Salmonella-positive test result prompts dry cat food recall

Natural Balance Pet Foods, Inc. has recalled two dry cat food products due to potential Salmonella contamination.

Image 2_131 The company initiated the recall following a Salmonella-positive test result in a routine state surveillance sample obtained by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture.

The recall is being carried out in cooperation with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

The recall

Natural Balance L.I.D. Limited Ingredient Diets Green Pea & Chicken Formula Dry Cat Food, 5-lb bag:- Best if used by 10-Mar-2022; Lot code 1008080 06:42N811202:20; UPC 2363306234
Natural Balance L.I.D. Limited Ingredient Diets Green Pea & Chicken Formula Dry Cat Food, 10-lb bag:- Best if used by 10-Mar-2022; Lot code 1008080 06:42N811202:20; UPC 2363300235

The recalled products were distributed nationwide in the United States through retail stores and online distribution.

According to the company’s recall notice, no customer complaints or illnesses have been reported to date, and no other Natural Balance Pet Foods, Inc. products are impacted by this recall.

The company

Natural Balance was founded by Dick van Patten in 1989 and was acquired by The J.M. Smucker Company in 2018 as part of its purchase of Ainsworth Pet Nutrition.

Natural Balance is now owned by Nexus Capital Management, which purchased the business from The J.M. Smucker Company in January 2021 for approximately $50 million.

What consumers need to know

Symptoms of Salmonella infection in cats may include vomiting, diarrhea, decreased appetite, fever, or excessive salivation.
If you believe your cat may be suffering from Salmonella infection, consult your veterinarian.
Salmonella can be spread from contaminated pet food to humans, either through handling the food or through shedding of the bacteria by an infected animal.
Symptoms of Salmonella infection in humans may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramping and fever.
If you or a household member are experiencing any of symptoms of Salmonella infection, consult your healthcare provider.
Pet parents who have questions or would like to report adverse reactions to the company should call 1-833-558-0908, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. PST or visit www.naturalbalanceinc.com/contact-us
The FDA encourages consumers to report pet food-related illnesses directly to the agency. Refer to How to Report a Pet Food Complaint for details on how to proceed.

Zuke’s withdraws dog treats from stores. FDA not informed

3rd Birthday #1 Aug 2005 Zuke’s Mini Naturals dog treats have been withdrawn by the company.

The withdrawal follows a series of complaints posted on the websites of on-line retailers Amazon.com and Chewy.com over the last five months describing mold growth in unopened bags of the pet treats.

Some of the complaints described episodes of diarrhea and vomiting in dogs who were fed the treats.

According to the pet food retail chain, Pet Supplies Plus, the following products have been withdrawn:

Zukes Mini Naturals Chicken Recipe, 6 oz & 16 oz:- SKU Number 013423330517 & 013423330210
Zukes Mini Naturals Chicken Recipe, Sample Size (0.5 oz)
Zukes Mini Naturals Peanut Butter & Oats Recipe, 6 oz & 16 oz:- SKU Number 013423330524 & 013423330227
Zukes Mini Naturals Duck Recipe, 6 oz & 16 oz:- SKU Number 613423330533 & 613423330236
Zukes Mini Naturals Salmon Recipe, 6 oz & 16 oz:- SKU Number 013423330548 & 013423330241
Zukes Mini Naturals Pork Recipe, 6 oz & 16 oz:- SKU Number 613423330557 & 613423330250
Zukes Mini Naturals Rabbit Recipe, 6 oz & 16 oz:- SKU Number 613423330564 & 613423330267
Zukes Mini Naturals Beef Recipe, 6 oz & 16 oz: SKU Number 613423330588 & 613423330601

The pet treats are sold nationwide through physical and online retailers.

Zuke’s, which is a subsidiary of Nestlé Purina PetCare, posted this notice on the “Contact Us” page of its website:

As you might have heard from your pet store, we are voluntarily removing Zuke’s Mini Naturals (all recipes) from sale due to a quality issue. While not a food safety issue, we took this proactive step with our retail customers and distributors to ensure our pet parents continue to have the best experience with our Zuke’s Mini Naturals products. If you aren’t completely satisfied with your recent Zuke’s Mini Naturals purchase, we are always happy to issue you a refund. To reach a member of our Pet Parent Relations team, please submit the form below or give us a call at 1-866-985-3364.

Zuke’s did not advise the FDA about this product withdrawal, nor was it obliged to do so, according to an agency spokesperson.

The FDA has received “a couple of complaints from pet owners involving moldy products and gastrointestinal signs such as vomiting and diarrhea, and is in the process of investigating those complaints.” The agency also has reached out to the manufacturer to learn more about the situation, including whether Zuke’s has received any complaints.

What consumers should do

Do not feed the withdrawn treats to your pet. Either discard them or return them to the retailer for a refund.
If your pet becomes ill after eating one of the withdrawn treats, consult your veterinarian.
Report any pet illness relating to consumption of a commercial pet food or pet treat to the FDA either through the agency’s online portal or by telephone.

Recalls and Alerts: April 8–10, 2021

Here is today’s list of food safety recalls, product withdrawals, allergy alerts and miscellaneous compliance issues. The live links will take you directly to the official recall notices and company news releases that contain detailed information for each recall and alert.

If you would like to receive automatic email alerts for all new articles posted on eFoodAlert, please submit your request using the sidebar link.

United States

OUTBREAK INVESTIGATION/PUBLIC HEALTH ALERT: FSIS/USDA issues a public health alert for approximately 211,406 pounds of raw ground turkey products, produced by Plainville Brands, LLC, a Pennsylvania establishment, due to concerns the products may have caused Salmonella Hadar illness. The products are though to be a source of a multistate outbreak of 28 Salmonella Hadar illnesses in 12 states with onset dates ranging from December 28, 2020 through March 4, 2021. Evidence collected to date does not link all illnesses to this establishment. Based on the continuing investigation, additional product from other establishments may be involved.

Pet Food Safety Recall: The J.M. Smucker Co. recalls Meow Mix^® Original Choice Dry Cat Food (30-lb bag; UPC 2927452099 Lot codes 1081804 & 1082804; Best if used by 9/14/2022 & 9/15/2022, respectively) due to potential Salmonella contamination. The recalled products were sold at select Walmart stores in IL, MO, NE, NM, OK, UT, WI and WY.

Canada

Allergy Alert Update: Federated Co-operatives Ltd. recalls Co-op Gold Pure brand Almond Butter – Crunchy Roasted (500g; UPC 0 57316 16814 6; All codes where cashew and hazelnut are not declared on the label) due to undeclared cashew and hazelnut.

Allergy Alert: Goodfood Market Corp. recalls Goodfood brand Chicken & Parm Grain Bowl with Mixed Salad (515g; Code 400146; Best before 2021 MR 25, 2021 MR 26 & 2021 MR 27) due to undeclared sesame seeds.

Food Safety Recall Update: Tun Hau Enterprises (Canada) Ltd. recalls Double Happiness brand “Dried Almond” (200g; UPC 6 264300 001608; Best before 30/12/2020) due to potential for cyanide poisoning.

Europe

OUTBREAK INVESTIGATION (DENMARK): The Statens Serum Institut, the Danish Medicines Agency, the Danish Veterinary and Food Administration and the DTU Food Institute are investigating an outbreak of Salmonella infections that has affected a total of 25 people aged 2-92. The outbreak strain has been found in samples of HUSK Psyllium seed husks capsules. Please see recall information below.

Allergy Alert (Belgium): Biogreenz recalls multiple Biogreenz brand dessert products due to undeclared soy. Please refer to the recall notice for a complete list of affected products.

Allergy Alert (Belgium): Het Schietveld recalls Het Schietveld brand Sergeant / Kolonel beers due to undeclared barley gluten. Please refer to the recall notice for a list of affected batches.

Allergy Alert (Belgium): Belcydonia recalls La Jolie brand Confiture Framboises – chocolat blanc / Raspberry & white chocolate jam (215g; All lots) due to undeclared soy.

Allergy Alert (Ireland): Tesco Tzatziki (200g; Use by 12/04/21) contains undeclared egg, which may make the batch unsafe for consumers who are allergic to or intolerant of egg.

Food Safety Recall (Belgium): Albert Heijn recalls VEGETARISCHE SLAGER / Unilever brand vegetarische mc² burger / Veggie burger (160g; Best before 21-04-2021 to 30-04-2021, inclusive) due to possible foreign matter (pieces of plastic) contamination.

Food Safety Recall (Belgium): Jumbo recalls De Vegetarische slager brand Burger Végétarien mc² / Veggie burger (160g; Lots 108382N26, 108484N26, 108985N26, 109285N26; Best before 21-04-2021 to 30-04-2021, inclusive) due to possible foreign matter (pieces of plastic) contamination.

Food Safety Recall (Denmark): Scandic Food A/S recalls REMA 1000 Økologisk Mayonnaise / Organic mayonnaise (210g; Lot L4; Best before 26-11-2021) due to potential for mold growth.

Food Safety Recall (Denmark): Orkla Care A/S recalls multiple Psyllium Husk products due to Salmonella contamination. The products have been linked to an outbreak of Salmonella infections in Denmark. Please refer to the recall notice for a complete list of affected products.

Food Safety Recall (Denmark): Orkla Care A/S recalls HUSK Psyllium mavebalance Basic (kapsler) / Psyllium Stomach Balance Basic (capsules) (225 capsules; Batch #505433; Best before 30.09.2023) due to Salmonella contamination.

Food Safety Recall (France): Sobomar Atlantique recalls KERALIOU brand Telline (Donax trunculus) shellfish (3kg; Lots MB37766, MB37773TEL & MB37761) due to presence of marine biotoxins.

Food Safety Recall (France): ARGIS-GALAC’SEA Argisfood recalls Casino brand Crevette entières tropicales surgelées / Frozen whole tropical shrimp (400g; Lot VN/532/V/072; Best before 02/12/2022) due to Vibrio parahaemolyticus contamination.

Food Safety Recall (France): SARL DE KERALIOU Keraliou recalls Keraliou brand Tellines (Lots MB37766, MB37773TEL & MB37761) due to presence of marine biotoxins.

Food Safety Recall (Italy): Renzini SpA recalls PEPE NERO salame di cinghiale / Black pepper wild boar salami (0.2 kg; Lot #61104910; Best before 24/04/21) due to Salmonella contamination.

Food Safety Recall (Luxembourg): The Vegetarian Butcher recalls Vegetarian Butcher HACK-SEELIG / The Vegetarian Butcher Hack-Selig Burger (160g; Best before 16.04.2021 & 21.04.2021; Lot numbers beginning with 1078 & 1083, respectively) due to possible foreign matter (pieces of plastic) contamination.

Food Safety Recall (Luxembourg): La Provençale recalls multiple La Provençale brand METTWURST ET BIERSTUMPEN sausage products due to Salmonella contamination. Please refer to the recall notice for a complete list of affected products.

Food Safety Recall (Luxembourg): K. Iraklidis & Söhne recalls REWE Beste Wahl brand Snacktomaten mit Kräutern / Tomato snack with herbs (150g; All Best before dates) and REWE Beste Wahl brand Snacktomaten mit Meersalz / Tomato snack with sea salt (150g; All Best before dates) due to foreign matter (glass) contamination.

Food Safety Recall Update (UK): Nutricia recalls Cow & Gate and Aptamil Muesli products because some packs have been found to contain pieces of apple stalks. Please refer to the recall notice for complete details on the affected products.

Order your copy today to learn more about food safety

Asia, Africa and the Pacific Islands

Allergy Alert (Israel): Target Sweets Ltd. recalls Bitter chocolate stuffed with nougat (100g; All expiration dates) and Bitter chocolate with nut chips (100g; All expiration dates) due to undeclared milk.

Allergy Alert (Israel): Factory at Tania Ltd. recalls SMSi with meat filling (Use by 17/04/2021, 01/05/2021 & 15/05 / 2021) due to undeclared sesame.