Showing posts with label pet food. Show all posts
Showing posts with label pet food. Show all posts

Tuesday, February 13, 2018

Dog Treats Recalled After Positive Laboratory Test

A CA pet products company is recalling a single product, bully stick dog chews, after the Colorado Department of Agriculture found that a single sample collected from a retail location detected positive for Salmonella.  According to the owner, every product lot before it tested before it leaves the manufacturing plant. This lot code in question was tested both at the company lab as well as by a third-party testing facility.

Hopefully the positive was analyzed to determine that it was not from the laboratory.  But conducting further analysis, specifically DNA testing, will help in determining the source and whether this organism was transient or established within the facility.

Is it possible for a facility to do finished product testing and still have a positive sampling?  Absolutely.  Small levels of contamination may not be found by limited finished product testing.  More important is having a comprehensive monitoring system that focuses on the environment.

FDA Recall Notice
https://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm596190.htm
Redbarn Pet Products Issues Voluntary Recall of Dog Chews
For Immediate Release
February 9, 2018

Friday, February 9, 2018

Raw Ground Turkey Pet Food Recalled for Salmonella Contamination

A Minnesota Pet Food Company, Raw for Paws, is recalling its Ground Turkey Pet Food after two reported illnesses and  "testing by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) revealed the presence of Salmonella in some packages of Turkey Pet Food."

Raw ground turkey AND Salmonella...is this surprising?....wouldn't one think that there may be some Salmonella present?.  Tried to determine if this product was HPP processed, but the company website is down.    The company does have safe handling instructions, but of course does not include cooking.




https://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm596043.htm
Raws For Paws Recalls Turkey Pet Food Because of Possible Salmonella Health Risk
For Immediate Release
February 8, 2018

Tuesday, November 21, 2017

FDA Warns About Giving Bones and Bone Treats to Dogs

FDA issued a consumer warning about giving bones including commercially-sold bones and bone treats to dogs. Also included of course are chicken and turkey bones.

As dog owners know, some dogs can handle a bone, while others want to swallow it whole. If your dog is one that can't resist knocking back the whole bone, then even a commercially-sold bone can be a problem.  The hard part for owners is overcoming 'the stare'.



FDA Warning to Consumers
https://www.fda.gov/forconsumers/consumerupdates/ucm208365.htm
No Bones (or Bone Treats) About It: Reasons Not to Give Your Dog Bones

Bone Treats Pose Risks for Dogs 
Bone treats are real bones that have been processed, sometimes flavored, and packaged for dogs. Giving your dog a “bone treat” might lead to an unexpected trip to your veterinarian, a possible emergency surgery, or even death for your pet.

Many dog owners know not to toss a turkey or chicken bone to their dog; those bones are just too brittle. But the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) says the risk goes beyond that, especially when it comes to the “bone treats” you may see at the store.

Monday, June 19, 2017

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

Monday, February 20, 2017

FDA Issues Report Findings on Dog Food Facilities With Pentobarbitol Issue

After an Indiana firm recalled canned dog for Pentobarbitol, a euthanizing agent, FDA completed and released inspections for the producing facility, Evangers of Wheeling IL and a related pet food facility run by same family, Nutripack of Markham IL.  FDA testing found Pentobarbitol in products from both facilities and both companies conducted recalls of lots of dog food made with beef from the same supplier (Evangers and Against the Grain).

FDA stated in their report "In its recent press release announcing a limited product recall, Evanger’s Dog & Cat Food Company, Inc. stated that the beef for its Hunk of Beef product came from a “USDA approved” supplier. However, the FDA reviewed a bill of lading from Evanger’s supplier of “Inedible Hand Deboned Beef - For Pet Food Use Only. Not Fit For Human Consumption" and determined that the supplier’s facility does not have a grant of inspection from the United States Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service. The meat products from this supplier do not bear the USDA inspection mark and would not be considered human grade. USDA-FSIS regulates slaughter of animals for human consumption only. Testing by USDA-FSIS of Evanger’s Hunk of Beef confirmed that the meat used in the product was bovine (beef)."

FDA issued 483 (inspectional observations) reports for both facilities [included below],  Both reports point out numerous sanitary issues within both facilities. Nothing noted in the reports relates to the issue at hand, but does point out poor execution of sanitary operations.  The company tag line - People Food for Pets - not exactly.

In a letter posted on their internet site (posted below), the company blames their supplier.
In a quick internet search, I came by this gem with support.

FDA News Release
https://www.fda.gov/AnimalVeterinary/NewsEvents/CVMUpdates/ucm542265.htm
FDA Cautions Pet Owners and Caretakers Not to Feed Certain Evanger’s or Against the Grain Canned Pet Foods Due to Adulteration with Pentobarbital
February 17, 2017

Sunday, February 5, 2017

Canned Dog Food Recalled for Pentobarbital


An Indiana firm is recalling it canned dog food, Evanger's Hunk of Beef, after 5 dogs became ill with one passing a way.  A single lot of the product was found to have the sedative Pentobarbital.  The company is recalling 5 lots of material made in the same week of June, 2016 and from the same supplier's lot of material.  Product was sold in retails as well as on-line.  Distribution was to 5 different states.

Pentobarbital is a barbiturate used as a sedative, an anesthetic, and in higher does, as a way to euthanize.  It would be interesting to know how high the levels were in this in that the meat of slaughtered animal carried sufficient amount to affect the dogs eating the product.  The supplier of meat was said to be a USDA facility, one that company was used for 40 years.  Reading the company news release, it seems to suggest that a euthanized animal may have made its way into their meat supply.  Incredible considering this is such a high regulated chemical.  Hopefully FDA will release more information on this.

So pet food operations will need to add this one to their supplier checklist.

Interesting, the company's marketing line...People Food For Pets.  Yeah, maybe if your Dr. Kevorkian.

An interesting history of recalls for Evangers posted on Food Safety News.

FDA Recall Notice
http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm539900.htm
Evanger’s Voluntarily Recalls Hunk of Beef Because Of Pentobarbital Exposure in one Batch of Food
For Immediate Release
February 3, 2017

Tuesday, October 11, 2016

Cesar Brand of Pet Food Recalled for Small Plastic Pieces

Mars is recalling a limited number of Cesar Brand Filet Mignon Flavor wet dog food products due to small pieces of plastic that may be a potential choking risk.  According to the release, the small pieces of plastic entered the food during the production process.

Mars Corporate News Release
https://www.cesar.com/notice#

Wednesday, December 16, 2015

Raw-ish Pet Food Recalled for Potential Listeria Contamination

 Stella and Chewy, a Wisconsin Pet food company is recalling their frozen pet food after sampling from the Michigan Dept of Ag found Listeria in a sample.

This product is processed by high pressure processing which, if done correctly, would eliminate pathogens such as Salmonella, E. coli, and even Listeria.   Having a high moisture level, and thus a high water activity level, the product must be frozen before packaging.  The product is tested to verify the absence of Salmonella and E. coli.  (results below) and those results are available on the company's webpage for each lot of product.

In this case, we would expect that the Listeria contamination would occur in the post-process environment, occurring after the HPP process and before packaging.  Listeria is an environmental risk for this type of product and this type of process where there is moisture and a good food source.  While we would not expect the organism to grow in the product while frozen, it would certainly grow when the product was set out at room temperature to thaw or during feeding.

So this organism would need to be controlled by the company in the post process environment.  And if you had to guess, if this lot shows contamination, other lots would show contamination if there is not a very active Listeria Control Program in place.

The company does not provide test results for Listeria.  They may be only looking at environmental samples (sponge samples from the processing environment) or not looking at all.  And even if testing was completed and shown on the lab test results, a 25 gram sample, as done for the Salmonella and the E. coli, may not be large enough to be meaningful.

FDA Recall Notice
http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm477540.htm
Stella & Chewy's Voluntarily Recalls Frozen Dinner Morsel Products Due to Possible Health Risk
For Immediate Release
December 11, 2015

Friday, December 11, 2015

Bravo Pet Food Recalled Due to Presence of Salmonella

 Bravo is recalling chicken blend cat and dog food product after product tested positive for Salmonella.  Along with this, they are recalling turkey based products as well.   The chicken blend product is called raw, but according to the website, the  product is high pressure processed.  This process uses high pressures to inactivate pathogenic bacteria rather than using a heat process.  So the product should be technically safe, but essentially raw in terms of sensory and nutrient attributes.
 
 
FDA Recall Notice
Bravo Recalls Select Chicken and Turkey Pet Foods Because of Possible Salmonella Health Risk.
For Immediate Release
December 10, 2015
 
Contact
Consumers info@bravopetfoods.com  (866) 922-9222
Media info@bravopetfoods.com  (866) 922-9222
 
Firm Press Release
 
Bravo Pet Foods of Manchester, CT is recalling a select lot of Bravo Chicken Blend diet for dogs & cats with a best used by date of 11/13/16 due to concerns of the possible presence of Salmonella . Out of an abundance of caution, Bravo is also recalling three additional items that did not test positive for Salmonella , but were manufactured on the same day. 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.

Monday, October 5, 2015

Another Brand of Raw Dog Food Recalled - Presence of Listeria and Salmonella

If products are made from raw meat, they can contain pathogens unless treated in a way to eliminate those pathogens.  While holding that product at cold temperatures helps prevent growth, it does not eliminate it. 

When someone is into the 3rd day of uncontrollable loss of bodily fluids, my guess is they won't really be trying to determine if that food made Barky's coat more shinny.

FDA Recall Notice
http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm465646.htm
K-9 Kraving Dog Food Has Announced a Voluntary Recall of Their Chicken Patties Dog Food Shipped Between July 13th - July 17th, 2015 Because The Product May Be Contaminated With Salmonella and Listeria monocytogenes
Contact:   Consumer:   1-800-675-1471

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – October 2, 2015 – Baltimore, MD – K-9 Kraving Dog Food has announced a voluntary recall of their Chicken Patties Dog Food shipped between July 13th - July 17th, 2015 because these products may be contaminated with Salmonella and Listeria monocytogenes. Salmonella and Listeria monocytogenes 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.

Monday, August 3, 2015

Walnuts, Spices, Raw Pet Food and Sushi-Grade Seafood Recalled Due to Positive Salmonella Tests

What do nuts, spices, raw pet food, and chunk/ground seafood used for sushi have in common - recalls.  Clearly, government agencies are paying some attention to these items by sampling and testing.

Fisher brand chopped walnuts are being recalled due to Salmonella.  The recall was issued after FDA routine testing found a sample to be positive.

Kroger recalls spices due to Salmonella - The store is recalling Kroger Ground Cinnamon, Kroger Garlic Power, Kroger Coarse Ground Black Pepper and Kroger Bac'n Buds after FDA testing found the products positive for salmonella.

 Raw pet food recalled due to Salmonella - Two companies, Nature's Variety and Bravo, are both recalling raw pet food after government testing found product from both companies positive for Salmonella. (Just so it is said - if there are kids in the house, feeding your dog a raw diet may not be a good idea.)

 Osamu Corporation of Gardena, CA is recalling Frozen Yellow Fin Tuna Chunk Meat (Lot #68568) after the sampled product was found to be positive for Salmonella by the Minnesota Department of Health. The product, sold to AFC Corporation, was sourced from one processing plant in Indonesia. 

Stories and links below:

Monday, July 6, 2015

High Pressure Processed Pet Food Recalled Because of Listeria

A Wisconsin pet food company is recalling non-thermally processed pet food after the Maryland Department of Agriculture's testing found that the product was positive for Listeria.

There are those that feel feeding dogs raw meat is better.  To provide this product, this company processed meat using HPP (High Pressure Processing) to eliminate pathogens such as Salmonella.  Unfortunately, during post-processing handling, probably packaging, the product was contaminated with Listeria.

 Interesting, on the company's website, they provide access to test results for each lot of product.  The results are for the testing of E. coli O157:H7 and Salmonella - two pathogens associated with raw beef, but not Listeria, which while can be associated with raw beef, is a pathogen commonly encountered in processing facilities.


NJ.com
http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2015/07/dog_and_cat_food_recalled_over_listeria_fears.html
Dog and cat food recalled over Listeria fears
July 6, 2015

A pet food company is recalling 11 of its products nationwide after Listeria was found during a routine test.

Stella & Chewy's was ordered by Maryland Department of Agriculture to stop sale Saturday on its Chicken Freeze-Dried Dinner Patties because the dog dinners tested positive for Listeria monocytogenes, the company said in a release.

The Milwaukee-based company then issued a voluntary recall for those meals as well as others that did not test positive but may have been exposed to the lot "as a precautionary measure."

No pet or human illnesses have been reported.

Friday, July 3, 2015

Recall Summary for July 2, 2015

Here is a summary of recent recalls.

FDA Recall Notice
Boulder Dog Food Company, L.L.C. Voluntarily Recalls Seven Bags of Turkey Sprinkles, 3 oz with A "Best By" Date of "05/18/16, 05/28/2016 and 05/30/2016" Due to Possible Salmonella Health Risk
http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm453661.htm
July 2, 2015

7 bags of turkey sprinkles were recalled after FDA testing found a positive test for Salmonella. So what is a turkey sprinkle?….Well it is an item you add to dog food to make it tastier for ole Chopper....well being a sprinkle, I guess it is developed for Sparkles.

USDA Recall Notice
Barber Foods Recalls Kiev Stuffed Chicken Product Due to Possible Salmonella Enteritidis Contamination
http://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/wcm/connect/FSIS-Content/internet/main/topics/recalls-and-public-health-alerts/recall-case-archive/archive/2015/recall-096-2015-release
July 2, 2015
Barber Foods of Maine is recalling 58,320 lbs of its frozen Chicken Kiev because of a link to Salmonella illnesses. Here is a product that looks like it is fully cooked, but it is not.


A stream of recalls related to nuts due to Salmonella because of FDA sampling found product positive….a big surprise.

 FDA Recall Notices

Natural Grocers® issues recall on 10oz. Caribbean Nut & Fruit Mix due to possible health risk
lhttp://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm453516.htm
July 1, 2015

Grand BK Corp. Recalls Goodies By Nature Raw Cashews, Net Wt. 9oz Because Of Possible Health Risk
http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm453006.htm.
June 27, 2015

Rocky Mountain Foods, Inc. Voluntarily Recalls Free Range Snack Co. Brand 16 oz. Island Fruit and Nut Trail Mix and Bulk Macadamia Nuts Because of Possible Health Risk
http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm453116.htm

Whole Foods Market Voluntarily Recalls Packaged Raw Macadamia Nuts Due To Possible Health Risk
June 25, 2015
http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm452905.htm





Wednesday, June 10, 2015

FDA Researches Relationship Between Pets, Foodborne Pathogens, and Human Health

In 2006 / 2007, an outbreak of salmonellosis occurred because of contaminated pet food (CDC report below).  In this outbreak, close to 80 people became ill, most of them children.  This is not the only case of contaminated pets or pet food (2015, 2014a, 2014b, 2014c, 2013, 2012, etc).  Salmonella is often the hazard of concern, but Listeria has been an issue in raw pet foods as well.

FDA has been researching on the relationship between pets, owners, and foodborne pathogens.  So far, a few things that can be said:
  •  Overall, a very small percentage of pets (about 3%) were found to carry pathogens
  • In most of the cases when the pets were positive, they had been fed raw pet food.
  • About half of the dogs found to be positive, did not show any signs of being ill.
So if little Champ is going to sleep in your bed...or lick your face,  no raw pet food.


FDA News Release
http://www.fda.gov/ForConsumers/ConsumerUpdates/ucm450115.htm
FDA Research Helps Keep Pets and Humans Safe
You may not be aware that pet foods and treats, when contaminated with harmful bacteria, can make your pet sick. These bacteria also can spread from an animal to its owner, and you can get sick simply from handling contaminated pet food.
But how often does pet food make a cat or dog sick? Does your pet carry the harmful bacteria without showing any symptoms and, if so, for how long? And what precautions can you take to keep you and your family safe?

Monday, April 27, 2015

Nylabone Recalls Puppy Treats Due to Positive Salmonella Sample

Nylabone Products is recalling their puppy starter kit due to the fact that sample product, tested by the company, was found to be positive for Salmonella.

Nylabones are those dog treats that seem to last forever.  They come in edible and inedible  (basically plastic) types.  In the Puppy Starter Kit package, there were both the edible and inedible types of bone.  So it can be assumed that the edible one was the one found to be positive for Salmonella. 
Here are the ingredients for the Bacon edible:
Bacon: Wheat starch, glycerin, cellulose, lecithin, potato starch, chicken powder, roast beef flavor, natural bacon flavor, natural flavor, oat fiber, calcium carbonate, soy flour and rosemary oil.
Vitamins: Thiamin, Riboflavin, Pantothenic Acid, Vitamin B-6, Folic Acid, Vitamin A, Vitamin E, Biotin, Choline, Inositol and PABA.
Minerals: Calcium Carbonate, Ferrous Carbonate, Magnesium Oxide, Dicalcium Phosphate, Potassium Chloride, Sodium Selenite, Calcium Chloride, Zinc Oxide, Copper Oxide, Manganese Oxide and Sodium Molybdate.
As we have seen with other recalls involving Salmonella in dry product, rarely is the recall  limited to one lot.  Rather, Salmonella as an environmental contaminate, can survive in these dry facilities for long periods of time and thus contaminate product over that period.  As an environmental contaminate,  Salmonella gets onto the product after the process rather than being present in the ingredients and surviving the process.  If this is the case, than other lots should be checked. (If instead, it is a processing issue and Salmonella from the ingredients survived the process, then this means a process deviation was missed).
 

FDA Recall Notice
http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm444560.htm
TFH Publications, Inc./Nylabone Products Recalls Puppy Starter Kit Due To Possible Salmonella Health Risk

Contact: Consumer: 1-877-273-7527

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - April 22, 2015 - TFH Publications, Inc./Nylabone Products, of Neptune, NJ is recalling one lot of its 1.69 oz. package of the Puppy Starter Kit dog chews, because they have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella. Salmonella can affect animals ingesting the product and there is risk to humans from handling contaminated products, especially if they have not thoroughly washed their hands after having contact with the products or any surfaces exposed to these products.

Friday, February 6, 2015

More Raw Meat Pet Food Recalled

 J.J. Fuds of Indiana is recalling pet food which was frozen raw meat product due to the fact that Salmonella and Listeria was found in the product. No illnesses have been reported (for people or pets).

What do we expect....it's raw meat.

FDA Recall Notice
http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm433312.htm
J.J. Fuds, Inc. Expands Recall of Pet Food Because of Possible Health Risk

Contact:  Consumer:  888-435-5873
 Media:  Karl Gottschlich  (888) 432-5873

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – February 4, 2015 – Valparaiso, IN – J.J. Fuds in Valparaiso, IN is expanding their recall to include all lots and products of J.J. Fuds Chicken Tender Chunks, Beef Tender Chunks and Duckling Tender Chunks Pet Food because it has the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes and or Salmonella, organisms which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Although healthy individuals may suffer only short-term symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea, Listeria infection can cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women. 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.

Monday, September 29, 2014

Raw Pet Food Recalled for Salmonella...Again

Raw pet food is being recalled after testing by a state laboratory found a sample of the product to be positive for Salmonella.  No illnesses have been reported.

Yeah, it is raw pet food...is that a surprise to be contaminated with Salmonella?  This is not the first recall for this company, nor the second. http://pennstatefoodsafety.blogspot.com/2014/05/raw-pet-food-recalled-due-to-postive.html



FDA Recall Notice
http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm416452.htm
Bravo Recalls Select Chicken and Turkey Pet Foods Because of Possible Salmonella Health Risk

Contact Consumer: 866-922-9222

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - September 26, 2014 - (Manchester, CT) Bravo of Manchester, CT is recalling select lots of Bravo Turkey and Chicken pet foods for dogs and cats because they have 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.

Tuesday, June 3, 2014

Dry Pet Food Recalled After Small Quantity of Suspect Product Is Shipped

A pet food manufacture is recalling its dry dog food for potential Salmonella contamination.  It appears from the text that the product was on hold and got released by accident.  There were only 62 bags involved.  From the release below: 
This product was accidentally released, as revealed during a routine inventory reconciliation. All 17 affected customers have been contacted by Hill’s and there have been no reported illnesses related to this product to date.

This is a good reminder for companies to ensure that 'hold' product does not inadvertently get shipped.  This company will get a lot of bad publicity and a potential FDA visit all for 62 bags of dog food.  Also, many retailers of that product line will use this as an opportunity to return slow moving product.  It has the potential to be a very costly error.


FDA Recall Notice

http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm399662.htm
Hill’s Pet Nutrition, Inc. Voluntarily Recalls 62 Bags of “Science Diet® Adult Small & Toy Breed™” Dry Dog Food in California, Hawaii and Nevada Because of Potential Health Risk
Contact Consumer: 1-800-445-5777

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - June 2, 2014 - Hill’s Pet Nutrition, Inc. of Topeka, KS is voluntarily recalling 62 bags of Science Diet® Adult Small & Toy Breed™ dry dog food as they have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella. The suspect product, part of a single production run, was distributed to 17 veterinary clinic and pet store customers in California, Hawaii and Nevada between April 24 and May 13, 2014. 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.

Friday, May 16, 2014

Raw Pet Food Recalled Due to Postive Listeria Testing

A pet food company is recalling its raw pet food products after product testing indicated the presence of Listeria monocytogenes.

This is not the first case of a recall being issued on raw pet food products.  Bravo recalled raw pet food in 2013, in that case, it was due to Salmonella (below).

It is hard to tell whether there are interventions in place, but clearly the company acknowledges there may be harmful bacteria present.  So if people want to buy raw pet food, and they know there are pathogens present, why is the product being tested for pathogens.  It is raw, and thus the potential for pathogens will be there.

On the other side, consumers don't always read the packaging, and if they did, would not necessarily follow instructions.

From the Bravo website:

Handling
Some raw food products may contain bacteria that could cause illness to you or the animals you are feeding if mishandled. (Note all Bravo! Raw Diet products are tested by an independent lab prior to leaving our plant for the presence of selected bacteria.)

For your protection, please follow these instructions for safest use.

Keep frozen until ready to use. Keep meat and poultry separate from other foods. Wash working surfaces, utensils (including cutting boards, preparation and feeding bowls), hands, and any other items that touch or contact raw meat or poultry with hot soapy water. Refrigerate leftovers immediately.

Thawing
Bravo! 2 lb. and 5 lb. and 10 lb. chubs.

2 lb. chub: Allow 24 hours to defrost a 2 lb chub in refrigerator and 3-4 hours to defrost a 2 lb chub on the countertop at room temperature.
5 lb. or 10 lb. chub: Allow 36 hours to defrost it in the refrigerator and 4-6 hours to defrost it on the counter at room temperature.
Please defrost any Bravo! chub or any packaged product on a plate or in a sealed container to avoid having any meat juices etc. come in contact with other food or contents of your refrigerator.
Thawing Tips:
If need be you can use the cold water fast thaw method on a chub:
Allow 45-60 minutes in a cold water bath for a 2 lb chub and up to 2 hours for a 5 lb. or 10 lb. chub.
Remember to place the thawing chub in a bowl or non-plastic covered container or on a plate. Do not leave the chub on the counter where the defrosting meat and juices might leak on to the counter.
We do not recommend using a microwave to defrost any size chub. 


Full-size - 4oz. or 8 oz. Burger:

 Generally a 4 oz. or 8 oz. burger will thaw and be ready to serve 6-8 hours after being placed in the refrigerator from the freezer.
Remember to place the thawing burgers on a plate or in a non-plastic covered container.
Do not remove the burger from the EZ Peel overwrap vacuum sealed package while it thaws.
Serve immediately after removing the overwrap.
Once thawed, product should be served within 1-2 days.
Carefully wash bowl or plate or any plate or storage device with hot, soapy water before reuse.
If you have thawed the burger, please do not leave it out at room temperature after it has thawed. You should be careful to serve it immediately or keep it in the refrigerator for safe storage.
If you need to do a fast thaw, do not use a microwave. Run cold tap water over the burger while it is still sealed in the package for about 5-10 minutes and serve it when it is thawed, but still chilled.




 FDA Recall Notice
http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm397362.htm
Bravo® Issues Nationwide Recall of Pet Food for Dogs and Cats

Contact: Consumer: (866) 922-9222


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - May 14, 2014 - Manchester, CT – Bravo is recalling select lots and product(s) of Bravo Pet Food because they have the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.

Listeria monocytogenes is an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Although healthy individuals may suffer only short-term symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea, Listeria infection can cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women.

However, healthy cats and dogs rarely become sick from Listeria. Animals ill with Listeria will display symptoms similar to the ones listed above for humans. People who have concerns about whether their pet has Listeria should contact their veterinarian.

The recalled product was distributed nationwide to distributors, retail stores, internet retailers and directly to consumers. The product can be identified by the batch ID code (best used by date) printed on the side of the plastic tube or on a label on the box.

The recalled products are as follows:

1) These products are being recalled because they may have the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.

PRODUCT: RAW FOOD DIET BRAVO! BEEF BLEND FOR DOGS AND CATS (Made in New Zealand)
All 2lb., 5lb., and 10lb. tubes
Product Numbers: 52-102, 52-105, 52-110
Best Used By Date: 10/10/15 or earlier

PRODUCT: BRAVO! BALANCE PREMIUM TURKEY FORMULA (Manufactured by: Bravo! Manchester, CT)
3 lb. box with (12) 4oz. burgers
Product Number: 31-401
Best Used By Dates: 1/07/16 and 2/11/16

2) These products are being recalled out of an abundance of caution because while they did not test positive for pathogens, they were manufactured in the same manufacturing facility or on the same day as products that did test positive.

PRODUCT: RAW FOOD DIET BRAVO! LAMB BLEND FOR DOGS AND CATS (Made in New Zealand)
All 2lb., 5lb., and 10lb. tubes
Product Numbers: 42-102, 42-105, 42-110
Best Used By Date: 10/10/15 or earlier

PRODUCT: RAW FOOD DIET BRAVO! LAMB BASIC FOR DOGS AND CATS (Made in New Zealand)
2lb. tubes
Product Number: 42-202
Best Used By Date: 10/10/15 or earlier

PRODUCT: RAW FOOD DIET BRAVO! BEEF & BEEF HEART FOR DOGS AND CATS (Made in New Zealand)
5lb. tubes
Product Number: 53-130
Best Used By Date: 10/10/15 or earlier

PRODUCT: RAW FOOD DIET BRAVO! 100% PURE & NATURAL PREMIUM GRASS-FED BUFFALO FOR DOGS AND CATS (Manufactured by: Bravo! Manchester, CT)
NET WT 2LBS (32 OZ) .91KG (Tubes)
Product Number: 72-222
Best Used By Date: 1/7/16

PRODUCT: BRAVO! TURKEY BALANCE FORMULA (Manufactured by: Bravo! Manchester, CT)
NET WT 2 LBS (32 OZ) .09KG, Chub (tube)
Product Number: 31-402
Best Used By Dates: 1/7/16 and 2/11/16

NET WT 5 LBS (80 OZ) 2.3KG, Chub (tube)
Product Number: 31-405
Best Used By Dates: 1/7/16 and 2/11/16

PRODUCT: RAW FOOD DIET BRAVO! LAMB BLEND FOR DOGS AND CATS (Manufactured by: Bravo! Manchester, CT)
5 LBS (80 OZ) 2.3KG, Chub (tube)
Product Number: 42-105
Best Used By Date: 2/11/16

This voluntary recall has been issued because the FDA has reported an independent lab detected the bacteria in a sample during a recent review. The company has received a limited number of reports of dogs experiencing nausea and diarrhea that may be associated with these specific products. The company has received no reports of human illness as a result of these products.

Bravo discontinued all manufacturing in New Zealand on October 10, 2013. Bravo will immediately start working with distributors and retailers to properly dispose of any affected product left on freezer shelves. The company will also be announcing the recall to pet owners to ensure they dispose of any affected product that has been purchased.

Bravo is issuing this action out of an abundance of caution and sincerely regrets any inconvenience to pet owners as a result of this announcement.

The recalled product should not be sold or fed to pets. Pet owners who have the affected product at home should dispose of this product in a safe manner (example, a securely covered trash receptacle). They can return to the store where purchased and submit the Product Recall Claim Form available on the Bravo website www.bravopetfoods.com for a full refund or store credit. More information on the Bravo recall can also be found at www.bravopetfoods.com, or call toll free (866) 922-9222.

*Image of product labels for recalled items is attached.



FDA News Release - 2013
http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ArchiveRecalls/2013/ucm343716.htm
Bravo! Recalls 2 lb Tubes of Chicken Blend-Raw Frozen Food Diet for Dogs and Cats (One Lot Code) Because of Possible Salmonella Health Risk

Contact:Consumer: David Bogner 866-922-9222
E-mail: info@bravorawdiet.com


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - March 13, 2013 - Bravo! is voluntarily recalling its 2 lb tubes of Bravo! Raw Food Diet Chicken Blend for Dogs and Cats, product code: 21-102, batch ID code 6 14 12, because it has the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella.

The recall involves 2 lb. Bravo! Chicken Blend frozen raw diet tubes (chubs) made on June 14, 2012 only; no other products or sizes are involved. The recalled product should not be sold or fed to pets. This batch tested negative by a third party independent laboratory prior to release for distribution to consumers, however routine testing by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture of product collected from a single retail location tested positive for presence of salmonella. While the testing discrepancy is unclear, in an abundance of caution Bravo is issuing this recall.

The company has received no reports of illness in either people or animals associated with this product.

The recalled product is distributed nationwide to distributors, retail stores, internet retailers and directly to consumers, and can be identified by the batch ID code 6 14 12 located on the white hang tag attached to the bottom of the plastic film tube.

Pet owners should return unopened frozen tubes of food to the store where purchased for a full refund. Pet owners should dispose of opened tubes of product in a safe manner (example, a securely covered trash receptacle) and return the washed plastic batch ID tag to the store where purchased for a full refund.

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 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.

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.

In an effort to prevent the transmission of Salmonella from pets to family members and care givers, the FDA recommends that everyone follow appropriate pet food handling guidelines when feeding their pets. A list of safe pet food handling tips can be found at:
http://www.fda.gov/ForConsumers/ConsumerUpdates/ucm048182.htm.

For more information on the Bravo recall, please visit www.bravorawdiet.com, or call toll free (866) 922-9222 Monday through Friday 9:00 am to 5:00 pm (EST).

###

Friday, August 16, 2013

Iams and Eukanuba dry pet food recalled due to the potential for Salmonella contamination

Proctor and Gamble is issuing a recall for Iams and Eukanuba dry dog food and dry cat food due to the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella. The issue was discovered during product testing. No illnesses have been reported.  

A wide variety of the products are being recalled, but is limited to a 10 day production window. Products were distributed across the US.

Salmonella in pet food can cause infection in pets as well as owners who do not wash their hands after handling contaminated product. Of course there are those people who either let the dog lick their face, or may try a kibble or two.

Dry pet food becomes contaminated with Salmonella through cross contamination in the post-process environment (after extrusion) when either the plant environment is contaminated or when one of the post-process additions (fat or flavoring) is contaminated. The way to prevent this is to prevent Salmonella in plant, specifically in the finished product areas. This is done through good sanitation, air control, as well as the movement of people and materials. Salmonella must also be eliminated from the post-process additions of fat and flavoring through proper processing and handling of those ingredients. Once either the post-process environment becomes contaminated with Salmonella, or one of the post-process addition becomes contaminated, then it can contaminate pet food. Salmonella can survive in the plant and on the dry pet food for months.


FDA Recall Notice

P&G Voluntarily Recalls Limited Quantity of Dry Pet Food Due to Possible Health Risk
http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm365154.htm

Contact
Consumer:
800-208-0172

Media:
Jason Taylor
513-622-1111

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - August 14, 2013 - The Procter & Gamble Company (P&G) has voluntarily recalled specific lots of dry pet food because they have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella. These lots were distributed in the United States and represent roughly one-tenth of one percent (0.1%) of annual production. No Salmonella-related illnesses have been reported to date in association with these product lots.