Recalls

FDA Warns Consumers Not to Feed Certain Nature’s Deli Chicken Jerky Dog Treats


Product may be contaminated with Salmonella

Silver Spring, Maryland–(ENEWSPF)–December 6, 2012. 

Fast Facts

  • The FDA is warning consumers not to feed their pets certain Nature’s Deli Chicken Jerky Dog Treats packaged and distributed by Kasel Associates Industries Inc. (Kasel) with a lot code of BESTBY061913DEN. The company has declined to perform a voluntary recall at this time.
  • The company recalled one lot of its Nature’s Deli Chicken Jerky Dog Treats on October 2, 2012. However that recall did not extend to the lot code covered by this warning.
  • These dog treats may be contaminated with Salmonella.
  • Both people and animals can contract Salmonellosis from handling or eating contaminated products.
  • Consumers should dispose of these products in ways that people and animals, including wild animals, cannot access them, such as placing them in a securely lidded garbage can.
  • This advisory is not associated with an ongoing investigation of reported illnesses in dogs and consumption of chicken jerky treats.
  • The FDA has not received reports of illnesses associated with this product.
  • These products are made in the United States.

What is the Problem?

The FDA is warning consumers not to feed their pets certain Nature’s Deli Chicken Jerky Dog Treats packaged and distributed by Kasel Associates Industries Inc., (Kasel) of Denver, Colorado, because the product may be contaminated with Salmonella. The company has declined to perform a voluntary recall at this time. The company recalled one lot of its Nature’s Deli Chicken Jerky Dog Treats on October 2, 2012. However that recall did not extend to the lot code covered by this warning.

In November 2012, a retail sample of Nature’s Deli Chicken Jerky Dog Treats lot code BESTBY061913DEN taken by the Colorado Department of Agriculture tested positive for Salmonella.

The product is sold in 3.0 lb. packages labeled as Nature’s Deli Chicken Jerky Dog Treats. The product is packaged in flexible plastic which is yellow, blue, green and red, with black and white print writing. The packaging also has a digital photo of a dog on the front panel, and transparent sections to view the product inside. Lot code BESTBY061913DEN is located on the reverse side of the packaging in the transparent section immediately following the term “All American Dog.” The affected products are sold at Costco stores in the Denver, Colo., area. Costco is working with FDA and has removed all of the affected products from its shelves. The company will also contact customers who may have purchased the product to provide additional instructions. 

In September 2012, the Colorado Department of Agriculture tested a retail sample of a Kasel dog treat product and detected a positive finding for Salmonella. An FDA follow-up inspection at the firm found certain finished dog treat products and 34 out of 72 environmental samples positive for Salmonella.

Pet treats produced and distributed by Kasel that have been recalled to date are as follows:

What are the Symptoms of Illness/Injury?

Salmonella can affect both humans and animals. People handling dry pet treats can be 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.

This advisory is not associated with an ongoing investigation of reported illnesses in dogs and consumption of chicken jerky treats. The Kasel products in question are made in the United States.

Who is at Risk?

The elderly, infants and those with impaired immune systems are more likely to become severely ill from Salmonella infection. The bacterium can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in these vulnerable populations. Most healthy individuals recover from Salmonella infections within four to seven days without treatment.

As with humans, dogs who are elderly, very young or have impaired immune systems are more vulnerable to Salmonella infection.

What Do Consumers Need To Do?

Consumers should dispose of these products in way that people and animals, including wild animals, cannot access them, such as placing them in a securely lidded garbage can.

Consumers who believe they or their pets are suffering from symptoms of Salmonella infection should consult their health care provider or their pet’s veterinarian.

What Does the Product Look Like?

The product is sold in 3.0 lbs. packages labeled as Nature’s Deli Chicken Jerky Dog Treats. The product is packaged in flexible plastic which is yellow, blue, green and red, with black and white print writing. The packaging also has a digital photo of a dog on the front panel, and transparent sections to view the product inside. Lot codeBESTBY061913DEN is located on the reverse side of the packaging in the transparent section immediately following the term “All American Dog.”

Who Should be Contacted?

Consumers can report complaints about FDA-regulated pet food and pet treat products by calling the consumer complaint coordinator in their area or by reporting through the Safety Reporting Portal. Information on reporting consumer complaints can be found at: http://www.fda.gov/AnimalVeterinary/SafetyHealth/ReportaProblem/ucm182403.htm

The information in this press release reflects the FDA’s best efforts to communicate what it has learned from the manufacturer and the state and local public health agencies involved in the investigation. The agency will update this page as more information becomes available.

For more information:

Kasel recalls to date:

The FDA, an agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, protects the public health by assuring the safety, effectiveness, and security of human and veterinary drugs, vaccines and other biological products for human use, and medical devices. The agency also is responsible for the safety and security of our nation’s food supply, cosmetics, dietary supplements, products that give off electronic radiation, and for regulating tobacco products.

Source: fda.gov


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