OC Raw Dog voluntarily recalls dog food due to potential Salmonella risk

OC Raw Dog of Rancho Santa Margarita, California, USA, is voluntarily recalling 640 pounds of Chicken, Fish & Produce Raw Frozen Canine Formulation. This is being done in an abundance of caution, according to the company, as the product has the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella. No illnesses have been reported and no other OC Raw Dog manufactured products are affected.

 

"At OC Raw Dog, we are passionate about our products and the safety of canine and human customers is our top priority," said the company in a statement. "We apologize for any inconvenience this recall may have caused."

 

The voluntary recall is limited to Chicken, Fish & Produce Raw Frozen Canine Formulations that were packaged into 6.5 lb. Doggie Dozen Patties, 4 lb. Doggie Sliders and 3 lb. Meaty Rox with the lot number 1819, and use by date of 05/05/16. These codes can be checked on the bottom left corner of the back of the package. Distribution is limited to customers in Colorado, Vermont and Pennsylvania and sold to consumers through independent pet specialty retailers.

 

The potential for contamination was noted after routine testing by the Colorado Department of Food and Agriculture of a sample that they collected at retailer revealed the presence of Salmonella in a 3 lb. bag of "Chicken, Fish & Produce Raw Frozen Canine Formulations" Meaty Rox. Another sample from the same lot was previously tested by the California Department of Agriculture and it had a negative Salmonella result.

 

If you are in possession of this recalled product, please submit a picture of the package with the lot number to Olivia@ocrawdog.com for verification. Either dispose of the product immediately or return the product to the retailer where you purchased it for a replacement product.

 

Consumers with questions may contact the company at 1-844-215-DOGS (3647) Monday through Friday, 9 a.m.–4 p.m. PST.

More Americans consider raw pet diets amid safety issues

As Americans look to serve their pets healthier food, many are moving to raw diets.
According to GfK, retail sales of raw freeze-dried pet food were up 64% from US$25 million to US$40 million in the past year. Sales of raw frozen pet food was up 32% from US$52 million to US$69million.
Recently, Allprovide, the all-natural raw pet food company, conducted a survey of 1,826 cat and dog owners across the United States on their pet food preferences, knowledge and interests. The results show that more than 37% of pet owners are interested in a fresh, healthy raw food diet for their pets.
However, in recent months, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) warned about the safety of raw pet foods.
FDA has assigned field staff to collect samples of raw pet food to be analyzed for Salmonella, Listeria monocytogenes and E. coli. CDC, in a blog, offered consumers ways to protect pets and people from illness due to Salmonella and Listeria. And AVMA has said it “discourages the feeding to cats and dogs of any animal-source protein that has not first been subjected to a process to eliminate pathogens because of the risk of illness to cats and dogs as well as humans.”
In July, Nature’s Variety announced a voluntary recall of its Instinct Raw Chicken Formula for dogs because it may be contaminated with Salmonella. 

RECALL: Northwest Farm Food Cooperative recalls cat food

Northwest Farm Food Cooperative of Burlington, Washington, USA, is voluntarily recalling frozen raw Cat Food with the code Jul12015B due to their potential to be contaminated with Salmonella.
The potentially affected lots of frozen raw Cat Food were sold from the company’s facility at 1370 S. Anacortes St., Burlington, WA 98233.
The affected products are sold in 50-pound blocks and cases of six 10-pound chubs packaged in a white plastic bag labeled Cat Food. The products affected by this recall have the production code Jul12015B and have no UPC code. The production code can be found on the outside of the case (box).
The recall was the result of a sampling done by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) which revealed that the finished product contained the bacteria. The company has ceased the production and distribution of the product as FDA and the company continues their investigation as to what caused the problem.
Consumers who have purchased the affected lots of frozen raw Cat Food are urged to stop feeding them and return product to place of purchase for a full refund or dispose of them immediately. For further information about the recall, call +1.360.757.4225 Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. PST.
Salmonella can affect animals eating the products and there is risk to humans from handling contaminated pet 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 health care providers.
Pets with Salmonella infections may be lethargic and have diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever, and vomiting. Some pets will have only decreased appetite, fever and abdominal pain. 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.
No pet or consumer illnesses from this product have been reported to date. However, because of their commitment to safety and quality, Northwest Farm Food Cooperative is conducting a voluntary recall of this product.

Survey: 37% interested in raw pet food diets

Allprovide, the all-natural raw pet food company, conducted a survey of 1,826 cat and dog owners across the United States on their pet food preferences, knowledge and interests. The results show that more than 37% of pet owners are interested in a fresh, healthy raw food diet for their pets.
“These statistics demonstrate what we’ve been hearing from pet owners across the country,” said Michael McVay, co-founder of Allprovide. “The more people learn about the risks of feeding pets processed foods and the more they see the health benefits of a fresh, raw food diet, the more eager they are to switch.”
The full results of the study include:

• Thirty-three percent would be interested in feeding their pets a fresh, raw food diet.
• Forty-six percent said they hadn’t heard of the raw pet food diet prior to the survey.
• Thirteen percent of those surveyed already feed their pets raw food.
• Pet health is the No. 1 factor (94%) for consumers when choosing their pet’s food.
• Freshness and quality (89%) are the second motivating factors for purchase.
• Cost is the third consumer consideration (65%) in purchase.
• Eighty-nine percent of pet parents feed their pets processed foods and fillers.
• Twenty-three percent of those who feed their pets processed foods report their pets suffer from skin problems, arthritis, kidney problems or food allergies.
• The same number of respondents (23%) report that their veterinarians have suggested a change in diet to treat those illnesses.
• Thirty-three percent would prefer to have their pet food delivered on a regular schedule, as opposed to buying it in-store.
• Fifty-five percent would prefer to give their pets fresh food that can be served naturally or cooked.

 The anonymous survey was conducted with 1,826 cat and dog owners who identify themselves as “health conscious.”

US agencies warn about safety of raw pet food

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has assigned field staff to collect samples of raw pet food to be analyzed for Salmonella, Listeria monocytogenes and E. coli.

According to FDA’s assignment, positive findings “may result in a Class I recall, press release, and Reportable Food Registry (RFR) submission.”

FDA says it is concerned about the growing number of dog and cat owners who have begun feeding raw diets to their pets.

“Feeding raw foods to household pets such as dogs or cats carries a risk to human and animal health,” FDA said.

However, FDA says it acknowledges that there is consumer demand for raw pet food and therefore is looking to educate consumers about the safe handling of the food.

Recently, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in a blog, offered consumers ways to protect pets and people from illness due to Salmonella and Listeria. The American Veterinary Medical Association has said it “discourages the feeding to cats and dogs of any animal-source protein that has not first been subjected to a process to eliminate pathogens because of the risk of illness to cats and dogs as well as humans.” 

Canada restricts raw petfood containing poultry products

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is implementing measures to protect Canada's poultry resources from an outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza reported in poultry in the states of Kansas, Arkansas, Missouri, Minnesota, California, Idaho, Oregon and Washington, USA.
Travelers should know that, due to this outbreak, all raw poultry and all poultry products and byproducts that are not fully cooked, including eggs and raw petfoods, sourced, processed or packaged from the states of Kansas, Arkansas, Missouri, Minnesota, California, Idaho, Oregon and Washington are under restriction until further notice. You may not bring these items into Canada.
These measures are a normal part of Canada's animal disease control efforts and are consistent with international guidelines on trade.
Examples of restricted items include:

• Raw petfoods containing poultry products
• Live birds and hatching eggs
• Eggs, yolks, egg whites (albumen)
• Poultry meat (other than fully cooked, canned, commercially sterile meat products)
• Feathers
• Poultry manure and litter
• Laboratory material containing poultry products/byproducts

Live pet birds may be brought into Canada with official certification from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS).
Commercial imports of live poultry, birds and raw or untreated avian products are restricted from the specific quarantine zones within the states of Kansas, Arkansas, Missouri, Minnesota, California, Idaho, Oregon and Washington until further notice. Commercial importers should refer to the CFIA's Automated Import Reference System (AIRS) for more information on restricted products.
 There is no food safety risk associated with these products. These measures are being taken to prevent the introduction of avian influenza into other parts of Canada.

RECALL: Primal Pet Foods recalls raw frozen cat food

Company voluntarily recalling single lot due to low thiamine levels

Primal Pet Foods is voluntarily recalling a single batch production code of Feline Turkey Raw Frozen Formula 3-pound bag. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) tested product in response to a single consumer complaint. Primal Pet Foods was alerted by FDA that the testing of two bags of this lot resulted in a low thiamine level. Neither FDA nor Primal have received any other reports concerning thiamine in Primal products. No other product manufactured by Primal Pet Foods is involved in this voluntary recall.


Only the product with the following Best By date and production code is included in the recall:
Primal Pet Foods Feline Turkey Raw Frozen Formula 3-pound bag (UPC# 8 50334-00414 0) with Best By date 060815 B22
"Primal takes very seriously the need for adequate thiamine levels in our feline diets," said the company. "We include organic quinoa sprout powder as a natural B-complex supplement to ensure that adequate levels of thiamine are met. Additionally, thiamine occurs naturally in other ingredients contained in our Feline Turkey Formula, such as turkey muscle meat (including heart), turkey liver, organic sunflower seeds, dried organic kelp, organic collard greens and organic squash."
Consumers who still have bags of cat food from this lot should stop feeding it to their cats and call Primal at 866.566.4652 Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. PST. Consumers with further questions should visit the company's website at www.primalpetfoods.com or call at the same number.

British Columbia receives $2.15 million for raw petfood production

British Columbia's agri-food industry is receiving more than $2.5 million (US$2.15 million) for 27 new projects supporting trial crops and the development of new agricultural products and practices. Among these funded projects is the development of commercial raw petfood products sourced from producers in communities around B.C.
The funding comes from the governments of Canada and B.C.'s Growing Forward 2 agreement, which provides up to $13.4 million (US$11.5 million) between 2013 and 2018 through the Canada-B.C. Agri-Innovation Program. Projects funded through the program must have the potential to lead to the commercialization and/or adoption of innovative products, technologies and practices. So far, 63 projects have shared more than $5.8 million (US$5 million) in funding.
Other projects recently announced include the testing of quinoa, flax, lentil and pea varieties suitable for growing conditions in the Peace Valley region; and the design and testing of novel, energy-saving LED fixtures to help grow lettuces, leafy greens, micro-greens and culinary herbs year-round while reducing energy usage by 40%.

RECALL: Bravo recalls chicken, turkey petfoods on possible Salmonella risk

Bravo is recalling select lots of Bravo Turkey and Chicken petfoods for dogs and cats because they have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella.

The recall was initiated after routine testing by the Nebraska Department of Agriculture revealed the presence of Salmonella in two lots of product. This batch tested negative by a third party independent laboratory prior to release for distribution to consumers. The recalled products were distributed throughout the US beginning on Nov. 14, 2013 to distributors, retail stores, Internet retailers and directly to consumers. The products can be identified by the batch ID code (best used by date) printed on the side of the plastic tube. The products are:
Raw Food Diet Bravo! Turkey Blend for Dogs and Cats (potential for contamination)
Product number: 31-102
Size: 2 lb. (32 oz.) plastic tubes
Best used by date: 11-05-15
UPC: 829546311025
Keep Frozen
Bravo! Blends All Natural Chicken Blend Diet for Dogs and Cats (potential for contamination)
Product number: 21-102
Size: 2 lb. (32 oz.) plastic tubes
Best used by date: 08-11-16
UPC: 829546211028
Keep Frozen
Premium Turkey Formula Bravo Balance Raw Diet (manufactured in same facility as Salmonella-positive products)
Product number: 31-405
Size: 5 lb. (80 oz.) 2.3 kg. plastic tubes
Best used by date: 11-05-15
UPC: 829546314057
Keep Frozen
Bravo! Blends All Natural Chicken Blend Diet for Dogs and Cats (manufactured in same facility as Salmonella-positive products)
Product number: 21-105
Size: 5 lb. (80 oz.) 2.3 kg. plastic tubes
Best used by date: 08-11-16
UPC: 829546211059
Keep Frozen
In addition to the above products, Bravo has chosen to voluntarily withdraw the following poultry products from the marketplace: all sizes (2 lb., 5 lb. and 10 lb.) of Bravo Chicken Blend(s), Bravo Turkey Blend(s), Bravo Balance Chicken and Bravo Balance Premium Turkey Formula frozen raw diet products with best used by dates between June 20, 2016 and Sept. 18, 2016. This is being done out of an abundance of caution by Bravo, and there is no evidence of any manufacturing defect or distribution problem with these products.

Bravo! raw petfood brand launches interactive training program

Bravo!, a manufacturer of raw diets for dogs and cats, recently launched an interactive training program accessible through the company's website. This program was designed to provide distributor sales representatives, retail store associates and product demonstration teams with knowledge to inform shoppers about the benefits of the company's petfood and treats.

test
After viewing a 10-minute video session and completing a 15-question quiz, successful test takers will receive a personalized certificate of completion plus a complimentary US$15 Starbucks gift card.  
"This program was developed to help sales professionals become more knowledgeable about our line, so they can detail pet parents about the many benefits of the Bravo! product lineup and answer frequently asked questions with confidence," said Michelle Carter, Bravo! vice president of sales.
The Bravo! online sales training program can be accessed from personal computers as well as mobile devices.
"This is just the first of many new programs Bravo! will be launching over the coming months to grow sales for our distributor and retail partners," Carter said. To learn more, please contact the company's customer service team at +1.866.922.9222.

Study from FDA warns pet owners to avoid raw petfood diets

A new study from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) found that compared to other types of petfood tested, raw petfood was more likely to be contaminated with disease-causing bacteria. As a result, FDA is warning pet owners who feed pets a raw diet that they may be at a greater risk for infections from Salmonella and Listeria monocytogenes.
The warning to pet owners comes after FDA's Center for Veterinary Medicine (CVM) screened more than 1,000 samples of petfood for foodborne illness-causing bacteria in the two-year study. 
The study involved more samplings from 196 commercial raw dog and cat food brands. CVM says it purchased a variety of raw petfood online from different manufacturers and had the products shipped directly to six laboratories for analysis. According to FDA, the raw petfood products were mostly frozen in tube-like packages and made from ground meat or sausage.
Of the samples analyzed, 15 tested positive for Salmonella and 32 tested positive for Listeria.
The study "identified a potential health risk for the pets eating the raw food, and for the owners handling the product," said Dr. Renate Reimschuessel, a researcher at CVM's Office of Research and one of the study's principal investigators.
FDA says the best way for pet owners to prevent infection is to avoid feeding pets a raw diet. More information on the study, including tips for pet owners to prevent infection from foodborne illness, is available on FDA's website.

Increasing popularity of raw petfood, impact on sustainability discussed in recent article

A recent article in The Vancouver Sun looks at the history of petfood and increasing popularity of raw petfood diets, as a recent report by Mintel points out that nine of 10 pet owners say they view their pet as "family members," and so, look to feed their pets the best diet possible.
"Anthropomorphism of pets has an increased effect on the dietary aspects of commercial petfoods including ingredient selection and nutritional composition," said animal science researcher, Kelly Swanson of the University of Illinois.
Swanson said that raw food has become increasingly popular because some pet owners do not want animal byproducts in their pet's food, demanding real meat instead. This also impacts sustainability because "petfoods compete now directly with human consumption."
Another change over the years is that companies are selling petfood products with a higher protein content, the article notes. Swanson said some diets contain 40-60 percent protein up to as much as nearly 90 percent.
"The raw food diet is fairly controversial. I have friends who feed their pets raw food and their pets are fine. But it's a tricky thing to do, and people forget about the issue of sustainability. They'll recycle their cans on one hand, but food shortages in some countries are not on their radar when they are dealing with their pets' food," said Swanson.
"Dogs are living longer, healthier lives because of how much healthier the dry kibble diets are now from reputable food manufacturers," said Dr. Rebecca Ledger, an animal behaviorist in Vancouver, Canada.

RECALL: BARF World recalls two raw petfood products for Salmonella

Raw petfood manufacturer BARF World is recalling its Lamb and Combo Patties products due to a Salmonella outbreak in its manufacturing plant. 
BARF World's Lamb Patties and Combo Patties products affected by the petfood recall both have a best-use-by date of July 27.
BARF World says its manufacturing facility had a positive test for Salmonella in a non-food item. The petfood was not tested, but the recall was initiated as a precaution. BARF has not received any reports of illness to date.
Consumers who purchased the recalled products should contact Christopher Hampson at +1.866.282.2273.

RECALL: Bravo! recalls three raw petfood diet products for dogs, cats

Raw petfood maker Bravo! is recalling three of its raw diet frozen foods for dogs and cats because the products have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella. 
The recall includes the following petfood products, with product size and name; product item code; and "best used by" dates:

• 5-lb. tubes of Bravo! Chicken Balance; 21-405; March 6, 2015, and March 12, 2015
• 2-lb. tubes of Bravo! Chicken Blend; 21-102; March 21, 2015
• 5-lb. bags of Bravo! Beef Blend Burgers; 51-508; March 21, 2015, and March 22, 2015 
The recall is being issued because products run on the same or adjacent day as another product the company produces, which tested positive for Salmonella. Bravo! says the recalled products tested negative for Salmonella, and it has not received reports of illnesses associated with the products. 
Consumers should returned unopened frozen tubes of the petfood and patties to the place of purchase or dispose of the product if it is open, and contact the retailer for a refund. 

Avure offers HPP raw meat protein on-demand webinar

Avure Technologies offers an on-demand webinar video for meat processors in the petfood industry looking to learn more about high-pressure processing of raw meat protein.
The webinar, "HPP Applications for Raw Protein," demonstrates how high-pressure processing can help achieve extended shelf life, improvements in meat color and texture, improved tenderness and more. The webinar can be viewed online at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MYdObmz7Mp0&feature-youtu.be.

American Animal Hospital Association discourages raw diets

The American Animal Hospital Association has joined the American Veterinary Medical Association in discouraging the feeding of raw pet food diets to dogs and cats.
According to a statement on its website, the American Animal Hospital Association “does not advocate or endorse feeding pets any raw or dehydrated nonsterilized foods, including treats that are of animal origin.” The association's decision was based on “overwhelming scientific evidence” and cited 50 sources.
“Homemade raw food diets are unsafe because retail meats for human consumption can be contaminated with pathogens," the association said. “Studies that have been done on both commercially available and homemade raw protein diets have found a high percentage (30-50 percent) of them contaminated with pathogenic organisms, and up to 30 percent of the dogs fed such diets may shed pathogenic organisms in their stool.”

Red Dog Deli offers new Lamberoni treats for dogs

Red Dog Deli, the maker of Red Dog Blue Kat raw pet food, has added Lamberoni Stix and Lamberoni Nibbles to its product line of treats for dogs.
According to the company's owner and manager, Inna Shekhtman, the treats are made from naturally raised, non-medicated lamb from Canada, including lamb tripe and lamb meat, and organic oat fiber. Packaged in resealable bags, the treats are preserved through a natural smoking process with no liquid smoke, nitrates, chemicals or salt, she says.
Red Dog Blue Kat products can be found at pet retailers throughout Canada. 

AVMA discourages pet owners from feeding raw pet food diets

The American Veterinary Medical Association passed a new resolution discouraging the feeding of raw pet food diets to dogs and cats due to human health concerns.
The association is discouraging pet owners from feeding raw meat diets because pathogens like Salmonella, E. coli and other bacteria can be easily transmitted to humans by handling the raw food or through contact with the animal's feces. 
Dr. Ashley Hughes of Friendship Hospital for Animals says bacteria is very difficult to get rid of, even with proper washing of bowls and utensils. She says feeding raw food is especially dangerous in homes with children, elderly people or people with weak immune systems.
"The Internet tells [pet owners] raw food is the best thing to feed, and if they love their dog, this is what they should be feeding them, and so I hope people research it more and, you know, make an informed decision if that's what they want to feed," Dr. Hughes says. "I think it's about discussing your feeding choices with your veterinarian and working out a system and a way of feeding that works for you and your pet."

Instinct launches new raw frozen diet products for dogs, cats

Instinct, a brand of raw frozen diets for pets, has launched two new pet food products: Instinct Raw Boost kibble and Instinct Frozen Raw Bites.
Instinct Raw Boost is a pet food that integrates Instinct's freeze-dried raw formulas with grain-free kibble, available in chicken, duck and venison for dogs, as well as chicken and duck for cats. Instinct Raw Bites are in the "scoop and serve" form of feeding to make it more convenient for pet owners to quickly thaw and serve to pets. Instinct Raw Bites are available in four formulas for dogs or cats: chicken, beef, duck and lamb.
“Pet parents want vibrant health for their cats and dogs, and providing a grain-free food that’s high in protein is the foundation for optimal health,” said Eric Emmenegger, senior brand manager. “And, while many people understand the benefits of feeding raw to their pets, the frozen form may not work with their lifestyle. Freeze-drying simply removes moisture while maintaining the food’s natural integrity. By integrating freeze-dried raw pieces with our kibble, pet parents are able to easily serve a boost of healthy raw food in every bowl.”
To celebrate the launch of the new formulas, Instinct is giving away free petfood samples to those who "like" its Facebook page. Instinct will allow users to request a free 3-ounce sample of Instinct Raw Boost, for a total of 50,000 samples given away on a first-come, first-served basis.  

Bravo! implements raw pet food diet packaging changes

Bravo!, a manufacturer of frozen-fresh raw diets, is implementing packaging changes for three of its pet food product lines. 
As part of the change, the company will be vacuum-sealing individual burgers in all of its Bravo! Blends and Bravo! Balance burger formats. The new "EZ-Peel" packages replace the existing "loose-fit" plastic overwrap. 
There will be a slight color variation on the inside of the film as a result of oxygen removal from the pouch.  Once opened, and the product begins to defrost, the burger will look redder than products in the older-style packages. 
Additionally, all Bravo! Chews products have been converted to new shelf-shipper display boxes. Previously, the products were shipped in an outer carton with an inner sleeve and inner display box.