Nature's Variety Dog Food Recalled for Salmonella Risk

By KARA SEYMOUR (Patch Staff)

A pet food company that distributes products throughout Massachusetts has issued a recall of some dog food due to a salmonella risk.

Nature’s Variety has announced a voluntary recall of their Instinct Raw Chicken Formula for dogs with a “Best By” date of 04/27/16 because these products may be contaminated with salmonella and present a risk to pets and humans.

“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,” the company said.

Nature’s Variety is sold at retailers across the state. Click here to find the locations closest to you. The two closest retailer locations to Winchester are right next door in Woburn: Petco, located at 103 Commerce Way Suite A, and PetSmart, located at 114a Commerce Way.

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, the company said.

If your pet has consumed the recalled product and has the symptoms, the company recommends contacting a veterinarian.

The affected products are limited to the Instinct Raw Chicken Formula Frozen Diets packaged in the following forms:

• UPC# 769949611431 – Instinct Raw Chicken Formula Bites for Dogs 4 lb.; Best By 04/27/16
• UPC# 769949611448 – Instinct Raw Chicken Formula Bites for Dogs 7 lb.; Best By 04/27/16
• UPC# 769949611486 – Instinct Raw Chicken Formula Patties for Dogs 6 lb.; Best By 04/27/16

No illnesses have been reported to date.

“Even though no illnesses have been reported, consumers should follow the Simple Handling Tips published on the Nature’s Variety package when disposing of the affected product,” Nature’s Variety said in a statement.

Nature’s Variety became aware of a potential issue after receiving notification from the FDA that a routine surveillance sample of seven pound Instinct Raw Chicken Bites for dogs tested positive for salmonella, the company said.

Consumers who have purchased one of the above products can obtain a full refund or exchange by either returning the product in its original packaging or bringing a proof of purchase back to their retailer.

For more information, contact Nature’s Variety consumer relations at 888-519-7387 or email via cservice@naturesvariety.com.