Dry Cat Food Recall Due to Potential Presence of Salmonella

The J. M. Smucker Co. today announced a limited, voluntary recall of two lots of Meow Mix® Original Choice Dry Cat Food (30LB bag) due to potential salmonella contamination. The Company has received no reports of pet illness or adverse reaction and has issued this recall out of an abundance of caution. The impacted products were sold at select Walmart stores in IL, MO, NE, NM, OK, UT, WI and WY.

No reason was stated for the recall, so it could be through product testing either by the company or by another entity.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/j-m-smucker-co-issues-limited-voluntary-recall-two-lots-meow-mixr-original-choice-dry-cat-food
The J. M. Smucker Co. Issues Limited, Voluntary Recall of Two Lots of Meow Mix® Original Choice Dry Cat Food for Potential Salmonella Contamination
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  April 09, 2021
FDA Publish Date:  April 12, 2021
Product Type:  Animal & Veterinary  Pet Food  
Reason for Announcement:  Potential Salmonella Contamination
Company Name:  J. M. Smucker Co.
Brand Name:  Meow Mix®
Product Description:  Meow Mix® Original Choice Dry Cat Food

Midwestern Pet Food Issues Recall for Pet Food After Samples Reveal the Presence of Salmonella

Midwestern Pet Foods, Evansville, Indiana is recalling specific expiration dates of certain dog and cat food brands [approximately 140 varieties of varying sized bags] including CanineX, Earthborn Holistic, Venture, Unrefined, Sportmix Wholesomes, Pro Pac, Pro Pac Ultimates, Sportstrail, Sportmix and Meridian brands produced at its Monmouth, Illinois Production Facility because they have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella.  The recall was as the result of a routine sampling program by the company which revealed that the finished products may contain the bacteria.

This same company recently completed a recall related to Aflatoxin, but that product came out of their OK processing facility.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/midwestern-pet-foods-voluntarily-recall-due-possible-salmonella-health-risk
Midwestern Pet Foods Voluntarily Recall Due to Possible Salmonella Health Risk
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  March 26, 2021
FDA Publish Date:  March 27, 2021
Product Type:  Animal & Veterinary  Food & Beverages    Pet Food
Reason for Announcement:  Potential Salmonella Contamination
Company Name: Midwestern Pet Foods
Brand Name:  Multiple brands
Product Description:  Dog and Cat Food

Pet Food Recalled for Elevated Levels of Aflatoxin.

Midwestern Pet Foods, Inc., of Evansville, IN is issuing a voluntary recall of the below listed dog and cat food products due to tests indicating levels of Aflatoxin that exceed acceptable limits.  Aflatoxin is a toxin produced by the mold Aspergillus flavus, which can grow on corn and other grains used as ingredients in pet food. At high levels, aflatoxin can cause illness and death in pets.  There have been reports of illnesses and deaths in dogs associated with the below listed lots of Sportmix High Energy.  There are reports of at least 28 deaths and 8 illnesses.

With dry pet foods, corn is often the source of aflatoxin.  This occurs when the corn used in processing the pet food had mold growth prior to harvest.  Processors normally do extensive testing of incoming corn.   Suppliers of the corn will do their own testing as well plus will track crop conditions that can lead to mold growth.  There are tolerances for low levels of alfatoxin - 20ppb for corn to be used for pet food.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/midwestern-pet-foods-voluntarily-recalls-pet-food-recall-aflatoxin-health-risk
Midwestern Pet Foods Voluntarily Recalls Pet Food Recall for Aflatoxin Health Risk
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  December 30, 2020
FDA Publish Date:  December 30, 2020
Product Type:  Animal & Veterinary  Food & Beverages Pet Food
Reason for Announcement:  Elevated levels of aflatoxin
Company Name:  Sportmix
Brand Name:  Sportmix
Product Description:  Dog and Cat Food

Dry Dog Food Recalled After Sample Tests Positive for Salmonella

Sunshine Mills, Inc. is issuing a voluntary recall of Nature’s Menu® Super Premium Dog Food with a Blend of Real Chicken & Quail because of the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella. 

"The potential for contamination was noted after the firm was notified by the Georgia Department of Agriculture when a sample of a single 3-pound bag of the product was collected and tested positive for Salmonella. The firm conducted testing of multiple samples of the same lot which all tested negative for Salmonella. Salmonella may not be evenly distributed throughout a lot which is why it could have been found on one sample and not on multiple other samples of the same lot. However, out of an abundance of caution, Sunshine Mills, Inc. has chosen to issue a voluntary recall of the above-referenced lots of Nature’s Menu® Super Premium Dog Food with a Blend of Real Chicken & Quail in furtherance of its commitment to the safety and quality of its products."

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/sunshine-mills-inc-issues-voluntary-recall-natures-menur-super-premium-dog-food-blend-real-chicken
Sunshine Mills, Inc. Issues Voluntary Recall of Nature’s Menu® Super Premium Dog Food with a Blend of Real Chicken & Quail Because of Possible Salmonella Health Risk
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  August 24, 2020  

FDA Publish Date: August 24, 2020
Product Type: Animal & Veterinary  Pet Food
Reason for Announcement:  Salmonella
Company Name: Sunshine Mills, Inc.
Brand Name: Nature’s Menu
Product Description: Nature’s Menu Super Premium Dog Food with a Blend of Real Chicken & Quail

Special Kitty Pet Food Recalled Due to Ingredient Issue

J. M. Smucker Company today announced a voluntary recall of specific lots of Special Kitty® wet, canned cat food due to health concerns potentially associated with ingredients believed to not meet the Company’s quality and safety standards.  Ingesting impacted product may cause nausea with excessive salivation, diarrhea or vomiting to more severe symptoms including difficulty walking, seizures and, in extreme situations, death.   Pet parents (aka pet owners) are encouraged to contact their cat’s veterinarian immediately if their cat is displaying any of these symptoms.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/j-m-smucker-company-issues-voluntary-recall-specific-lots-special-kittyr-wet-canned-cat-food-due
The J. M. Smucker Company Issues Voluntary Recall of Specific Lots of Special Kitty® Wet, Canned Cat Food Due to Health Concerns
Summary
Company Announcement Date: December 05, 2019 

FDA Publish Date: December 05, 2019 

Product Type:Animal & Veterinary Pet Food Target Animal – Safety 

Reason for Announcement:  Products don’t meet the Company’s quality and safety standards
Company Name: The J. M. Smucker Company

Brand Name:  Special Kitty
Product Description:  Wet, canned cat food

Pet Food Company Expands Recall for Elevated Vitamin D

Hill’s Pet Nutrition is expanding its recall of select canned dog food products due to elevated levels of vitamin D, an issue that was caused by the same vitamin premix received from a U.S. supplier that was the issue that led to a recall in January.   "Pet Nutrition learned of the potential for elevated vitamin D levels in some of our canned dog foods after receiving a complaint in the United States about a dog exhibiting signs of elevated vitamin D levels. Our investigation confirmed elevated levels of vitamin D due to a supplier error."

From the recall notice, "Following that recall, we conducted a detailed review of all canned dog foods potentially impacted by the vitamin premix with elevated levels of vitamin D. This review included: analyzing consumer complaints; reviewing veterinarian medical consultations; auditing our supplier; and reviewing our own manufacturing and quality procedures. We then did additional product testing to ensure we had taken all appropriate action. Our review determined that there were additional products affected by that vitamin premix, and it is for that reason that we are expanding the recall. Hill’s has received a limited number of complaints of pet illness related to some of these products."

https://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm634087.htm
Hill’s Pet Nutrition Expands Voluntary Recall of Select Canned Dog Food for Elevated Vitamin D
For Immediate Release
March 20, 2019

Canned Dog Food Recalled for High Vitamin D Levels Due to Supplier Error

Hill’s Pet Nutrition is voluntarily recalling select canned dog food products due to potentially elevated levels of vitamin D.  Dogs exposed to higher than required vitamin D levels may exhibit symptoms such as vomiting, loss of appetite, increased thirst, increased urination, excessive drooling, and weight loss, and at very high levels, Vitamin D can lead to  renal dysfunction.

"Hill’s Pet Nutrition learned of the potential for elevated vitamin D levels in some of our canned dog foods after receiving a complaint in the United States about a dog exhibiting signs of elevated vitamin D levels.  Our investigation confirmed elevated levels of vitamin D due to a supplier error." 

 https://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm630232.htm
Hill’s Pet Nutrition Voluntarily Recalls Select Canned Dog Food for Excessive Vitamin D
For Immediate Release
January 31, 2019

Cat Food Recalled for Potential Low Levels of Thiamine

The J.M. Smucker Company is recalling specific lots of 9Lives® Protein Plus® wet, canned cat food due to possible low levels of thiamine (Vitamin B1). No illnesses related to this issue have been reported to date and the product is being recalled out of an abundance of caution.  The potential for low thiamine levels was identified internally by finished product testing.

Cats have to be supplied two chemicals - the amino acid taurine and the vitamin thiamine, or Vitamin B1.  A cat eating a diet low in thiamine can result in a thiamine deficiency  which can result gastrointestinal issues as well as neurological problems.

https://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm628058.htm
The J.M. Smucker Company Issues Voluntary Recall of Specific Lots of 9Lives® Protein Plus® Wet, Canned Cat Food Due to Low Levels of Thiamine (Vitamin B1)
For Immediate Release
December 7, 2018

Natural (Raw) Pet Food Recalled Due to Listeria Positive Test

Columbia River Natural Pet Foods of Vancouver, WA is voluntarily recalling 933 packages of Cow Pie fresh frozen meats for dogs and cats, produced in August 2017, because it has the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.   The potential for contamination was noted after routine testing by the Washington State Department of Agriculture revealed the presence of Listeria monocytogenes in one package.  Cow Pie is a fresh frozen meats product intended to feed raw to dogs and cats. Cow Pie was distributed in Alaska, Oregon, and Washington through retail stores and direct delivery. The product comes frozen in 2 lbs. purple and white plastic bags. 

https://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm627721.htm
Columbia River Natural Pet Foods Inc. Recalls Cow Pie Fresh Frozen Meats for Dogs and Cats Because of Possible Listeria monocytogenes Health Risk
For Immediate Release
December 5, 2018

Raw-Meat Pet Foods Recalled Due to Potential Pathogen Contamination

There were two recent recalls of raw-meat pet food.  One recall was for Salmonella and Listeria.  The other was for Listeria.  The most recent recall was initiated after a state laboratory tested and found the product positive for the pathogens.  The company stated that they had done their own testing and did not find anything.

https://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm619888.htm
Steve’s Real Food Voluntarily Recalls One Lot of Turducken Recipe, One Lot of Quest Emu, and One Lot of Quest Beef Due to Possible Salmonella and L. Mono Contamination
For Immediate Release
September 7, 2018

Raw Meat Cat Food Recalled Due to Pathogens

Radagast Pet Food, Inc. of Portland, OR is recalling raw cat food after internal testing found pathogens present on the product. 

• Three lots of Rad Cat Raw Diet Free-Range Chicken Recipe because testing results indicate they have the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. 
• One lot of Rad Cat Raw Diet Pasture-Raised Venison Recipe because testing results indicate it has the potential to be contaminated with Shiga Toxin producing E. coli O121. 
• The Company discovered these lots were potentially contaminated during enhanced quality testing it conducted as a follow-up to its March 2018 recall.

As for the chicken, it appears the company is using HPP treated chicken as an ingredient.  While the HPP will reduce the level of pathogens associated with the raw chicken - Salmonella and Campylobacter,  the product is still subject to contamination after the bags are opened, mixed, and then packed.  The concern of course will be Listeria monocytogenes contamination as an environmental contaminate.

Venison meat is a risk for  STEC E. coli. Trim can be a concern and may be surface treated by the venison processor.  Even if so, not a guarantee to eliminate venison.

As with any raw pet food, there is the risk of pathogen contamination.  It would be best to consider using a HPP process on the finished product as a pathogen reduction step.  Instead, the company is relying on ingredient control as well as environmental control.  Monitoring is good for verification, but may not catch low level contamination.

Some components of the quality systems from the company website.
Raw Cat Raw Diet Safety and Quality
http://www.radfood.com/education/safety_and_quality

Freeze Dried Raw Pet Food Recalled Due To Listeria Concerns

K9 Natural Ltd is voluntarily recalling four batches of the K9 Natural Frozen Chicken Feast 2.2lb and 11lb bags that was imported into the US market in June 2017 because that product has the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes

The product is a freeze dried 'raw' food  produced in New Zealand.  The product was shipped in June of 2017, so this testing was probably not part of the importation process.

https://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm604645.htm
K9 Natural Ltd Voluntarily Recalls K9 Natural Frozen Chicken Feast Raw Pet Food 2.2lb And 11lb Bags Because Of Possible Listeria Monocytogenes
For Immediate Release
April 13, 2018

FDA Issues Warning Letter To Raw Pet Food Company, Bacteriophage Use Not Accepted

FDA issued a warning letter to Arrow Reliance (Darwin's Natural Pet Products) in light of the Salmonella contamination found in the raw pet food that resulted in a dead kitten.  Two recalls (1, 2) were made after pathogens were found.  FDA had found the same strain of Salmonella in the kitten and in product.  FDA requested a response on corrective actions within 15 days.

The warning letter reveals how the facility was planning to rid product of Salmonella - through application of bacteriophage.  While bacteriophage has had some success in reducing pathogens in food applications, particularity liquids, it has not gained sufficient validation as an absolute control.  Issues with bacterial strain diversity can be a challenge if the cocktail of bacteriophage is not equally diverse (Ref).  This is a good example of why bacteriophage was not the silver bullet.

FDA Warning Letter
https://www.fda.gov/ICECI/EnforcementActions/WarningLetters/ucm603589.htm
Arrow Reliance Inc 4/2/18

US Food and Drug
Seattle District Office
22215 26th Avenue SE, Suite 210
Bothell, Washington 98021

April 2 2018

Dog Treats Recalled Due to Elevated Beef Thyroid Hormone

The J.M. Smucker Company is recalling specific lots of two varieties of Milo’s Kitchen® dog treats, distributed nationally, because the products potentially contain elevated levels of beef thyroid hormone.  The notice does not reveal how the issue occurred or how it was discovered.

According to the recall notice, "Dogs consuming high levels of beef thyroid hormone may exhibit symptoms such as increased thirst and urination, weight loss, increased heart rate and restlessness. These symptoms may resolve when the consumption of these levels is discontinued. However, with prolonged consumption these symptoms may increase in severity and may include vomiting, diarrhea, and rapid or labored breathing. Should these symptoms occur, we recommend pet owners contact their veterinarian immediately."

Limited Production of Two Varieties of Milo’s Kitchen® Dog Treats Voluntarily Recalled Due to Potentially Elevated Levels of Thyroid Hormone
For Immediate Release
March 22, 2018

Recall Expanded After FDA Finds Additional Salmonella in Supplied Material

A California pet treat manufacturer is expanding their recall for products due to Salmonella.  The initial recall, posted in February, was for one one of product.  "Redbarn is expanding this recall to include all products manufactured from the raw material supplier of the first recalled product. We came to this decision after being notified that the FDA tested a different lot of raw material from this supplier at Redbarn and it tested positive for Salmonella."

Supplier control is more than providing a COA that product is clean, or even tests of the product.  It is a program that provides sufficient confidence in the supplier's control of safety for the purchased materials.  It encompasses a number of facets depending on the risk associated with that material, including an evaluation of that suppliers food safety systems (auditing, environmental monitoring, process control, etc)   When FDA finds pathogen positive product in another lot of supplier product, this indicates the downstream customer did not have adequate systems in place to evaluate their supplier's systems.  Testing is part of the system, but with low contamination levels, the likelihood of discovery is low.

https://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm600124.htm
Redbarn Pet Products Expands Voluntary Recall of Dog Chews
For Immediate Release
March 6, 2018

Two, Check That, Three More Raw Pet Food Recalls, Will This Become a Weekly Thing?

Updated 3/7/18 - Three more 'raw' pet food recalls were announced by FDA.  This is becoming a series of recalls related to raw pet foods.

One was kitten food, produced by Blue Ridge Beef of Eatonton, GA, that contained both Salmonella and Listeria.  "This recall was initiated after the FDA received a complaint of two kitten deaths, including one death which was confirmed to be caused by Salmonella septicemia. Subsequent testing by the FDA of Kitten Grind Lot#GA1102 revealed the presence of Salmonella and Listeria monocytogenes."  This product was a fresh refrigerated chub pack.  On the company website is stated: "Protecting against bacteria, all of our facilities Utilize stainless steel equipment that is cleaned and sterilized between each product run and at the end of each day".   But no validated kill step.

Steve’s Real Food , a Salt Lake City, Utah establishment, is recalling one lot of 5lb Raw Frozen Dog Food Turkey Canine Recipe due to Salmonella.  "This recall is being initiated after the firm was notified by the Nebraska Department of Agriculture that a retail sample was collected and tested positive for Salmonella."

"Raw Basics, LLC. of Pleasant Prairie, WI is recalling 540lb of 5lb Pork-Bison Boxes because it has the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella....... This recall is being issued after our firm was notified by the Nebraska Department of Agriculture of the positive Salmonella finding."

This is becoming a series of recalls for raw pet food.  This past week, there were recalls for frozen chubs and two for freeze dried pet food.  Others this year: 1 and 2.   One would guess that FDA or the state laboratories could sample and test any of the raw products and find a positive for Salmonella, Listeria, Campylobacter, or even E. coli.  It is also likely that any of the 'raw' pet foods has the risk of infection for the pet or its owner.  It just seems crazy that regulatory effort has to be expended because people demand raw pet food.  But once people become ill from foodborne illness due to raw pet food, whether that be through direct contact with the food, direct contact with the sick pet, or direct contact with the sick pet's  fecal matter or vomit, it likely becomes a public concern.

Will this become a weekly thing to see raw pet food recalls?  Easily if sampling is done.
For those who make raw pet foods, it is time to lace it up and prepare the recall procedures.

https://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm599261.htm
Blue Ridge Beef Recalls Kitten Grind Raw Pet Food Lot#GA1102 Because of Possible Contamination
For Immediate Release
March 1, 2018

Frozen Chubs of Dog Food Recalled for Listeria

Northwest Naturals of Portland, Oregon is recalling 5lb frozen Chicken and Salmon pet food chubs because it has the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes after testing done on one chub of product found Listeria.

According to the report. "The company was notified on 2-21-2018 by FDA and the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD). MDARD bought 1 chub at a Michigan specialty pet store and tested the sample which was negative for e coli, salmonella, and positive for Listeria moncytogenes. The company tests all batches of products for all pathogens in a positive release program before releasing for shipping. The company tests over 600 batches of product per week."

According to the company's website, they process the chubs with HPP (high pressure processing), although they state that it is done for poultry. (But what about the other meat varieties?)  So was the high pressure processing insufficient to eliminate the Listeria?

"Listeria monocytogenes (Lm) can affect animals eating the product. There is the possibility of risk to humans from handling product that is positive for Listeria monocytogenes especially if they have not thoroughly washed their hands after and if they have made contact with the product or any surfaces exposed to the product."
https://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm598158.htm
Updated - Northwest Naturals Voluntarily Recalls 5lb Frozen Chicken and Salmon Pet Food Chubs Because of Possible Listeria Monocytogenes Health Risk
For Immediate Release
February 27, 2018

Raw, Freeze-Dried Pet Food Recalled for Salmonella

Two recalls for raw, freeze-dried pet food were posted on FDA's Recall website.

• Carnivore Meat Company of Green Bay, WI, is voluntarily recalling a limited amount, 73 cases, of “Vital Essentials Freeze-Dried Beef Nibblets Entrée for Dogs” pet food because the products have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella.
• TruPet, LLC of Milford, OH, is voluntarily recalling a limited amount of Treat Me Crunchy Beef Delight, 2.5oz Pet treats because the products have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella. The recall includes only the product listed below.

The recalls were both "being issued in an abundance of caution following the Michigan Department of Agriculture’s collection of a retail sample from a single batch which tested positive. No illnesses have been reported to date."

Without a validated kill step, Salmonella will survive the freeze drying process just nicely.  One could imagine that the freeze dried product would appear similar to dry product, so the potential for the pet owner handling it directly is probably high, and along with that, that chance of becoming infected.  And the pooch can also become infected....increasing the chances of poopage in places where you don't want it to be.

Besides, Champy doesn't want raw pet treats...he doesn't even know what that is.  He is fine with products that have a validated process.....aged cheddar cheese, beef jerky, summer sausage, grilled pork chops, etc.  Ask him...Champy, you want a snack [with a validated process]?  Absolutely.

https://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm598255.htm
Carnivore Meat Company Issues Voluntary Recall of “Vital Essentials Freeze-Dried Beef Nibblets Entrée for Dogs” Pet Food
For Immediate Release
February 24, 2018

Canned Dog Foods Recalled for Potential Low Level Pentobarbital

FDA issued a health alert for pets regarding canned dog foods made by J.M. Smucker, including. Gravy Train, Kibbles ‘N Bits, Ol’ Roy, and Skippy brands, due to the potential for pentobarbital contamination.  The company is withdrawing all lots of these products that were manufactured from 2016 through the present.   According to the report, "The FDA’s preliminary evaluation of the testing results of Gravy Train samples indicates that the low level of pentobarbital present in the withdrawn products is unlikely to pose a health risk to pets. However, pentobarbital should never be present in pet food and products containing any amount of pentobarbital are considered to be adulterated."

"Pentobarbital is a barbiturate drug that is most commonly used in animals as a sedative, anesthetic, or for euthanasia.  Pets that eat pet food containing pentobarbital can experience drowsiness, dizziness, excitement, loss of balance, nausea, nystagmus (eyes moving back and forth in a jerky manner) and inability to stand. Consuming high levels of pentobarbital can cause coma and death. However, pentobarbital present in the withdrawn products is at a low level unlikely to pose a health risk to pets."

https://www.fda.gov/AnimalVeterinary/NewsEvents/ucm597135.htm
FDA Alerts Pet Owners About Potential Pentobarbital Contamination in Canned Dog Food Manufactured by The J.M. Smucker Company, Including Certain Gravy Train, Kibbles ‘N Bits, Ol’ Roy, and Skippy Products
February 16, 2018

FDA Issues Alert for Raw Pet Food Brands About Potential Pathogens

FDA issued an alert for raw pet food products under the Darwin’s Natural and ZooLogics brand labels.  "The FDA is alerting pet owners to a history of four recalls of and multiple complaints associated with Darwin’s Natural and ZooLogics pet foods, manufactured by Arrow Reliance Inc., dba Darwin’s Natural Pet Products, over the period from October 17, 2016 to February 10, 2018. In each instance, the company recalled these products after being alerted to positive findings of Salmonella and/or Listeria monocytogenes in samples of their raw pet food products."

There have been a number of complaints of illness and deaths associated with the product.     "As part of an ongoing investigation into complaints associated with products manufactured by Arrow Reliance/Darwin’s Natural of Tukwila, WA, the FDA has confirmed that new samples of Darwin’s Natural Pet Products raw pet foods have tested positive for Salmonella."   In addition to illness, there have also been injuries associated with bone shards.

As FDA states on this Alert, "Raw pet food is more likely than other types of pet food to contain Salmonella and Listeria monocytogenes. Pet owners who choose to feed raw pet food should be aware of the risks associated with these products."  But it further states, "The FDA has a zero-tolerance policy for Salmonella or other pathogenic bacteria in all pet food, meaning the agency will take action, as appropriate, against any pet food found to be contaminated with the harmful bacteria."

So why aren't these processors using High Pressure Processing to eliminate pathogens?  Why do we recall it knowing that pathogens can be present?  Why do people buy this knowing that the harm to the dog can far outweigh any benefit?  Really, if people want to feed raw meat to dogs, buy whole cuts of meat, surface sanitize and cut it yourself.  While this will not eliminate the risk completely, it is less risky than buying commercially made product.

FDA Alert
https://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm596594.htm
FDA Investigates Pattern of Contamination in Certain Raw Pet Foods Made by Arrow Reliance Inc., Including Darwin’s Natural Pet Products and ZooLogics Pet Food
For Immediate Release
February 13, 2018