First off, who names a pet food that has the word turd in it? Boy, if I had been at that brainstorming meeting, I would have thought someone has had one too many breakfast beers. I mean, turd is bad enough, but does it have to rhyme with f*ckin’ too? Two words I definitely would not want associated with a food product. Although, I can think of one or two products that could safely use that name, but trust me hun, those products ain’t sold in a grocery store. In fact, I can guarantee you they wouldn’t be sold in any type of retail establishment any self-respecting cat lady such as myself would ever step foot in.

The accidental discovery

Back to the recall: Routine testing by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture discovered the contamination, by accident, after routine testing revealed the product tested positive for Salmonella.

Meanwhile, the company reports that the “production of the product has been suspended while the company and the FDA continue their investigation as to the source of the problem.”. Which could be read one or two, or even maybe three different ways. Bringing up a number of questions, namely:

Q. Production has been “suspended” of just that one particular product (which would seem odd) or production at the entire plant where all Steve’s Real Food is made?

Q. The FDA investigation? What investigation?

Q. Continuing investigation of the”source” of the problem? Tell me, how does Salmonella contamination occur on just one product at just one location in the plant at just one specific (limited) time during production? Hmmm?

Q. Was the name Turd and Ducken a mashup of Turkey and Duck? How about the Turkish Duck, instead? Or even Duck N’ Turk? Durk N’ Tuck? Or maybe Quack N’ Gobble? Gobble the Quack? Qobble & Guack? Ah, skip it.

What’s being recalled?

Steve’s Real Food is recalling its 5 lb. bags of Turducken Canine Diet 8oz. patties due to contamination of Salmonella. The recalled Turducken Canine Diet – 8oz Patties in a 5 lb. bag were distributed from October 2012 to January 2013 in retail stores in Connecticut, Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, New York, California, Minnesota and Tennessee. The product comes in 5 lb. green and cream-colored biodegradable film bags with lot number 209-10-27-13 with an expiration date of October 27, 2013.

What’s wrong with Salmonella, you ask?

Answer: allot. 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 and their pets 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 or pets exhibiting these signs after having contact with this product should contact their healthcare providers or veterinarian.

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 pets can appear healthy but may or may not be. But you need to remember that they can be carriers and infect other animals or humans. If your pet has consumed the recalled product and have these symptoms, please contact your veterinarian as a precaution.

What should you do?

Consumers who have purchased 5 lb. bags of Steve’s Real Food Turducken Canine Recipe are urged to return them to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions should contact the company at 801-540-8481 or gary@stevesrealfood.com Monday through Friday from 8:00 am – 5:00 pm MST.

For more information visit the FDA’s website and read Steve’s Real Food Recalls Turducken Canine Recipe Patties Because of Posssible Health Risk

Note: Turns out the ill-conceived dog food name is a mashup of duck-turkey-and chicken. A stretch if I ever read one.