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Merrick issues “voluntary witdrawal” of dog treats Posted: 15 Jan 2010 12:54 PM PST Here’s the latest from Merrick – you’ll find a link to it on the front page of their website: Merrick Issues Voluntary Withdraw of Beef Filet Squares Lot Code: 9323 01.15.2010 MERRICK NEWS RELEASE For Immediate Release: January 15, 2010 Customer Inquiries: 800‐248‐8397 Other Inquires: James Witcher, 806‐322‐2806 Merrick Pet Care Withdrawals 72 Cases of 10 oz. Beef Filet Squares Dog Treats Item # 60016 / Lot Code "9323 best buy 111911" Merrick Pet Care initiated a voluntary withdrawal of 72 cases of 10 oz. Beef Filet Squares from the market on January 11th, 2010 in cooperation with the FDA. Upon notification from the FDA that this product may be contaminated with Salmonella, Merrick identified the 82 retail pet stores that may have received this product. As of Wednesday, January 13th, all Beef Filet Squares from this lot have been removed from the shelves. Merrick has identified that 20 cases have not yet been recovered from retail and could be in consumers' hands. Merrick advises all consumers to review the lot code stamped on the top of the bag and to dispose of any Beef Filet Squares from lot "9323 best buy 111911." Merrick is the leading producer of natural pet treats in North America producing treats since 1983. A family owned business, Merrick is committed to producing natural, wholesome treats for dogs. I just love the term “voluntary withdrawal.” Don’t you? It gives me such a warm, fuzzy feeling, like somebody’s looking out for me. Nevermind that the FDA has to get involved first. Technorati Tags: Merrick Beef Filet Squares Dog Treats

FDA warns of Salmonella in Merrick Beef Filet Squares Dog Treats Posted: 15 Jan 2010 07:40 AM PST The FDA has issued a warning about Merrick Beef Filet Squares, which may be contaminated with Salmonella. FDA Health Alert for Merrick Beef Filet Squares Dog Treats Packaged and Distributed by Merrick Pet Care Products may be contaminated with Salmonella The U. S. Food and Drug Administration is warning consumers not to use Merrick Beef Filet Squares for dogs distributed by Merrick Pet Care with a package date of "Best By 111911" because the product may be contaminated with Salmonella. The product was distributed nationwide through retail stores and Internet sales. Although no illnesses associated with these products have been reported, the FDA is advising consumers in possession of these products not to handle or feed them to their pets. In December 2009, the FDA conducted routine testing of Merrick Beef Filet Squares and detected a positive finding for Salmonella. A follow-up inspection found deficiencies in the packaging and manufacturing processes. [...] 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. The affected Merrick Beef Filet Squares were packaged in a 10-ounce green, red and tan re-sealable plastic bag. The "best by" date is imprinted on the top portion of the bag, which is torn off when the bag is opened. The FDA recommends that consumers who are unable to determine the "best by" date discontinue use of the product. Consumers can report complaints about FDA-regulated pet food and pet treat products by calling the consumer complaint coordinator in their area. Please see http://www.fda.gov/AnimalVeterinary/SafetyHealth/ReportaProblem/ucm182403.htm for additional information. Read the full release about Merrick Beef Filet Squares by the FDA. At the the time I’m writing this post, I couldn’t find anything on the Merrick website about the warning, but I could buy some of the treats if I wanted to. Way to go, Merrick – it’s good to know how you feel about your customers! Technorati Tags: Merrick Beef Filet Squares, salmonella, dogs

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