March  9, 2010

Nature’s Variety has issued a voluntary recall of all Chicken Formula and Organic Chicken Formula Raw Frozen Diets for dogs and cats with a "Best If Used By" date on or before 2/5/11 because some of these products may be contaminated with Salmonella. You can find the "Best If Used By" date on the backs of packages above the safe handling instructions. The recalled products were distributed online and in retail stores throughout the U.S. and Canada.

Symptoms of Salmonella infections in dogs include lethargy, lack of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, bloody diarrhea, abdominal pain and fever. If your dog is exhibiting any of these symptoms, immediate veterinary attention is necessary. It should also be noted that dogs may be carriers of Salmonella meaning they can exhibit no symptoms but be able to pass the infection to other dogs.

Salmonella can also impact humans. Symptoms include vomiting, nausea, diarrhea, bloody diarrhea, abdominal pain and fever. In rare cases, Salmonella can also cause more severe problems including arthritis and heart lining inflammation. To help protect against the spread of Salmonella, all surfaces that have come into contact with any Salmonella-contaminated products should be thoroughly cleaned, and dog owners should wash their hands in warm soapy water for at least 20 seconds after coming into contact with these products.

In recalling all Chicken Formula and Organic Chicken Formula Raw Frozen Diets for dogs and cats with the "Best If Used By" date on or before 2/5/11, Nature’s Variety is attempting to clear the market of these products that were produced prior to its implementation of a new advanced food safety process called High Pressure Pasteurization which utilizes a high-pressure water-based technology to destroy pathogenic bacteria.

For those pet parents who have purchased these products being recalled, The U.S. Food & Drug Administration has stated that you may “return the unopened product to your retailer for a full refund or replacement. If your package has been opened, please dispose of the raw food in a safe manner by securing it in a covered trash receptacle. Then, bring your receipt (or the empty package in a sealed bag) to your local retailer for a full refund or replacement.” If you have additional questions or comments you may also call Nature’s Variety 24-hour customer care line at 800-374-3142.