Oy.
1. Last week I diaried on a Supplement Recall by product maker United Pet Group that was VERY troubling given this supplement sells at large chains like Walmart. Salmonella contamination is the reason.
Well, the news just got worse. They have expanded the recall (see original post below and expanded recall) and 55 products of other MAJOR labels are now included including Petco products and other major brands/product handlers. Yikes.
This is potentially quite serious and the sheer volume of product and the size of the companies selling it is downright scary.
2. Merrick 10-ounce bags of Beef Fillet Squares for Dogs. Also a salmonella issue.
Here we go.
1. Here is the original post, and I am more than concerned given a number of you (thus likely others we know) use this product.
The original recall was of PRO-PET ADULT DAILY VITAMIN Supplement tablets for Dogs manufactured by United Pet Group.
The expanded recall:
"United Pet Group United Pet Group Voluntarily Expands Recall of Nutritional Supplements For Dogs to Include Additional Tablet and Powdered-Form Products for Dogs and Cats Because of Possible Salmonella health Risk." [Source FDA, link below]
These include Drs. Foster and Smith, Petco Brand. DDS, Excel, PR, and Pro Pet Products.
The list is EXTENSIVE and includes breath mints, cleaning solutions (topical and not including one type of Nature's Miracle), glucosamine supps, ear powder, etc., so PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE CHECK THE ENTIRE LIST (THERE ARE 55 PRODUCTS ON THE RECALL LIST, SO CHECK CAREFULLY)
This is quite serious.
The FDA notice is here with product listings, SKU, UPC and Expiration Dates.
If you have a blog, please post it there. If you have friends with dogs and cats, please link here or to the FDA site. But please, get the word out.
Advice of FDA on what to do if you have a product:
These products are being removed from retail stores and consumers should immediately stop feeding these supplements to their pets. The affected products are those with expiration dates that include and are between "01/2013" and "06/2013." Products with expiration dates earlier than 01/2013 or later than 06/2013 are not included in this recall. The expiration date can be found imprinted vertically on the right side of the product label. ...
Consumers who have purchased the affected products are urged to contact United Pet Group or the place of purchase for further direction. Consumers may contact United Pet Group at 1-877-399-5226, Monday through Friday, from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm EST. [emphasis mine, source FDA announcement, link above]
Remember that in young, elderly or immune compromised dogs/cats, the problem can manifest seriously. If you are giving any of the products to your dog/cat, or using them ON your pet (e.g. ear powder) please contact your veterinarian for advice. (Remember, they scratch their ear, then lick their feet... and YOU are getting it on you as well.)
Do NOT throw the product away. Bag it in plastic (then wash your hands thoroughly) and return it to the store or company as advised. Put it somewhere that no child or animal can get to it.
My advice is to photograph the item with the product code/expiration date etc. date stamped in the instance your dog/cat does show signs of salmonella-related illness in which case you would want to file a claim with the company.
This is really bad, bad news.
2. Merrick 10-ounce bags of Beef Fillet Squares for Dogs.
There is no notice that I can find, yet, from the FDA. However, AP has an article out about it.
NOTE THAT THE INFORMATION IN THIS FDA RECALL FROM JANUARY 2010 IS DIFFERENT THAN THE RECALL INFORMATION CURRENTLY. Specifically, the
"best by" date is different from the January recall, but it IS the same product type.
Here is the Merrick contact information for clarity:
Address:
P.O. Box 9800
Amarillo, TX 79105
Toll free number:
1.800.664.7387
Fax number:
806.322.2824
Local number:
806.322.2800
email:
customerservice@merrickpetcare.com
**********************************************************************
What you can and should do:
If you buy ANY of these products from a local store (and here I am worried more about Walmart, for instance, than Petco, but am still worried about Petco nonetheless, PLEASE contact them and see if they are aware of the problem. You can refer them to the FDA link in products related to item #1.
Please get the word out.
Be well,everyone.
PS: No need to tip me for this, but I WOULD appreciate a Recc up on this so it can get/stay on the Recc list for more to see. Crappy this had to come out on a holiday weekend like this (FDA notice on the first came out yesterday, but I did not receive it until today).
If it falls off the list I will try and post tomorrow and anyone that can, tomorrow, PLEASE link to this post in open thread listings. I am helping at a community event tomorrow and will be in/out.