Blue Buffalo is voluntarily recalling certain bags of their BLUE Wilderness Chicken (Dog), BLUE Basics Salmon (Dog), BLUE Large Breed Adult Chicken due to the potential of increased Vitamin D.  From their web site:

At Blue Buffalo, nothing is more important than the health and well being of our dogs and cats, so it’s consistent with this guiding principle that we are voluntarily recalling specific production runs of our Wilderness Chicken-Dog, Basics Salmon-Dog and Large Breed Adult Dog products, as we have reason to believe that the products from these runs may contain a higher level of Vitamin D than is called for in our product specifications.

We came to this conclusion after discovering that our ingredient supplier had made a scheduling error and produced a Vitamin D supplement immediately prior to preparing the ingredients for the BLUE products that are in question. We believe that some of the Vitamin D supplement may have been carried over into our products, resulting in more Vitamin D than is called for in our formulas.

While the potential of increased Vitamin D presents no serious health risk, and any negative reaction to these products has been confined to a very small segment of the canine population who appear to be sensitive to higher levels of Vitamin D, we have a zero tolerance for any product that does not meet our specifications. I think you’ll agree that our decision to withdraw these specific products is simply the right thing to do.

From a next steps standpoint, all products with the specific manufacturing dates in question will be removed from retailer’s shelves. If you have any products with the codes shown below you should stop feeding them immediately.You may call Blue Buffalo at
1-877-523-9114 to arrange for return of the product and reimbursement.

These are the ONLY code dates being recalled:

This Vitamin D issue does not effect any other code dates of these products or any other Blue Buffalo dog or cat foods. In addition, new bags of Wilderness Chicken, Basics Salmon and Large Breed Adult Chicken will be available on the shelves so you can continue to feed BLUE with complete confidence.

If your dog has shown any adverse reaction to the recalled products, have him checked by your veterinarian. Typical symptoms might include excessive water intake and/or excessive urination, and in some cases vomiting. Blue Buffalo will reimburse any veterinary or testing expenses related to illness caused by these products.

As Blue Buffalo is a family founded and run company, I am personally very upset about this and apologize for any discomfort or inconvenience that this situation has caused you or your pet family members. Product quality and safety have been, and always will be our top priority, and we’ve taken some serious corrective action to insure that this type of human error will never happen again.

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Hartz Mountain is recalling 74,700 bags of Hartz Mountain Natural Beef Treats for Dogs.  From the FDA:

SECAUCUS, N.J. – September 3, 2010 – The Hartz Mountain Corporation is voluntarily recalling one specific lot of Hartz Naturals Real Beef Treats for Dogs due to concerns that one or more bags within the lot may have been potentially contaminated with Salmonella. Hartz is fully cooperating with the US Food and Drug Administration in this voluntary recall…

Hartz Mountain Corporation is recalling 74,700 8-oz bags of Hartz Naturals Real Beef Treats for Dogs, lot code BZ0969101E, UPC number 32700-11519, which were imported by Hartz from a Brazilian supplier, Bertin S.A., and which were distributed to a number of customers in the United States. While regular testing conducted by Bertin prior to shipment to the US did not detect the presence of Salmonella in any packages of this product, random sample testing conducted by FDA did indicate the presence of Salmonella. Hartz is aggressively investigating the source of the problem.

Although Hartz has not received any reports of animals or humans becoming ill as a result of coming into contact with this product, Hartz is taking immediate steps to remove the product from all retail stores and distribution centers. Dog owners having purchased this product should check the lot code on their bag, and, if the code is not visible, or if the bag has lot code BZ0969101E imprinted thereon, they should immediately discontinue use of the product and discard it in a proper manner.

Consumers can contact Hartz at 1-800-275-1414 at any time with any questions they may have and for information on how to obtain reimbursement for purchased product.

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Here’s the press release:

July 30. 2010

P&G Expands Voluntary Limited Recall of Specialized Dry Pet Foods
Due to Possible Health Risk

CINCINNATI, July 30, 2010 – The Procter & Gamble Company (P&G) (NYSE:PG) is voluntarily expanding its recall to include veterinary and some specialized dry pet food as a precautionary measure because it has the potential to be contaminated with salmonella. No salmonella-related illnesses have been reported.

The following products are included:

The affected products are sold in veterinary clinics and specialty pet retailers throughout the United States and Canada. No canned food, biscuits/treats or supplements are affected by this announcement. A full listing of UPC codes can be found at www.iams.com

These products are made in a single, specialized facility. In cooperation with FDA, P&G determined that some products made at this facility have the potential for salmonella contamination. As a precautionary measure, P&G is recalling all products made at this facility.

Consumers who have purchased the specific dry pet foods listed should discard them. People handling dry pet food can become infected with Salmonella, especially if they have not thoroughly washed their hands after having contact with surfaces exposed to this product. Healthy people infected with Salmonella should monitor themselves for some or all of the following symptoms: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramping and fever. Rarely, 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 have decreased appetite, fever and abdominal pain. If left untreated, pets may be lethargic and have diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever and vomiting. Infected but otherwise healthy pets 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.

For further information or a product refund call P&G toll-free at 877-340-8823  (Monday – Friday, 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM EST).

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We’re still working out the kinks, there’s some news that definitely needs sharing.

Police dog’s death

Weare police dog succumbed to cancer.  Just 6 years old, Mica, a Belgian Malinois, succumbed to lymphoma.  From the Union Leader

The 6-year-old Belgian Malinois captured the hearts of many people across the region after she was diagnosed with lymphoma in November. The police department had no money set aside to pay for chemotherapy treatments, so they appealed to the public through the news media and raised about $30,000.

The fund was launched in large part by Don Lyons of New Boston, who said last fall that he was touched by how friendly Mica was with children and how she saved the life of a 4-year-old boy lost in the woods in 2008.

Weare police K-9 Sgt. Joe Kelly is shown with Mica. (DAN O’BRIEN)

RECALLS

Iams (Proctor & Gamble) is recalling two of their cat prescription foods due to possible salmonella contanimation.

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From the FDA’s web site:

Feline’s Pride is announcing a voluntary recall of Feline’s Pride Raw food with ground bone for cats and kittens, Natural Chicken Formula, Net Wt. 2.5 lbs. (1.13 kg., 40 oz.) produced on 6/10/10, because it may be contaminated with Salmonella.

The product is packaged in uncoded plastic containers and sold frozen to private consumers nationwide. Once thawed, the pet food has a shelf life of about 1 week. The firm manufactures the pet food by an as-ordered basis. This recall affects only those orders placed and shipped from June 10 through June 17, 2010.

The firm and FDA are investigating this matter to determine the source of this problem, and will take any additional steps necessary to protect the public health.

To date, both the firm and the FDA have received no reports of Salmonella infection relating to this product.

Consumers with questions should contact the company at (716) 580-3096, Monday –Friday from 10 am – 4 pm EDT.

United Pet Group, Cincinnati, Ohio is voluntarily expanding its recent recall of its Pro-Pet Adult Daily Vitamin Supplement tablets for Dogs to include additional pet nutritional supplement products for dogs and cats due to possible Salmonella contamination. The list of recalled products is provided below.

The recalled products are sold nationally at various retailers. The products include various United Pet Group Pro-Pet and Excel branded products for dogs and cats, and certain other private label brands of the same products. All of the affected products are in tablet and powdered form. 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.

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Natural Balance Pet Foods, Inc., of Pacoima, CA, announced a voluntary recall of Natural Balance Sweet Potato & Chicken Dry Dog Food with the “Best By” date of June 17, 2011, in 5-lb. and 28-lb. bags because it has the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella.  Products affected by this recall include:

Sweet Potato & Chicken Dry Dog Formula

• 5-lb bag, UPC codes 7-23633-9000-4 and 7-23633-99003-5 and “Best by” date of June 17, 2011
• 28-lb bags, UPC codes 7-23633-99002-8 and “Best by” date of June 17, 2011

Pet owners who have purchased this dog food should return it to the place of purchase for a full refund.

United Pet Group, Cincinnati, Ohio is voluntarily recalling all unexpired lots of its PRO-PET ADULT DAILY VITAMIN Supplement tablets for Dogs due to possible Salmonella contamination.  The Food and Drug Administration is aware of this recall.

The product was sold nationally at various retailers.  The product comes in 100-count white plastic bottles with a light blue label, and UPC code 26851-01800.  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 on or before “06/13″. The expiration date can be found imprinted vertically on the right side of the product label.

Consumers who have purchased the product are urged to contact United Pet Group or the place of purchase for further direction. Consumers may contact United Pet Group at 1-800-645-5154 ext. 3, Monday through Friday, from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm EST.

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As a precautionary measure, Proctor and Gamble is voluntarily recalling all varieties of Iams ProActive Health Canned Cat and Kitten Food in 3 oz & 5.5 oz cans with the dates 09/2011 to 06/2012 on the bottom of the cans.  Diagnostic testing indicated that the product may contain insufficient levels of thiamine (Vitamin B1), which is essential for cats.  Cats that were fed these canned products as their only food are at greater risk for developing signs of thiamine deficiency.

Early signs of thiamine deficiency may include loss of appetite, salivation, vomiting and weight loss.  In advanced cases, signs may include ventroflexion (downward curving) of the neck, wobbly gait, falling, circling and seizures.  Contact your veterinarian immediately if your cat is displaying any of these signs.  If treated promptly, thiamine deficiency is typically reversible.

Consumers who have purchased canned cat food with these codes should discard it.  For further information or a product refund call P&G toll-free at 877-340-8826 (Monday – Friday, 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM EST).

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The FDA has expanded its recall of metronidazole injection to include certain intravenous metronidazole, ondansetron and ciprofloxacin products manufactured by Claris.  certain intravenous metronidazole, ondansetron and ciprofloxacin products manufactured by Claris. These products are sold under the following labels: Claris, Sagent Pharmaceuticals, Pfizer and West-Ward Pharmaceuticals. Metronidazole (Flagyl) and ciprofloxacin are antimicrobials, and ondansetron is an anti-emetic.

Although labeled for human use, these drugs can be used in animals. Please make sure that your vet is aware of this recall.

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From the Response Products web site:

Advanced Cetyl M Joint Action Formula for Dogs

Lot Numbers: #1210903 and #0128010

Shipping Dates

• 120 CT Bottle: January 8, 2010-April 2, 2010
• 360 CT Bottle: February 11, 2010-April 2, 2010

SITUATION

As a precautionary measure, Response Products has issued a voluntary recall of product from two lots of its Advanced Cetyl M Joint Action Formula for Dogs. This recall—while voluntary—is due to POSSIBLE Salmonella contamination from a product ingredient (hydrolyzed vegetable protein) manufactured and supplied by Basic Food Flavors, Inc. of Las Vegas, Nevada.

We are pleased to report that multiple product samples of Advanced Cetyl M Joint Action Formula for Dogs have been tested at different stages of the manufacturing process by independent, outside resources and that NO product contamination has been found. More importantly, there have been NO reports of illness—either human or animal—from any customers.

We are also pleased to report that NONE of our other products or lot numbers for Advanced Cetyl M Joint Action Formula for Dogs are affected. Established in 1998, this is the first product recall of any kind at Response Products.

This voluntary recall is related to a much larger ingredient recall announced by Basic Food Flavors, Inc., of its hydrolyzed vegetable protein. Like hundreds of other leading national brands, Advanced Cetyl M Joint Action Formula for Dogs has used this common flavor-enhancing ingredient safely and without incident for many, many years. More than 700 products from other companies are affected by the Basic Food Flavors recall.

As a standard practice and as part of our quality and safety assurance protocols, Response Products requires testing for Salmonella and other harmful pathogens to be completed at critical control points in the manufacturing process. These protocols are consistent with the rigorous quality and safety control guidelines of the National Animal Supplement Council (NASC) established in cooperation with the Food and Drug Administration, the Center for Veterinary Medicine and the American Association of Feed Control Officials.

While all testing of Advanced Cetyl Joint Action Formula for Dogs at each critical control point in the process has been negative for Salmonella (including the two lots in question), we have taken this voluntary and precautionary step out of an abundance of caution—and in keeping with our commitment to assure the very safest, highest quality and most effective products possible.

SYMPTOMS RESULTING FROM SALMONELLA

People who handle contaminated raw, unprocessed human foods and dry pet food, treats and/or health tablets can become infected with Salmonella, particularly if they have not thoroughly washed their hands after having contact with the contaminated product or surface.

Healthy people infected with Salmonella should monitor themselves for some or all of the following symptoms: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramping and fever. Rarely, 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 provider.

Pets infected with Salmonella may be lethargic and have diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever and vomiting. Some pets will have only decreased appetite, fever and abdominal pain. If your pet has consumed the recalled product and has exhibited these symptoms, please contact your veterinarian.

According to the Center for Disease Control, approximately 40,000 cases of salmonellosis are reported in the United States every year in people. Because many milder cases are not diagnosed or reported, the actual number of infections may be thirty or more times greater.

RETURN POLICY

Response Products will replace any product remaining from the two affected lots free of charge, including shipping. We ask only that you return the product in question for verification. If you have product from the two affected lots, be sure to discontinue use and contact Response Products or the place of purchase for further instructions.

Consumers and wholesale/retail outlets may contact Response Products by e-mail at customerservice@responseproducts.com or by phone at 1-877-266-9757, Monday through Friday, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. CST.

From their press release:

Nature’s Variety has expanded its voluntary recall of Chicken Formula Raw Frozen Diets for dogs and cats to include the “Best If Used By” dates of 10/29/10 and 11/9/10 because these products may be contaminated with Salmonella. Salmonella can affect animals and there is risk to humans from handling contaminated pet products. People handling pet food can become infected with Salmonella, especially if they have not thoroughly washed their hands after having contact with the product or any surfaces exposed to these products.

Healthy people infected with Salmonella should monitor themselves for some or all of the following symptoms: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramping and fever. Rarely, 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 become lethargic and have diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever, or vomiting. Some pets may experience only a decreased appetite, fever, or abdominal pain. If your pet has consumed any of the affected products and is experiencing any of these symptoms, please contact your veterinarian.

The recall includes the following products with a “Best If Used By” date of 10/29/10 or 11/9/10:

• UPC#7 69949 60131 9 – Chicken Formula 0.75 lb trial sized medallions
• UPC#7 69949 60130 2 – Chicken Formula 3 lb medallions
• UPC#7 69949 60120 3 – Chicken Formula 6 lb patties
• UPC#7 69949 60121 0 – Chicken Formula 2 lb single chubs

In an abundance of caution, Nature’s Variety has also chosen to expand this voluntary recall to include all Chicken Formula and Organic Chicken Formula Raw Frozen Diets for dogs and cats with any “Best If Used By” date on or before 2/5/11. Nature’s Variety has elected to clear the market of raw frozen chicken diets as it implements a state-of-the-art new food safety process called High Pressure Pasteurization for use on all Nature’s Variety Raw Frozen Diets.

The products included in the expanded recall are any Chicken Formula or Organic Chicken Formula Raw Frozen Diet with a “Best If Used By” date on or before 2/5/11, including:

• UPC#7 69949 60131 9 – Chicken Formula 0.75 lb trial sized medallions
• UPC#7 69949 60130 2 – Chicken Formula 3 lb medallions
• UPC#7 69949 60120 3 – Chicken Formula 6 lb patties
• UPC#7 69949 60121 0 – Chicken Formula 2 lb single chubs
• UPC#7 69949 50121 3 – Chicken Formula 12 lb case of chubs
• UPC#7 69949 60137 1 – Organic Chicken Formula 3 lb medallions
• UPC#7 69949 60127 2 – Organic Chicken Formula 6 lb patties

The “Best If Used By” date is located on the back of the package above the safe handling instructions. The affected product was distributed through retail stores and internet sales in the United States and Canada.

No other Raw Frozen Diets are involved in this expansion other than chicken, and no other Nature’s Variety products are involved.

For more information

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