Smallbatch Pets Inc. is voluntarily recalling one lot of frozen dog duckbatch sliders due to their potential to be contaminated with Salmonella and Listeria monocytogenes. This recall was initiated after routine testing by the Food and Drug Administration of a 3lb bag of dog duckbatch sliders, that was collected at a distributor, revealed the presence of Salmonella and Listeria monocytogenes. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is aware of the recall.
No pet or consumer illnesses from this product have been reported to date. However, because of their commitment to safety and quality, Smallbatch Pets is conducting a voluntary recall of this product. Consumers should also follow the Simple Handling Tips published on the Smallbatch Pets package, when disposing of the affected product.
Affected Product
The potentially affected lots of dog duckbatch sliders were distributed to retail pet food stores in States CA, CO, OR, WA through pet food retailers/distributors.
Eighty cases of this product were sold between the dates of 2/23/16 – 3/10/16. The affected products can be identified by the following:
- Sold in 3lbs bags
- Lot #: CO27
- Best By Date: 01/27/17
- UPC: 713757339001
The “Best By” date is located on the back of the package below the seal.
The Risk
Salmonella is an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Individuals handling raw pet food can become infected with salmonella, especially if they have not thoroughly washed their hands after having contact with the product or to surfaces exposed to the product.
Salmonella can affect animals eating the products and there is risk to humans from handling contaminated pet products, especially if they have not thoroughly washed their hands after having contact with the products or any surfaces exposed to these 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
- 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 healthcare providers.
Pets with Salmonella infections may show the following symptoms:
- Lethargic
- Diarrhea or bloody diarrhea
- Fever
- Vomiting
Some animals will have only decreased appetite, fever and abdominal pain. Infected but otherwise healthy animals can be carriers and infect other animals or humans. If your animals have consumed the recalled product and have these symptoms, please contact your veterinarian.
Listeria is not only dangerous to dogs, it can also be deadly to small children, the elderly and those with auto immune disorders. Pregnant when are twenty times more susceptible to the disease and can cause miscarriages and stillbirths. For them, the only symptom may be a fever.
Symptoms to watch for in people:
- Headache
- Stiff neck
- Confusion
- Loss of balance
- Convulsions
- Fever
- Muscle aches
The FDA claims dogs and cats rarely get listeriosis, but we urge pet owners to watch for similar symptoms in their pets and to take them to the vet should they pet seem ill.
If You Have Product
Consumers who have purchased the above lots of dog duck sliders are urged to stop feeding them and return product to place of purchase for a full refund or dispose of them immediately.
For all consumer questions, please call Smallbatch Pets Inc. at 888-507-2712, Monday – Friday, 9:00AM – 4:00PM PST or email us at info@smallbatchpets.com.
