The FDA issued an involuntary recall of Nature’s Deli chicken jerky dog treats which tested positive for Salmonella after Kasel Industries refused to issue a voluntary recall. Fortunately the retailer Costco, where the treats were sold, is cooperating with the FDA and has removed the affected products from distribution. Meanwhile, customers who may have already purchased the treats are being cautioned by the FDA to not handle the treats or feed them to dogs.

It is important to realize that, unlike the problematic treats made in China, Kasel’s treats are manufactured in the US. The FDA emphasized, “these treats are manufactured in the United States and are not associated with FDA’s investigation in reports of illnesses in dogs associated with consumption of chicken jerky treats“.

Kasel’s problems began in September with a recall of their beef bully sticks followed by three more recalls since then.

• On September 21, 2012 when a retail sample of Boots & Barkley American Beef Bully Sticks dog treat tested by the Colorado Department of Agriculture tested positive for Salmonella bacteria was recalled from Target stores nationwide.

• A FDA follow-up inspection at the firm, “found certain finished dog treat products and 34 out of 72 environmental samples positive for Salmonella“. It is unclear the number or type of treats were positive for Salmonella, however it is clear that if almost half of environmental samples were positive for Salmonella, that would indicate a production facility with some problems.

• On October 2, 2012, the company recalled one lot of its Nature’s Deli Chicken Jerky Dog Treats. However that recall did not extend to the lot code covered by this warning.

• On October 17, 2012 Boots & Barkley Pig Ears and Boots & Barkley Variety Pack sold at Target stores was recalled following a routine sampling of the finished product that tested positive for Salmonella bacteria.

• In November 2012, a retail sample of Nature’s Deli Chicken Jerky Dog Treats lot code BESTBY061913DEN taken by the Colorado Department of Agriculture again tested positive for Salmonella bacteria.

• Sometime between the most recent discovery of Salmonella and today, Kasel Industries decided, for whatever reason, not cooperate with the FDA. Probably not the smartest move considering the consequences of which are an involuntary recall.

The FDA notice:

FDA: Don’t feed certain Nature’s Deli Chicken Jerky Dog treats

Product may be contaminated with Salmonella

December 6, 2012

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is warning pet owners and caretakers not to feed their pets Nature’s Deli Chicken Jerky Dog Treats with a lot code of BESTBY061913DEN because they may be contaminated with Salmonella. The treats are made, packaged and distributed in the United States by Kasel Associates Industries Inc. (Kasel) and were sold at Costco stores in the Denver, Colo., area.

Kasel has declined to perform a voluntary recall at this time. However, Costco is working with FDA and has removed all of the affected products from its shelves. The company will also contact customers who may have purchased the product to provide additional instructions.

The product is sold in 3.0 lb. packages labeled as Nature’s Deli Chicken Jerky Dog Treats. The product is packaged in flexible plastic which is yellow, blue, green and red, with black and white print writing. The packaging also has a digital photo of a dog on the front panel, and transparent sections to view the product inside. Lot code BESTBY061913DEN is located on the reverse side of the packaging in the transparent section immediately following the term “All American Dog.”

In September 2012, a retail sample of a Kasel dog treat product tested by the Colorado Department of Agriculture was found to be positive for Salmonella. A FDA follow-up inspection at the firm found certain finished dog treat products and 34 out of 72 environmental samples positive for Salmonella.

On October 2, 2012, the company recalled one lot of its Nature’s Deli Chicken Jerky Dog Treats. However that recall did not extend to the lot code covered by this warning.

In November 2012, a retail sample of Nature’s Deli Chicken Jerky Dog Treats lot code BESTBY061913DEN taken by the Colorado Department of Agriculture tested positive for Salmonella.

These treats are manufactured in the United States and are not associated with FDA’s investigation in reports of illnesses in dogs associated with consumption of chicken jerky treats.

FDA has not received any reports of illnesses associated with these treats. However, both people and animals can contract Salmonellosis from handling or eating contaminated products. People handling dry pet treats should thoroughly wash their hands after having contact with the treats as well as any surfaces exposed to these products.

Consumers should dispose of these products in ways that people and animals, including wild animals, cannot access them, such as placing them in a securely lidded garbage can.

Healthy people infected with Salmonella may experience some or all of the following symptoms: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramping and fever. Although rare, Salmonella can result in more serious ailments including arterial infections, endocarditis (inflammation of the lining of the heart), arthritis, muscle pain, eye irritation and urinary tract symptoms. Consumers exhibiting these signs after having contact with this product should contact their health care provider immediately.

The elderly, infants and those with impaired immune systems are more likely to become severely ill from Salmonella infection. The bacterium can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in these vulnerable populations. Most healthy individuals recover from Salmonella infections within four to seven days without treatment.

Pets with Salmonella infections may become lethargic and have diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever and vomiting. Some pets may experience only a 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 any of the affected product or is experiencing any of these symptoms, contact your veterinarian immediately.

As with humans, dogs who are elderly, very young or have impaired immune systems are more vulnerable to Salmonella infection.

Consumers can report complaints about FDA-regulated pet food and pet treat products by calling the consumer complaint coordinator in their area or by reporting through the Safety Reporting Portal. Information on reporting consumer complaints can be found at: http://www.fda.gov/AnimalVeterinary/SafetyHealth/ReportaProblem/ucm182403.htm.

For additional information please visit FoodSafety.gov on Pet Food

Kasel Associates Industries Inc. recalls to date

• Kasel Associated Industries Recalls Boots & Barkley Roasted American Pig Ears and Boots & Barkley American Variety Pack Dog Treats Because of Possible Salmonella Health Risk
• Kasel Associated Industries Recalls Nature’s Deli Chicken Jerky Dog Treats Because of Possible Salmonella Health Risk
• Kasel Associated Industries Recalls Boots & Barkley American Beef Bully sticks Because of Possible Salmonella Health Risk