Pet Treats Recall Expanded to Include Private Label Products - Controlling Overseas Co-packers

United Pets is expanding their initial recall of raw hide pet treats to now include private label products including Companion, Dentley's, Enzadent or Dentahex, Essential Everyday, Exer-Hides, Good Lovin' or Petco, Hill Country Fare, and Priority Pet.  The products are being recalled because the foreign manufacturing facility sanitized the product with quaternary ammonium or Quat.  Quat is a surface sanitizer and is not made to be used directly on food for dogs (or humans).

This case points out the concerns for companies who have another company co-pack their product in facilities outside the country.  One would have expected contracted company, in this case United Pet, would have been controlling those facilities to a point where product produced was compliant with US regulations, or even generally accepted practices.  As the purchasing clients, completing a hazard analysis to take into account unexpected, unacceptable practices can be difficult to impossible without an onsite visit by a trusted, knowledgeable auditor.

FDA Recall Notice
https://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm563544.htm

United Pet Group Expands Voluntary Recall of Multiple Brands of Rawhide Chew Products for Dogs to Also Include Private Label Brands Due to Possible Chemical Contamination
For Immediate Release
June 16, 2017

Soylent Product Recalled Again, This Time for Allergen Issues

The LA company that sells the meal replacement called Soylent is recalling product due to undeclared allergen, in this case, milk in the form of whey powder. It seems that a small amount of whey powder may have been incorporated into a one lot of product. This occurred during manufacturer by their third party facility (contract manufacturer).

This company recalled product seven months ago after a number of illnesses were reported which may have been linked to the product.

FDA Recall Notice

https://pennstatefoodsafety.blogspot.com/2016/10/venture-capitalist-start-up-soylent.html
Soylent Issues Allergy Alert On Potential Undeclared Milk in Soylent 1.8 Powder
For Immediate Release
April 24, 2017

Co-Pack Facility Responsible for Ice Cream Recall Due to Listeria

A California company is recalling their fancy ice cream after FDA found Listeria in product and in the co-packing facility.

We see many entrepreneurs who focus on the marketing and sales and leave the manufacturing of the product to someone else.  Know the risk associated with those products and understand how the co-packer is controlling that risk.  Many would-be marketers ask if they should take a HACCP or Preventive Controls class - absolutely.  Should you institute a supply-chain control program to including audit and testing - absolutely, especially if the hazard analysis identifies potential risks.

The AC Creamery recall is also related to this co-packer. http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm527875.htm

FDA Recall Notice
http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm528091.htm
McConnell’s Fine Ice Creams Recalls Select 16oz. Packages Due To Possible Health Risk
For Immediate Release
November 4, 2016