Nature's Variety Pet Food Recall

The Lincoln, Nebraska pet food manufacturer Nature's Variety recently recalled all of their Chicken Formula & Organic Chicken products with a "Best if Used By" date on or before 2/5/11 after receiving test results that indicated these products may have been contaminated with Salmonella. The "Best if Used By" date can be found above the handling instructions on the back of the packages. Nature's Variety are asking consumers to return any unopened products to the store they purchased the products from in order to receive a refund or exchange. However, those products that have been opened can be thrown away and consumers can bring in their receipt to the store they purchased the product from for a refund or exchange.

According to the Nature's Variety website, the following products with UPC codes may be affected:

* UPC#7 69949 60130 2 – Chicken Formula 3 lb medallions
* UPC#7 69949 60120 3 – Chicken Formula 6 lb patties
* UPC#7 69949 60121 0 – Chicken Formula 2 lb single chubs
* UPC#7 69949 50121 3 – Chicken Formula 12 lb retail display case of chubs
* UPC#7 69949 60137 1 – Organic Chicken Formula 3 lb medallions
* UPC#7 69949 60127 2 – Organic Chicken Formula 6 lb patties

No other Nature's Variety products are included in the recall.

The FDA has also released a statement to raise awareness about human exposure to Salmonella stating that, "People handling pet food can become infected with Salmonella, especially if they have not thoroughly washed their hands after having contact with the product or any surfaces exposed to these products." Pet owners who have been exposed to Salmonella should, "monitor themselves for...the following symptoms: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramping and fever." The FDA also notes that, "pets with Salmonella infections may become lethargic and have diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever, or vomiting. Some pets may experience only a decreased appetite, fever, or abdominal pain. If your pet has consumed any of the affected products and is experiencing any of these symptoms, please contact your veterinarian."

Additional information about the recall is included in the Nature's Variety FAQ article, attached at the top of the page (simply click on the PDF icon to read or download it). If you would like to speak to a representative or have further questions, Nature's Variety is opening their Customer Care line to 24/7 coverage and can be reached at 1-800-374-3142.