Well, 2013 looks like there will be plenty more pet food recalls. While some companies found the problems during their own quality control, others were found due to the diligence of testing from state safety labs. Unfortunately, with upcoming budget cuts from the sequester starting tomorrow, it is likely that there will be a backlog of testing, which will be increasing health risk.
Just as a push for the iVet diets that we carry. In their 11 year history, they haven’t been recalled. Ever. You should take a look at these diets for your pets. Their premium lines are corn, wheat, gluten, and by-product free. For our clients, you can get a complimentary bag to try. Unfortunately, they make dry food only.
Fresh off the FDA presses:
1. Hy-Vee dog food recalled due to aflatoxin (a mold contaminant most commonly found in corn and other cereals). It can cause liver failure. Fortunately for dogs here in California, this food was distributed in Hy-Vee stores Iowa, Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Nebraska, South Dakota, Minnesota and Wisconsin between October 26, 2012 and January 11, 2013.
http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm340891.htm
2. Honest Kitchen has recalled some lots of the supplements Verve, Zeal, and Thrive due to Salmonella contamination. They believe it was from the parsley. Salmonella can cause fever, lethargy, vomiting, and diarrhea. Handling the product or waste (poop) from infected dogs can cause significant human disease. Follow the link for more information.
http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm340669.htm
3. Nutri-vet has recalled Nutri-Vet and Nutripet Chicken Jerky products due to possible Salmonella contamination.
http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm340468.htm
4. Kasel Industries has recalled more treats due to salmonella contamination. Boots & Barkley, BIXBI, Nature’s Deli, Colorado Naturals, Petco, and Best Bully Stick, Pig’s Ear, and Jerky Treats. They have been sold to various retailers. Specific items and lots are on the FDA webiste.
http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm340337.htm
5. Nature’s Variety has recalled of one batch of Instinct® Raw Organic Chicken Formula with a “Best if Used By” date of 10/04/13 due to pieces of plastic in the food that can cause choking.
http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm340075.htm
6. Hartz Mountain Corporation is voluntarily withdrawing its Hartz Chicken Chews and Hartz Oinkies Pig Skin Twists wrapped with Chicken for dogs. Milo’s Kitchen is recalling its Chicken Jerky and Chicken Grillers home-style dog treats. These are being recalled due to testing positive for trace amounts of unapproved antibiotic residue. These antibiotics are legal in other nations, such as China but are illegal to be in meat products in the United States. Health risk is considered low, but I advise not feeding these products to pets.
http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm337102.htm
http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm335621.htm