Carnivore Meat Company is recalling a single lot of raw Vital Essentials Frozen Chicken Patties Entrée for Dogs. The Federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA) selected and tested the product and notified the company that one of the samples collected, tested positive for Salmonella.

The recalled product details

Vital Essentials Frozen Chicken Patties Entrée for Dogs, Net wt. 6 lbs.
UPC 33211 00807, Lot # 11475, Best by date 20161108 (11/08/16)

The “Best By” date code and lot # is located on the back of the package. The affected product was distributed in CA, FL, GA, RI, TX and WA.

The company has received no complaints or reports of illness. No other product manufactured by Carnivore is involved in this voluntary recall.

Why the product was recalled

The Federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA) selected and tested product as part of a national collection initiative, which was issued by the Center of Veterinary Medicine (CVM) on June 3, 2015. The FDA notified Carnivore Meat Company that one of samples collected, tested positive for Salmonella, bacteria commonly associated with fresh and frozen poultry, in human and in pet products.

The problem with Salmonella

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. Always use caution when handling raw foods.

Animals with Salmonella infections may be lethargic and have diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever, and 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 animal has consumed the recalled product and has these symptoms, please contact your veterinarian.

What to do if you have the food

If you are a consumer and have purchased a bag of Vital Essentials Frozen Chicken Patties, net wt. 6 lbs., with the “Best By” date code of 20161108 (11/08/16) and lot # 11475, they ask that you please call 920-370-6542 Monday-Friday 9:00AM-4:00PM CST and someone will assist you in obtaining replacement or a full refund from your local retailer for your original purchase. If your package has been opened, please dispose of the raw food in a safe manner by securing it in a covered trash receptacle.

Company profile

The company is fully committed to maintaining the highest quality standards in the pet food industry and ensuring the health and safety of pets. The firm’s quality control and quality assurance programs include, but are not limited to: Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP’s), Sanitation Standard Operating Procedures (SSOP’s), a Hazard Analysis & Critical Control Points (HACCP) program, regular lot segregation, and other industry best practices. The manufacturing facility also adheres to these specific quality measures:

• FSSC 22,000 Certified (Global Food Safety Initiative)
• Federally Inspected, USDA Certified Pet Food
• EU Certified
• Ingredients sourced from USDA inspected facilities in the United States

Consumer Questions
Contact Carnivore Meat Company at info@vitalessentialsraw.com or call 920-370-6542. Representatives are available from Monday – Friday 9:00AM – 4:00PM CST.

SOURCES: The information provided is from the FDA’s website and from the Carnivore Meat Company’s press release.