Salmonella Threat: FDA recalls Natural Balance dog food

June 22, 2010
4:39 am

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Salmonella Threat: FDA recalls Natural Balance dog food

06/21/2010 // WPB, FL, USA // Nicole Howley // Nicole Howley

Pacoima, CA—Natural Balance Pet Foods, Inc. and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have announced a voluntary recall of Natural Balance Sweet Potato & Chicken Dry Dog Food on June 18, 2010. The recall involves dog food with the “Best By” date of June 17, 2011 in 5-lb. and 28-lb bags.

The recall was initiated after discovering the product may be contaminated with Salmonella. A random product sample test, conducted by the FDA, found the “Best By” date of June 17, 2001 had a positive reading for Salmonella. The product was originally manufactured on December 17, 2009.

So far, no illnesses have been reported in connection with the recalled product. The FDA reported, “Salmonella can affect animals and there is a risk to humans from handling contaminated pet products. People handling dry pet food can become infected with Salmonella, especially if they have not thoroughly washed their hands after having contact with surfaces exposed to this product.”

The FDA further stated, “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. Consumers exhibiting these signs after having contact with this product should contact their healthcare providers.”

The recall includes:

• Sweet Potato & Chicken Dry Dog Formula- 5 & 28 lbs. bags

• UPC Code: 7-23633-9000-4, 7-23633-99002-8

• Bale UPC Code: 7-23633-99003-5

• Best By Dates: June 17, 2011

Pets who have Salmonella poisoning may be lethargic and have diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever and vomiting. Some pets may only experience decreased appetite, fever and abdominal pain.

The products were sold in pet specialty stores in Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Washington, Wisconsin and Wyoming.

Consumers who have bought the recalled dog food are being advised to return it to the place of purchase to receive a full refund. For further information, please contact Natural Balance Pet Foods Customer Service at (800) 829-4493 (8am – 5pm, PDT) or by visiting www.naturalbalanceinc.com.