For Immediate Release: Nov. 5, 2009

Media Inquiries: Rita Chappelle, 301-796-4672, rita.chappelle@fda.hhs.gov

Consumer Inquiries: 888-INFO-FDA

FDA Health Alert for Certain Pet Treats Made by Pet Carousel

Products may be contaminated with Salmonella

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is issuing this health alert to warn consumers not to use Pig Ears and Beef Hooves pet treats manufactured by Pet Carousel because the products may be contaminated with Salmonella. The products were distributed nationwide in both bulk and retail packaging for sale in pet food and retail chain stores. Pet Carousel is based in Sanger, Calif.

The products were manufactured under conditions that facilitate cross-contamination within batches or lots. Although no illnesses associated with these products have been reported, the FDA is advising consumers in possession of these products to not handle or feed them to their pets.

The affected pig ear products were packaged under the brand names Doggie Delight and Pet Carousel. The affected beef hooves were packaged under the brand names Choo Hooves, Dentley’s, Doggie Delight, and Pet Carousel. All sizes and all lots of these products made by Pet Carousel are included in this alert.

During September 2009, the FDA conducted routine testing of pig ears made by Pet Carousel. The test results detected a positive reading for Salmonella. This prompted an FDA inspection of Pet Carousel’s manufacturing facilities. During the inspection, the agency collected additional pet treat samples. Further analysis found Salmonella present in beef hooves, pig ears and in the manufacturing environment.

Salmonella can affect both humans and animals. People handling dry pet food and/or pet treats can become infected with Salmonella, especially if they have not thoroughly washed their hands after having contact with the treats 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.

Healthy people infected with Salmonella may experience some or all of the following symptoms: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramping and fever. Although rare, Salmonella can result in more serious ailments including arterial infections, endocarditis (inflammation of the lining of the heart), arthritis, muscle pain, eye irritation, and urinary tract symptoms. Consumers exhibiting these signs after having contact with this product should contact their health care provider immediately.

Pets with Salmonella infections may become lethargic and have diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever and vomiting. Some pets may only experience a 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 any of the affected products or is experiencing any of these symptoms, contact your veterinarian immediately.

The FDA will continue to investigate this matter to determine the source of the Salmonella contamination and offer updates as appropriate.

Consumers can report complaints about FDA-regulated pet food and pet treat products by calling the consumer complaint coordinator in their area. You can locate the nearest consumer complaint coordinator at:

http://www.fda.gov/Safety/ReportaProblem/ConsumerComplaintCoordinators/default.htm

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This recall is not for the consumer but those in the medical field. However, it’s commonly used in veterinary  medicine so if your pet is having surgery it’s something you want to be aware of.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – July 16, 2009 – Teva Pharmaceuticals USA is initiating a voluntary recall of Propofol Injectable Emulsion 10 mg/mL 100 mL vials, lot numbers 31305429B and 31305430B. The product lots identified are being recalled due to the presence of elevated endotoxin levels in some vials within these lot numbers.

Teva has been notified of 41 propofol-treated patients who experienced post-operative fever, chills and other flu-like symptoms. Based on available information it appears that all febrile or flu-like reactions were self-limiting with spontaneous resolution.

Adverse health effects, such as fever, chills, or rigors, are possible with exposure to product with elevated levels of endotoxins. Serious adverse effects, such as disseminated intravascular coagulopathy, acute respiratory distress syndrome, shock, and death, are possible with exposure to product with high endotoxin levels.

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Here’s another product that’s a casualty of the salmonella breakout caused by Peanut Corporation Of America. That place is the gift that keeps on giving.

Breadfarm, Inc. Recalls Valencia Peanut Butter, Peanut Butter-Chocolate Chip Cookies, Sirius Dog Treats, and Wonder Bars, purchased in January 2007 and October of 2008, Because Of Possible Health Risk

Contact:
Scott Mangold
(360)766-4065

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – Bow, WA — March 2, 2009 — Breadfarm, Inc. of Bow, WA is recalling Valencia Peanut Butter, Peanut Butter-Chocolate Chip Cookies, Sirius Dog Treats, and Wonder Bars purchased in January 2007 and October of 2008 because they have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella. The Valencia Peanut Butter, Peanut Butter-Chocolate Chip Cookies, Sirius Dog Treats, and Wonder Bars were manufactured using peanuts recalled by Peanut Corporation of American because they have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella. Salmonella is an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in pets, young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Healthy persons infected with Salmonella often experience fever, diarrhea (which may be bloody), nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. In rare circumstances, infection with Salmonella can result in the organism getting into the bloodstream and producing more severe illnesses such as arterial infections (i.e., infected aneurysms), endocarditis and arthritis.

The Valencia Peanut Butter, Peanut Butter-Chocolate Chip Cookies, Sirius Dog Treats, and Wonder Bars were sold in Washington State at the Bellingham, Mount Vernon, and Everett Farmer’s Markets and at the Breadfarm retail location in Bow, Washington. This recall affects products purchased between January 2007 and October 2008.

All products were sold under the Breadfarm label with no additional labeling or code information on the package (Excepting the unpackaged, single cookies).

The following products are affected by this recall:

* Valencia Peanut Butter sold in 16 ounce jars.
* Peanut Butter-Chocolate Chip Cookies sold in sealed cellophane packs of 5 cookies or as unpackaged single cookies
* Sirius Dog Treats sold in sealed 7 ounce cellophane packages
* Wonder Bars sold in sealed cellophane packages of 2 bars

Breadfarm products produced after October 2008 are made using non-recalled peanuts from a different source and are not affected by this recall.

No known illnesses have been reported to date in connection with these products. The recall was initiated after it was determined that some of the Organic Peanuts received by Breadfarm were manufactured by Peanut Corporation of America. Breadfarm, Inc. has informed FDA of its actions and is fully cooperating with the Agency.

Consumers who purchased the Valencia Peanut Butter, Peanut Butter-Chocolate Chip Cookies, Sirius Dog Treats, or Wonder Bars, between January 2007 and October of 2008 are urged to return them to Breadfarm for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact the company at 1-866-372-7323, between 8am and 5pm, Monday through Friday, Pacific Time. Breadfarm products produced after October 2008 were made using non-recalled peanuts from a different source.

Please pass the word, we want to keep all the pups out there safe.

*Pic from FDA site

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This is to let everyone know that the Peanut Corporation of America has now expanded their recall to all products, including pet products.  This is the largest peanut butter recall in US history, please make sure anything you have in your kitchen is safe and is not in any way related to this company.

Peanut Corporation of America Expands Nationwide Recall of Peanut Products

PCA Announces the Voluntary Recall of All Peanuts and Peanut Products Shipped from Georgia Plant

Contact:
Peanut Corporation of America
1-877-564-7080

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE — Lynchburg, Va. (January 28, 2009) – Peanut Corporation of America (PCA) is voluntarily recalling all peanuts and peanut products processed in its Blakely, Georgia facility since Jan. 1, 2007. Previously, PCA announced a recall of peanut butter and peanut paste. PCA sells its products to institutional and industrial users for service in large institutions or for sale and further processing by other companies. PCA does not sell peanuts or peanut products directly to consumers in stores.

PCA is not aware of any complaints or reports of illness involving the additional peanuts and peanut products subject to this expanded recall. PCA is acting out of an abundance of caution and with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s help to recall all products manufactured in its Georgia facility. PCA is voluntarily taking this larger recall action following almost two weeks of inspection and review at the Georgia facility.

The expanded recall includes all peanuts (dry and oil roasted), granulated peanuts, peanut meal, peanut butter and peanut paste. All of the recalled peanuts and peanut products were made only at the company’s Blakely, Georgia facility; the lot numbers and a description of the products being recalled are listed at the end of this release. The Blakely, Georgia facility has stopped producing all peanut products.

The voluntary recall comes amid an FDA investigation into a nationwide salmonella outbreak that has sickened more than 500 people nationwide beginning in September, with the largest number of illnesses reported in November. Salmonella is an organism that can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Healthy persons infected with Salmonella often experience fever, diarrhea (which may be bloody), nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. In rare circumstances, infection with Salmonella can result in the organism getting into the bloodstream and producing more severe illnesses such as arterial infections (i.e., infected aneurysms), endocarditis and arthritis.

Because some of our peanut products have been used by manufacturers of pet food, we are also alerting the public that Salmonella is an organism that can potentially be transferred to people handling pet treats exposed to Salmonella, especially if they have not thoroughly washed their hands after having contact with the products or any surfaces exposed to these products. 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. Well animals 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.

The potential for contamination was noted after samples from peanut butter containers and environmental samples from the Blakely, Georgia facility tested positive for Salmonella. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has said the investigation is “very active and dynamic,” and PCA continues to work closely with the FDA and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as they continue their investigation into the nationwide outbreak of Salmonella.

PCA is notifying customers who received recalled products by phone and/or in writing. Customers should segregate and hold the product and call PCA at 1-877-564-7080 for further instructions. Consumers should contact the FDA and visit the agency web site at www.fda.gov for a complete list of all products affected.

“We have been devastated by this, and we have been working around the clock with the FDA to ensure any potentially unsafe products are removed from the market immediately,” said Stewart Parnell, President of Peanut Corporation of America. “Additionally, we are working alongside state and federal food safety experts in every way we can to help them protect consumers, both now and in the future.

“We want our customers and consumers to know that PCA is taking extraordinary measures, out of an abundance of caution, to identify and recall all products that have been identified as potential risks.”

The recalled peanuts and peanut products were distributed nationwide to institutions, food service industries, and private label food companies as well as and in Canada, Haiti, Korea and Trinidad.

All lots that are affected begin with the lot number 7, 8 or 9. The following is the description of the products being recalled:

Description:
Peanut Butter All Styles All Sizes All Lots beginning with 7, 8, or 9
Peanut Paste All Styles All Sizes All Lots beginning with 7,8, or 9
Peanut Meal All Styles All Sizes All lots beginning with 7, 8, or 9
Peanut Granules All Styles All Sizes All lots beginning with 7, 8 or 9
Peanuts All Styles All Sizes All lots beginning with 7, 8 or 9

Please pass this message on to all your dog loving friends, we want to keep all pups safe.

* Scout is the cute model above.

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Attention all Dogsters, important information about biscuits made with peanut paste that are being recalled.

PetSmart Voluntarily Recalls Grreat Choice Dog Biscuits (January 20)

Tue, 20 Jan 2009 17:39:00 -0600

PetSmart is voluntarily recalling seven of its Grreat Choice Dog Biscuit products that contain peanut paste made by Peanut Corporation of America (PCA). PCA is the focus of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration investigation into potential salmonella contamination of peanut butter and paste made at its Blakely, Georgia facility.

Contact:
PetSmart Customer Service
1-888-839-9638

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE — PHOENIX, AZ, January 20, 2009 — PetSmart is voluntarily recalling seven of its Grreat Choice® Dog Biscuit products that contain peanut paste made by Peanut Corporation of America (PCA). PCA is the focus of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration investigation into potential salmonella contamination of peanut butter and paste made at its Blakely, Georgia facility.

Although PetSmart is not aware of any reported cases of illness related to these products, it has removed these products from its store shelves and website and is conducting the recall as a precautionary measure.

The recalled products include only the following types of Grreat Choice Dog Biscuits sold between Aug. 21, 2008 and Jan. 19, 2009:

* Small Assorted 32 oz., UPC 73725702900
* Small/Medium Assorted 4 lb., UPC 73725700601
* Small/Medium Assorted 8 lb., UPC 73725700605
* Small/Medium Assorted 10 lb., UPC 73725702755
* Large Assorted 8 lb., UPC 73725700638
* Extra Large Assorted 8 lb., UPC 73725700779
* Peanut Butter 4 lb., UPC 73725700766

Customers who purchased the recalled dog biscuit products should discontinue use immediately and can return the product to any PetSmart store for a complete refund or exchange. Customers can visit www.petsmartfacts.com for more information or contact PetSmart Customer Service at 1-888-839-9638.

No other products or flavors are included in this recall.

Please pass this message on to all your dog loving friends, we want to keep all pups safe.

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Important information regarding a recall on Hartz Chicken Basted Chews due to potential salmonella  contamination.

The Hartz Mountain Corporation has voluntarily recalled a specific lot of its Hartz chicken-basted rawhide chips for dogs due to concerns that one or more bags within the lot are potentially contaminated with Salmonella.

The company announced the recall Friday, saying the two-pound plastic bags of chips with lot code JC23282, UPC number 3270096463 were distributed to a national retail customer it did not identify.

Hartz said the normal testing it conducts through an independent outside laboratory did not detect the presence of Salmonella in any of its rawhide products, but sample testing conducted by another laboratory did indicate the presence of the bacteria in a single bag of the chicken-basted rawhide chips.

Salmonella can cause serious infections in dogs and if there is cross-contamination caused by handling of the rawhide chips in people as well, especially children, the aged, and people with compromised immune systems.

Hartz is investigating the difference in test results and the potential source of the problem. It said there have been no reports of any animals or humans becoming ill. (Newsday)

If you have this product at home please check the lot number and take appropriate action.

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I know many Dogsters have had questions regarding this recall, here is the latest update:

Mars Petcare US Issues Voluntary Recall of Everson, PA Plant Dry Pet Food Product due to Potential Salmonella Contamination

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – FANKLIN, TENNESSEE – SEPTEMBER 12, 2008 – TODAY, MARS PETCARE US ANNOUNCED A VOLUNTARY RECALL OF PRODUCTS MANUFACTURED AT ITS EVERSON, PENNSYLVANIA FACILITY. THE PET FOOD IS BEING VOLUNTARILY RECALLED BECAUSE OF POTENTIAL CONTAMINATION WITH SALMONELLA SEROTYPESCHWARZENGRUND. THIS VOLUNTARY RECALL ONLY AFFECTS THE UNITED STATES. 

SALMONELLA CAN CAUSE SERIOUS INFECTIONS IN DOGS AND CATS, AND, IF THERE IS CROSS CONTAMINATION CAUSED BY HANDLING OF THE PET FOOD, IN PEOPLE AS WELL, ESPECIALLY CHILDREN, THE AGED, AND PEOPLE WITH COMPROMISED IMMUNE SYSTEMS.  HEALTHY PEOPLE POTENTIALLY INFECTED WITH SALMONELLA SHOULD MONITOR THEMSELVES FOR SOME OR ALL OF THE FOLLOWING SYMPTOMS: NAUSEA, VOMITING, DIARRHEA OR BLOODY DIARRHEA, ABDOMINAL CRAMPING AND FEVER. ON RARE OCCASIONS, 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.  ANIMALS CAN BE CARRIERS WITH NO VISIBLE SYMPTOMS AND CAN POTENTIALLY INFECT OTHER ANIMALS OR HUMANS. IF YOUR PET HAS CONSUMED THE RECALLED PRODUCT AND HAS THESE SYMPTOMS, PLEASE CONTACT YOUR VETERINARIAN.

Please go read all the information to make sure you have all the facts. You can also go directly to the Mars site and click on the different food logo’s to see if what you bought is affected.

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A recall was just announced by Mars Petcare US on some of its products…..

A salmonella scare has forced Mars Petcare US to recall 100 of its 20-pound bags of PEDIGREE Complete Nutrition Small Crunchy Bites sold at some Albertsons in Southern California and Las Vegas, Nevada.

The company also makes Nutro pet food, which scores of consumers nationwide blame for the recent illnesses – and even deaths – of their dog and cats.

Nutro products, however, are not included in this recall.

Mars said a “component” that tested positive for salmonella was inadvertently shipped to its Tracy, California, plant and used in the production of 100 bags of PEDIGREE pet food.

The affected bags have the “best by” dates of July 7, 2009.

“Our primary concern is the safety and welfare of our pet owners and their pets,” the company said in a statement. “Although the finished product tested negative and we have received no reports of illness of pets or their owners, out of an abundance of caution we are issuing a voluntary recall of the limited number of bags of Pedigree Complete Nutrition Small Crunchy Bites containing the component in question.”

The following are tips to help prevent the spread of salmonella poisoning.

Salmonella can cause infections in dogs and cats. It can also be transferred from pets to people who ingest or handle contaminated products. Children, the elderly, and those with compromised immune systems are most at risk.

To prevent the spread of salmonella contamination, the FDA said consumers should wash their hands for 20 seconds with hot water and soap before and after handling pet foods and treats.

Consumers should also:• Wash pet food bowls, dishes, and scooping utensils with soap and hot water after each use;

• Not use their pets’ feeding bowl as a scooping utensil. Pet owners should use a clean scoop or spoon;

• Dispose of old or spoiled pet food products in securely tied plastic bags and put them in a covered trash cans.

The FDA’s Web site has additional tips on how to safely handle pet food.

To keep your best friend safe check your dog food to make sure you don’t have one of the affected products.

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I want to thank My Little Demon’s mom for sending in this information.

This morning I opened a box of Milkbone- Gravy Bones (for Small & Medium dogs) with an expiration date of 9-17-09 and a Bar code (bottom of box) 79100 94203 and a box (For Large dogs) with expiration date 25 Sep 08 with Bar code 13120 04204 and in the boxes along with the dog cookies was WORMS about the size of rice and the same color. I contacted the company to inform them of this. If you use this product- please check your box by dumping them out on a table before you give any to your dog.

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The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) seized large amounts of food products intended for sale at PETCO stores in sixteen states because the Supplies Distribution Center located in Joliet, IL was deemed in April (!) to be filthy and unsanitary.

The following is the entire release posted to the FDA’s website dated June 19th.

Today, at the request of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), U.S. Marshals seized various animal food products stored under unsanitary conditions at the PETCO Animal Supplies Distribution Center located in Joliet, Ill., pursuant to a warrant issued by the United States District Court in Chicago.

U.S. Marshals seized all FDA-regulated animal food susceptible to rodent and pest contamination. The seized products violate the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act because it was alleged in a case filed by the United States Attorney that they were being held under unsanitary conditions. (The Act uses the term “insanitary” to describe such conditions).

During an FDA inspection of a PETCO distribution center in April, widespread and active rodent and bird infestation was found. The FDA inspected the facility again in May and found continuing and widespread infestation.

“We simply will not allow a company to store foods under filthy and unsanitary conditions that occur as a direct result of the company’s failure to adequately control and prevent pests in its facility,” said Margaret O’K. Glavin, associate commissioner for regulatory affairs. “Consumers expect that such safeguards will be in place not only for human food, but for pet food as well.”

The distribution center in Joliet, Ill., provides pet food products and supplies to PETCO retail stores in 16 states including Alabama, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Ohio, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Texas, and Wisconsin.

FDA has no reports of pet illness or death associated with consumption of animal food distributed by PETCO, and does not have evidence that the food is unsafe for animals. However, the seized products were in permeable packages and held under conditions that could affect the food’s integrity and quality.

As a precaution, consumers who have handled products originating from the PETCO distribution center should thoroughly wash their hands with hot water and soap. Any surfaces that came in contact with the packages should be washed as well. Consumers are further advised as a precaution to thoroughly wash products sold in cans and glass containers from PETCO in the 16 affected states.

The FDA also requests you contact a consumer complaint coordinator if you believe your pet has been harmed by food bought from PETCO.

Running a large business means huge challenges to provide for constant and complete vigilant oversight of the entire operation, but we must demand that any company that sells nourishment for our pets adhere to the highest possible standards to ensure 100% sanitary and healthy conveyance of all
items they sell at all times.

It’s horrifying that the report states that the Jolliet facility of PETCO twice failed sanitary examinations by exhibiting ‘widespread and active rodent and bird infestation’ and eventually had to have food product seized by warrant so it could no longer be sold on shelves.

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