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Update 1/15/10:
This brought up from the comments from Sommer, who works for Merrick:
“The voluntary withdrawal was only on lot number –“ 09323 best buy 11/19/11”. There were only 84 retailers that may have received the product. The retail stores have been notified and if the retailer had this lot then the product was pulled. There are only 17 cases that have not been recovered. If you have any more questions or concerns, please visit our website www.merrickpetcare.com or call us at 1-800-664-7387″
This announcement came out this afternoon (although not found on their Pet Safety widget at this writing). (Bold type added by me):
“FDA Health Alert for Merrick Beef Filet Squares Dog Treats Packaged and Distributed by Merrick Pet Care
Products may be contaminated with Salmonella
The U. S. Food and Drug Administration is warning consumers not to use Merrick Beef Filet Squares for dogs distributed by Merrick Pet Care with a package date of “Best By 111911” because the product may be contaminated with Salmonella.
The product was distributed nationwide through retail stores and Internet sales.
Although no illnesses associated with these products have been reported, the FDA is advising consumers in possession of these products not to handle or feed them to their pets.
In December 2009, the FDA conducted routine testing of Merrick Beef Filet Squares and detected a positive finding for Salmonella. A follow-up inspection found deficiencies in the packaging and manufacturing processes.
Salmonella can affect both humans and animals. People handling dry pet treats can become infected with Salmonella, especially if they have not thoroughly washed their hands after having contact with the treats or any surfaces exposed to these products. Consumers should dispose of these products in a safe manner by securing them in a covered trash receptacle.
Healthy people infected with Salmonella may experience some or all of the following symptoms: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramping and fever. Although rare, Salmonella can result in more serious ailments including arterial infections, endocarditis (inflammation of the lining of the heart), arthritis, muscle pain, eye irritation, and urinary tract symptoms. Consumers exhibiting these signs after having contact with this product should contact their health care provider immediately.
Pets with Salmonella infections may become lethargic and have diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever and vomiting. Some pets may experience only a 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 any of the affected product or is experiencing any of these symptoms, contact your veterinarian immediately.
The affected Merrick Beef Filet Squares were packaged in a 10-ounce green, red and tan re-sealable plastic bag. The “best by” date is imprinted on the top portion of the bag, which is torn off when the bag is opened. The FDA recommends that consumers who are unable to determine the “best by” date discontinue use of the product.
Consumers can report complaints about FDA-regulated pet food and pet treat products by calling the consumer complaint coordinator in their area. Please see http://www.fda.gov/AnimalVeterinary/SafetyHealth/ReportaProblem/ucm182403.htm for additional information.”
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Anyone know if this affects the lamb filets as well?
I am so glad that Merrick already pulled all of the bad treats they could. Before the FDA even said they had to. I like that they were on top of it and that they can get warnings out to folks. They are a great family owned company that is US made and USDA certified. This can happen to any food producer, whether it is dog, people or other animal food. I am glad it was a company that cares about what they do.
The voluntary withdrawal was only on lot number –“ 09323 best buy 111911”. There were only 84 retailers that may have received the product. The retail stores have been notified and if the retailer had this lot then the product was pulled. There are only 17 cases that have not been recovered. If you have any more questions or concerns, please visit our website http://www.merrickpetcare.com or call us at 1-800-664-7387
Hi GBFBoxer, I work for Merrick and it does not affect the Lamb. The voluntary withdrawal was only on lot number –“ 09323 best buy 111911”. There were only 84 retailers that may have received the product. The retail stores have been notified and if the retailer had this lot then the product was pulled. There are only 17 cases that have not been recovered. If you have any more questions or concerns, please visit our website http://www.merrickpetcare.com or call us at 1-800-664-7387
Yes it can happen to any company, no matter how good they are. What is critical is that they respond to the public the way Merrick has done here. There is nothing better to allay people's concerns than transparency. I agree with your assessment, D-Dog, and thanks for adding to the conversation here.
Unless I am misreading your comment, Debie, the recall was to prevent our dogs from getting sick, also noting that people can also contract salmonella just from handling the contents of the bag, so it's not a matter of just washing our hands. Thanks for commenting, and I know we all get so frustrated from time to time that we can't read straight:) You are right that recall costs get passed on to the consumer, or in this case the consumer's family, and many are hypersensitive to that fact these days.
Thanks for being on top of your game, and providing this information for readers, Sommer.
the minute your dog slobbers on his treat or chew hoof, etc. and it is exposed to air it becomes a salmonella risk… there are too many treats being recalled, why don't they just put a reminder on the bag to wash our hands and be done with it? Recalls ultimately make the price go up for the consumer.
No where in the FDA warning is a lot number mentioned. I think everyone should use the expiration date (only) as the criterion.
“The U. S. Food and Drug Administration is warning consumers not to use Merrick Beef Filet Squares for dogs distributed by Merrick Pet Care with a package date of “Best By 111911” because the product may be contaminated with Salmonella.”
http://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm197700.htm
Yes the update from Sommer, a Merrick employee, did contain a lot number along and other information as well as that same expiration date. I think Sommer simply offered full disclosure as one with inside knowledge who was trying to assist.
Continuing the Discussion