Pet Food Recall Over Salmonella Affects Montclair, Bloomfield Businesses

A Nebraska-based pet products company on Tuesday issued a voluntary recall of some of its dry food offerings due to the possibility of salmonella contamination.

Issues for Natura Pet Products began in March, when salmonella was found during routine testing performed by the Michigan Department of Agriculture. In response, the company announced a recall, which it expanded 11 days later when the Georgia Department of Agriculture also confirmed the presence of salmonella in the company's products.

The following month, Natura Pet released another expansion it said was going forth in the interest of caution.

This week, after testing by the federal Food and Drug Administration showed positive for salmonella, the company released a list of specific lots of dry pet food "with expiration dates prior to June 10, 2014" for recall.

Dr. Neil Shaw, chief medical officer of BluePearl Veterinary Partners, which said it does not use or offer any of the recalled Natura Pet products, said it's important for people to be vigilant.

“Any time you notice your pet is not acting right, you should take him or her to your family veterinarian as soon as possible,” he said.  

People who have the potentially contaminated product should discard it immediately and stop handling it as it poses a risk to humans as well, Shaw advised. 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.

Common symptoms of salmonella in pets include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, bloody diarrhea, lethargy, fever and abdominal discomfort.

According to Natura Pet's recent release, the affected products are sold in bags through veterinary clinics, select pet specialty retailers, and online in the U.S. and Canada. Canned wet food is not part of the recall.

The affected products cover all lot codes, UPCs and package sizes and have expireation dates prior to June 10, 2014. are:

• Innova Dry dog and cat food and biscuits/bars/treats 
• EVO dry dog, cat and ferret food and biscuits/bars/treats 
• California Natural dry dog and cat foods and biscuits/bars/treats 
• Healthwise dry dog and cat foods 
• Karma dry dog foods 
• Mother Nature biscuits/bars/treats  

Natura Pet Products, according to the company website, can be found at the following Essex County businesses:

Montclair Feed & Pet Supply
191 Glenridge Ave., Montclair 
973-746-4799

Iggy's Place 
542 Valley Road, Upper Montclair 
973-707-5134

Brookdale Pet Center 
1054 Broad St., Bloomfield
973-893-0990

Paradise Pet, Inc. 
48 West Passaic Ave., Bloomfield
973-338-0795 Website

Natura Pet Products said people looking for additional information, product replacement or a refund should call the company toll-free at 800-224-6123 Monday through Friday, 8 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Central Standard Time.