Carnivore Meat Company of Green Bay, WI, is voluntarily recalling a limited amount of “Vital Essentials Freeze-Dried Beef Toppers” and “Vital Essentials Frozen Beef Chub Entrée for Dogs” raw dog food because the products may have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella, according to the United States Food and Drug Administration.
The following affected products were distributed in the continental US through independent retailers and via online retailers Chewys.com and Amazon.com through direct delivery.
Affected products can be identified by comparing the following lot numbers and best by dates: “Vital Essentials Freeze-Dried Beef Toppers, 6 oz. poly bag” with “Lot #13815, Best by 06/01/2019, Best by 06/04/19 or Best by 06/20/19 and UPC 033211006059” and “Vital Essentials Frozen Beef Chub Entrée for Dogs, 5 lb.” with “Lot #13816, Best by 12/27/18 and UPC 033211008817”.
No other Vital Essentials products are subject to this precautionary voluntary recall.
Effects of Salmonella in pet food
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 and 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 be lethargic and have diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever, and vomiting. Some pets will have only 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 the recalled product and has these symptoms, please contact your veterinarian.
The recall is being issued in an abundance of caution following the FDA’s collection of a product from a single batch was tested for the presence of salmonella. There have been no reports of illness.
Consumers who have purchased the items listed above, are urged to discard them safely in a covered trash receptacle, any of the products included in this recall. You may notify your retailer for a replacement or refund. Consumers with questions may call the company at 920-370-6542.