Nature’s Variety Expands Raw Cat Food Recall

Due to concerns of salmonella contamination, Nature’s Variety of Lincoln, Neb., has expanded a voluntary recall of its Chicken Formula Raw Frozen Diets for cats and dogs to include additional “Best If Used By” dates. In addition, the company has elected to clear the market of all of its raw frozen chicken products out of caution.

In February, the company issued a nationwide voluntary recall on its Chicken Formula Raw Frozen Diet chicken medallions, patties and chubs with a “Best If Used By” date of Nov. 10, 2010, due to concerns of salmonella contamination. Additional testing has indicated that its Chicken Formula Raw Frozen Diet with “Best If Used By” dates of Oct. 29, 2010, and Nov. 9, 2010, may be contaminated with salmonella, the company reported.

As a result, Nature’s Variety is recalling the following raw frozen products with “Best If Used By” dates of Oct. 29, 2010, and Nov. 9, 2010:

• UPC#7 69949 60131 9 — Chicken Formula 0.75-pound trial-sized medallions
• UPC#7 69949 60130 2 — Chicken Formula 3-pound medallions
• UPC#7 69949 60120 3 — Chicken Formula 6-pound patties
• UPC#7 69949 60121 0 — Chicken Formula 2-pound single chubs
  
  

Since the original recall, Nature’s Variety has implemented a new high-pressure pasteurization process for use on all of its raw frozen diets. The company has decided to clear the market of all of its raw frozen chicken products and replace them with new ones that use high pressure pasteurization.

As a result, Nature’s Variety is recalling its Chicken Formula and Organic Chicken Formula raw frozen diets for dogs and cats that have a “Best If Used By” date on or before Feb. 5, 2011. Products include:

• UPC#7 69949 60131 9 — Chicken Formula 0.75-pound trial-sized medallions
• UPC#7 69949 60130 2 — Chicken Formula 3-pound medallions
• UPC#7 69949 60120 3 — Chicken Formula 6-pound patties
• UPC#7 69949 60121 0 — Chicken Formula 2-pound single chubs
• UPC#7 69949 50121 3 — Chicken Formula 12-pound case of chubs
• UPC#7 69949 60137 1 — Organic Chicken Formula 3-pound medallions
• UPC#7 69949 60127 2 — Organic Chicken Formula 6-pound patties
  
  
  

“Nature’s Variety believes replacing all raw frozen chicken products on the market with new raw frozen chicken products that use high-pressure pasteurization is an important and responsible step in order to reinforce consumer confidence and trust,” Reed Howlett, CEO of Nature’s Variety, said in a statement.

Salmonella can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections, especially in young children, the elderly and those with weakened immune systems. Pets with salmonella infections may vomit, be lethargic, or have a decreased appetite, diarrhea or fever.

Consumers are advised to return unopened packages of the recalled product for a full refund or replacement. If a package has been opened, the company is advising consumers to safely dispose of the product and bring the receipt (or empty package in a sealed bag) to their local retailer for a full refund or replacement.

Consumers with questions can call 800-374-3142 or visit the company website.