, GA, IL, IN, KY, MA, MI, MN, MO, NC, NJ, NV, NY, OH, PA, SC, TN, TX, VA, AND WI.

Vitakraft Sun Seed was notified on June 18, 2024, by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture that Salmonella was detected in an inspection sample of product from Lot Number 417429. The tests which identified the bacteria were part of random testing performed by the State of Minnesota on consumer products, and not prompted by any consumer concerns. To date, there have been no reports of illness.






https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/vitakraft-sun-seed-recall-sun-seed-vita-prima-hedgehog-food-due-possible-salmonella-health-risk-0
Vitakraft Sun Seed Recall of Sun Seed Vita Prima Hedgehog Food Due to Possible Salmonella Health Risk
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  June 28, 2024
FDA Publish Date:  July 01, 2024
Product Type:  Animal & Veterinary  Food & Beverages  Animal Feed
Reason for Announcement:  Due to potential Salmonella contamination
Company Name:  Vitakraft Sun Seed Inc.
Brand Name:  Sunseed Vita Prima
Product Description:  Hedgehog Food

Company Announcement

Vitakraft Sun Seed Inc. of Weston, OH is working closely with our colleagues at the FDA and MN Department of Agriculture and out of an abundance of caution has elected to expand the recall to include the following lots of Sun Seed Vita Prima Hedgehog Food and Vitakraft Vita Smart Hedgehog Food 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.

Vitakraft Sun Seed was notified on June 18, 2024, by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture that Salmonella was detected in an inspection sample of product from Lot Number 417429. The tests which discovered the bacteria were part of random testing performed by the State of Minnesota on consumer products, and not prompted by any consumer concerns.

Products matching the specific lot number below are being recalled:
UPC #:  DESCRIPTION   LOT  EXP
0-87535-40060-4 Sun Seed Vita Prima Hedgehog Food, 25oz 417429 10/18/2025
0-87535-40060-4 Sun Seed Vita Prima Hedgehog Food, 25oz 406118 5/04/2025
0-87535-40060-4 Sun Seed Vita Prima Hedgehog Food, 25oz 407265 5/22/2025
0-87535-40060-4 Sun Seed Vita Prima Hedgehog Food, 25oz 407849 6/09/2025
0-87535-40060-4 Sun Seed Vita Prima Hedgehog Food, 25oz 409133 6/20/2025
0-87535-40060-4 Sun Seed Vita Prima Hedgehog Food, 25oz 410999 7/17/2025
0-87535-40060-4 Sun Seed Vita Prima Hedgehog Food, 25oz 415624 9/21/2025
0-87535-40060-4 Sun Seed Vita Prima Hedgehog Food, 25oz 419647 11/20/2025
0-51233-34792-9 Sun Seed Vita Prima Hedgehog Food, 25oz 409175 6/28/2025
0-51233-34792-9 Sun Seed Vita Prima Hedgehog Food, 25oz 411084 7/20/2025
0-51233-34792-9 Sun Seed Vita Prima Hedgehog Food, 25oz 412635 8/18/2025
0-51233-34792-9 Sun Seed Vita Prima Hedgehog Food, 25oz 415713 10/09/2025
0-51233-34792-9 Sun Seed Vita Prima Hedgehog Food, 25oz 417491 10/18/2025

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.

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.

Products from the recalled lot were distributed to the following states: AZ, CA, FL, GA, IL, IN, KY, MA, MI, MN, MO, NC, NJ, NV, NY, OH, PA, SC, TN, TX, VA, AND WI. Retailers and distributors who received the recalled lots have been contacted and asked to pull these lots from their inventory and shelves.

Consumers who have purchased a product from the recalled lot should discontinue use of the product and may return the unused portion to the place of purchase for a full refund.

Customers who have further questions are welcome to contact Customer Service at 1-800-221-6175 Extension 123, Monday through Friday between 8:30am and 5:00pm EST.

Link to Original Press Announcement
Vitakraft Sun Seed Recall of Sun Seed Vita Prima Hedgehog Food Due to Possible Salmonella Health Risk
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  June 21, 2024
FDA Publish Date:  June 22, 2024
Product Type:  Animal & Veterinary  Food & Beverages  Pet Food
Reason for Announcement:  Due to potential Salmonella contamination
Company Name:  Vitakraft Sun Seed Inc.
Brand Name:  Sunseed Vita Prima
Product Description:  Hedgehog Food

Company Announcement

Vitakraft Sun Seed Inc. of Weston, OH, is voluntarily recalling one lot of Sun Seed Vita Prima Hedgehog Food because it has the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella. Salmonella can affect animals eating the products and there is also a risk to humans from handling contaminated pet products, especially if they have not thoroughly washed their hands after having contact with the products, animal waste, or any surfaces exposed to these products.

Vitakraft Sun Seed was notified on June 18, 2024, by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture that Salmonella was detected in an inspection sample of product from Lot Number 417429. The tests which identified the bacteria were part of random testing performed by the State of Minnesota on consumer products, and not prompted by any consumer concerns. To date, there have been no reports of illness.

Products matching the specific lot number below are being recalled:
UPC #  DESCRIPTION  LOT  EXP
0-87535-40060-4 Sun Seed Vita Prima Hedgehog Food, 25oz 417429 10/18/2025

The package of hedgehog food labeled "Vita Prima" by Sunseed. The package is predominantly yellow and white with a picture of a hedgehog in the bottom left corner. The product is described as "wholesome nutrition" and "all-in-one pellet." Key features highlighted on the package include "vitamin fortified," "highly digestible," and "high in protein." The net weight of the product is 25 ounces (708 grams). The background includes images of grains, emphasizing the wholesome ingredients.

Hedgehogs with Salmonella infections may be lethargic, have bloody or mucoid diarrhea, weight loss, decreased appetite, become dehydrated and/or death. Infected but otherwise healthy pets can be carriers and infect other animals or humans. This means that the asymptomatic hedgehog my shed the pathogen in its feces for a short period of time or persistently without any other symptoms of illness. As with all pathogens, it is imperative to thoroughly wash hands after handling animals, their food, food dishes and their waste to prevent the transmission of this zoonotic disease. If your pet has consumed the recalled product and has any symptoms, please contact your veterinarian for proper supportive care.

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.

Products from the recalled lot were distributed to the following states: FL, IN, IL, KY, MA, MI, MN, MO, NC, NY, OH, PA, SC, TN, TX, and VA. Retailers and distributors who received the recalled lots have been contacted and asked to remove these lots from their inventory and shelves.

Consumers who have purchased a product from the recalled lot should discontinue use of the product, handle the remaining product with gloved hands, and wash hands thoroughly after handling the product. The customer may return the unused portion to the place of purchase for a full refund.

Customers who have further questions are welcome to contact Customer Service at 1-800-221-6175 Extension 123, Monday through Friday between 8:30am and 5:00pm EST.


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