RECALL INFORMATION:

Below is the link to the recent recall lists from the FDA (U.S. Food and Drug Administration) website. This is a great website that also has a link to get you signed up for email alerts when there is a recall. The link is: http://www.fda.gov/AnimalVeterinary/SafetyHealth/RecallsWithdrawals/default.htm

RECENT RECALLS INCLUDE:

• FDA Announcement of Certain Raw Pet Foods Made by Arrow Reliance Inc., Including Darwin's Natural Pet Products and ZooLogics Pet Food https://www.fda.gov/AnimalVeterinary/NewsEvents/ucm596555.htm
• Recall Expansion Smokehouse Pet Products Inc. Recalls All Lots Of "Beefy Munchies" Sold Nationwide Because Of Possible Salmonella Contamination https://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm597046.htm
• Updated - Northwest Naturals Voluntarily Recalls 5lb Frozen Chicken and Salmon Pet Food Chubs Because of Possible Listeria Monocytogenes Health Risk https://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm598158.htm
• TruPet, LLC Issues Voluntary Recall of Certain "Treat Me Crunchy Beef Delight" Pet Treats https://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm598161.htm
• Carnivore Meat Company Issues Voluntary Recall of "Vital Essentials Freeze-Dried Beef Nibblets Entrée for Dogs" Pet Food https://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm598255.htm
• Blue Ridge Beef Recalls Kitten Grind Raw Pet Food Lot#GA1102 Because of Possible Contamination https://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm599261.htm
• Steve's Real Food Voluntarily Recalls Raw Frozen Dog Food Turkey Canine Recipe Due to Possible Salmonella Contamination https://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm599288.htm
• Raw Basics, LLC. Recalls Tucker's 5lb Pork-Bison Box Because of Possible Salmonella Health Risk https://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm599724.htm

It is important for you to know when there is a pet food or treat recall. It does not necessarily mean that the brand of food will have the brand name listed on the front of the label. In fact, you would be surprised to know that many pet foods are made that do not have a manufacturing plant of their own, so they pay other manufacturing plants to make their food. So even if the brand name isn't listed in the recall list, it would be a good idea to scan the press releases to be sure your pet's food is not on any of the lists. The FDA website will allow you to look at each individual press release to see if your pet's food is listed. I encourage you to read through each one to be sure none of your pet's foods have been recalled.

HOW TO REPORT A PET FOOD COMPLAINT: Below is the link to "How to Report a Pet Food Complaint" from the FDA (U.S. Food and Drug Administration) website.
The link is: http://www.fda.gov/AnimalVeterinary/SafetyHealth/ReportaProblem/ucm182403.htm

HUMAN RISKS / PET FOOD SAFETY TIPS: It is important for you to know that a Pet Food Recall may not only affect your pet, it could affect you as well.
The CDC website has an article that can inform you of the risks and guide you in protecting your family and pets. The article is called "Pet Food Safety".
The link is: https://www.cdc.gov/healthypets/resources/pet-food-tips_8x11_508.pdf

DANGERS OF RAW PET FOODS: There are dangers to consider when feeding pets raw food diets. Raw pet foods are more likely to cause illnesses due to the higher risk of the food containing bacteria. There also is a higher risk of the pet owner acquiring an illness from handling the food as well. Below are a couple of links to articles that will provide important information in regards to these dangers.

• Get the Facts! Raw Pet Food Diets can be Dangerous to You and Your Pet. The link is: https://www.fda.gov/animalveterinary/resourcesforyou/animalhealthliteracy/ucm373757.htm
• Avoid the Dangers of Raw Pet Food. The link is: https://www.fda.gov/AnimalVeterinary/ResourcesforYou/AnimalHealthLiteracy/ucm368730.htm

CAUTION REGARDING PET JERKY TREATS & PET TREATS (EVEN ONES MADE IN THE USA):

There have been thousands of illness and fatality complaints reported to the FDA from pet jerky type products, mostly from products imported from China. However, it is very concerning that manufacturer's are not required to list the country of origin for EVERY INGREDIENT. So just because the product says it was made in the USA, it still may contain ingredients that were imported from China. Also, it is not just jerky treats! It can be combination type treats, tenders, strips, and even rawhide treats. Below is a link for more information.

The majority of complaints involve chicken jerky (treats, tenders, and strips), but others include duck, sweet potato, and treats where chicken or duck jerky is wrapped around dried fruits, sweet potatoes, yams, or rawhide.

We know the health and safety of your pet is important to you. Our healthcare team is here for you if you have any questions or concerns. You may contact us at 941-625-6111 or email us at charlotteahpa@embarqmail.com and we would be happy to assist you.

Thank you for trusting us to care for your pet.

Respectfully,
Michelle Jones
Veterinary Technologist/Veterinary Nutritional Counselor/Safety Manager
Charlotte Animal Hospital