Nature’s Variety® announced a recall of its Chicken Formula Raw Frozen Diet product for dogs and cats on February 11, 2010. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a safety warning to consumers about the following Nature’s Variety® products: 3-lb Chicken Medallions UPC 769949601302 with a best by date of 11/10/10, 6-lb Chicken Patties UPC 769949601203 with a best by date of 11/10/10, and 2-lb Chicken Chubs UPC 769949601210 with a best by date of 11/10/10.
The product was recalled due to possible contamination with the Salmonella bacteria. The product was distributed online and through retail stores within the United States, as well as limited distribution within Canada.
The company was made aware of the potential for Salmonella contamination through a customer complaint. And while initial testing of the lot codes in question revealed a negative result, further testing revealed those products with a best by date of 11/10/10 were contaminated with the bacteria.
If consumers or their pets came into contact with the product and show symptoms of Salmonella contamination — diarrhea, fever, stomach cramps, or bloody stool — they should contact a health professional, or veterinarian in the case of their pets, as soon as possible.
Consumers can call the Nature’s Variety® Customer Care line at 1-800-374-3142 or contact the company for more information.