Nature's Variety is doing a voluntary recall of of Chicken Formula Raw Frozen Diets for dogs and cats. If you have this product, look for the "Best If Used By" dates of 10/29/10 and 11/9/10 and also the "Best If Used By" date of 2/5/11 or sooner.

They are recalling the products because they may be contaminated with the bacteria 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.

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
Products Chicken Formula or Organic Chicken Formula Raw Frozen Diet with a "Best If Used By" date on or before 2/5/11, include:
    • 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

From the Nature's Variety website: 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.

Nature's Variety now uses high pressure pasteurization on their raw frozen diets as a unique process to kill pathogenic bacteria through high-pressure, water-based technology. Having incorporated this state-of-the-art technology on a portion of their raw product offerings in late 2009, Nature's Variety was able to confidently implement the process universally on all raw frozen diets after the 2/11/10 recall in order to enhance food safety. For more info on the products and what Nature's Variety is doing to reassure customers, please visit: http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm203612.htm or their website: www.naturesvariety.com/news/33

In my opinion, Nature's Variety is a quality company providing much needed healthy choices for our pets. I am disappointed that this happened, but happy to see that quality control measures were taken to ensure that this never happens again.