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Merrick Pet Care, Inc. of Amarillo, Texas is recalling all lots of its 10 oz “Beef Filet Squares” for Dogs and “Texas Hold’ems” pet treats because they have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella. Salmonella  can affect animals and there is risk to humans from handling contaminated pet products. People handling the treats can become infected with Salmonella, especially if they have not thoroughly washed their hands after having contact with the chews or any surfaces exposed to these products. Consumers should dispose of these products in a safe manner by securing them in a covered trash receptacle.

The “Beef Filet Squares” & “Texas Hold’ems” were shipped to distributors and retailers throughout the US. These individuals have been notified and have activated their recall procedures.

Consumers who have purchased 10 ounce packages of “Beef Filet Squares for Dogs” & “Texas Hold’ems” are urged to return the unused portion to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact the company at 1-800-664-7387 M-F 8:00 – 5:00 CDT

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The Beacon Journal reported today that Nature’s Variety Pet Food has issued a recall for certain varieties of dog and cat food because of possible Salmonella contamination.

Affected Products:

Chicken Medallions – 3 Lb Package – Use by date: 11/10/10
Chicken Patties – 6 Lb Package – Use by date: 11/10/10
Chicken Chubs – 2 Lb Package – Use by date: 11/10/10

Details of the Recall:

“The Nebraska company issued the voluntary recall Thursday of its Chicken Formula Raw Frozen Diet for dogs and cats with a ”Best If Used By ” date of 11/10/10.

Included in the recall are 3 pound packages of chicken medallions (UPC# 7 69949 60130 2); 6 pound packages of chicken patties (UPC# 7 69949 60120 3); and 2 pound packages of chicken chubs (UPC# 7 69949 60121 0.

No human or pet illnesses have been reported in connection with the products, the company said on its Web site.

Consumers who have purchased the products should return the unopened product to the retailer for a full refund or replacement.

If the package has been opened, the company advises consumers to dispose of the raw food in a safe manner and bring the receipt or empty package in a sealed bag to the retailer for refund or replacement.

Consumers can also contact the company’s Customer Care line at 800-374-3142 for more information.”

Source Article: Beacon Journal

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The Mars Petcare USA company announced a recall in November of certain of its cat and dog food products.

That recall recently has been renewed and expanded. Currently, the following pet food products are on a recall list:

- Berkley & Jensen Bistro Blend Premium Cat Food

- Berkley & Jensen Small Bites and Bones Dog Food

- Ol’Roy Complete Premium Dog Food

- Ol’ Roy Puppy Complete Premium Dog Food

- Complete Nutrition Premium Dog Food

- High Performance Premium Dog Food

- Meaty Chunks & Gravy Premium Dog Food

- ShopRite Crunchy Bites, Bones & Healthy Squares Dog Food.

Additionally on recall are these cat foods made by the Mars Company:

- Special Kitty Original Premium Cat Food

- Gourmet Blend Premium Cat Food

- Kitten Premium Cat Food

All of the above listed products were manufactured at the Mars Petcare plant in Allentown, Pa. They were sold in BJ’s Wholesale Club, ShopRite Supermarkets and Wal-Mart locations in Connecticut, Massachusetts, Maine and New Hampshire, plus other eastern states.

Mars Petcare also announced that they have a new state-of-the-art testing facility in the works that should be open sometime in mid-2009. Theoretically, once this facility is online, the danger of recalls will be greatly reduced – Again, that’s Theoretically.

Meanwhile, the cause of this ongoing recall is a finding of Salmonella in tests done by the United States Food and Drug Administration. So far there have been no cases of human or pet illness caused by Salmonella associated with these products, but the risk continues.

According to the FDA, there are steps one can and should take whenever dealing with prepared pet foods. While dogs and cats are at risk of Salmonella infections, certain people are at greater-than-usual risk also. Those particularly at risk include children and the elderly, as well as anyone whose immune system has been compromised by disease or some underlying condition.

To reduce your risk, the FDA suggests that you follow these procedures:

- Wash your hands with hot water for at least 20 seconds both before and after handling any pet foods.

- Wash pet food bowls, dishes and implements with soap and hot water after each use.

- Do not use the pet’s bowl as a scooping device, rather, use a clean spoon or scoop that is kept only for this use.

- Dispose of any old or spoiled pet food in a safe manner, such as in a securely tied plastic bag that is then placed in a covered trash receptacle.

- Do not flush it down your toilet or throw it outdoors.

Storage of pet foods is also important. The FDA recommends that any leftover canned food be stored in a refrigerator. It’s probably best to pick up any leftover canned food after 20 minutes.

All dry products should be stored in a cool, dry place. The best way to store dry pet foods is in their original paper container, rolled down to eliminate air as much as possible, then placed into a plastic container with a tight-fitting top. This method has the additional advantage of helping to preserve the vitamins and minerals in the food.

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