Thursday, February 28, 2013

AWEEEEE moments

FDA Issues International Food Safety Capacity-Building Plan under the Food Safety Modernization Act



-

FDA Issues International Food Safety Capacity-Building Plan under the Food Safety Modernization Act

Food Basket
Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition - Food and Drug Administration
February 28, 2013
In 2011, Congress enacted the FDA Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA), recognizing the unique challenges faced by FDA in the area of food safety in the 21st century. FSMA directs FDA to build a new food safety system based on the public health principle of comprehensive prevention, an enhanced focus on risk‐based resource allocation, and partnerships across the public and private sectors to minimize hazards from farm to table.  In addition, Section 305 of FSMA calls on FDA to develop a comprehensive plan to expand the technical, scientific, and regulatory food safety capacity of foreign governments and their respective food industries in countries that export foods to the United States (the “Plan”). This Plan meets the Section 305 requirement, and does so by incorporating FSMA’s principles of comprehensive prevention, risk-based resource allocation, and partnering.
This Plan provides a strategic framework for FDA’s international food safety capacity-building activities. It outlines goals, objectives, and key actions that will provide a framework for the FDA in setting priorities and managing international food safety capacity building programs.
The Plan will also enable all stakeholders to see the breadth of food safety capacity-building efforts on the part of FDA.   It charts a direction for how FDA will prioritize its capacity-building efforts based on risk, coordinate with other partners to avoid duplication of efforts, and to broaden the reach of technical assistance and capacity-building efforts.   FDA will use data to develop strategies, allowing the agency to make decisions about capacity-building based on identifiable needs, while also allowing the agency to measure the impact of its efforts. 
The plan addresses the six elements required by Section 305 of FSMA by incorporating them into four key goals and objectives, as supplemented by additional themes. The Plan’s key goals and objectives are:
  • Ensure efficiency across the FDA Foods and Veterinary Medicine Program
  • Increase effectiveness through evidence-based decision making
  • Support the exchange of information between FDA and other foreign government agencies or other entities
  • Enhance technical assistance and capacity-building in food
The full text of the International Capacity Building Plan is available at FSMA International Capacity Building.
 

United Pet Group Inc., BIRD SEED RECALL


Recall -- Firm Press Release

 UPDATE
FDA posts press releases and other notices of recalls and market withdrawals from the firms involved as a service to consumers, the media, and other interested parties. FDA does not endorse either the product or the company.

United Pet Group Inc., Voluntarily Withdraws "Ultra Blend Gourmet Food for Parakeets," "ēCotrition Grains & Greens Nutritional Supplement for Parakeets," "ēCotrition Grains & Greens Nutritional Supplement for Canaries and Finches," and "ēCotrition Grains & Greens Nutritional Supplement for Cockatiels" Due to Possible Salmonella Contamination


Contact:
Consumer:
1-800-645-5145

Media:
Dave Prichard
608-278-6141
 
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - February 27, 2013 - United Pet Group, Inc., announces that it has voluntarily withdrawn a limited quantity of the products "Ultra Blend Gourmet Food for Parakeets," "ēCotrition Grains & Greens Nutritional Supplement for Parakeets," "ēCotrition Grains & Greens Nutritional Supplement for Canaries and Finches," and "ēCotrition Grains & Greens Nutritional Supplement for Cockatiels." These products contain small quantities of dried parsley flakes supplied to United Pet Group by Specialty Commodities, Inc. On February 11, 2013, Specialty Commodities, Inc. initiated a voluntary product recall of parsley flakes distributed to United Pet Group and other pet food suppliers because the products may have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella. Specialty Commodities, Inc. distributed the products to United Pet Group on May 30, 2012, and August 29, 2012. Above listed products were distributed throughout the USA and Canada between Oct 2012 and Feb 2013.
Salmonella is an organism that can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Healthy persons infected with Salmonella often experience fever, diarrhea (which may be bloody), nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. In rare circumstances, infection with Salmonella can result in the organism getting into the bloodstream and producing more severe illnesses such as arterial infections (i.e., infected aneurysms), endocarditis and arthritis.
United Pet Group, Inc., is voluntarily withdrawing the following specific lot numbers of its "Ultra Blend Gourmet Food for Parakeets," "ēCotrition Grains & Greens Nutritional Supplement for Parakeets," "ēCotrition Grains & Greens Nutritional Supplement for Canaries and Finches," and "ēCotrition Grains & Greens Nutritional Supplement for Cockatiels" because of the recall initiated by for parsley by Specialty Commodities, Inc. The specific lot numbers/production codes subject to this notice are as follows:
Ultra Blend Gourmet, Food for Parakeets (80oz bag)
UPC 26851 00904 Item # A904 / 056-0904-01 – USE BY dates: 07/20/15 and 10/20/15
ēCotrition Grains & Greens, Nutritional Supplement for Parakeets (8oz bag)
UPC 26851 00505 Item # A505 / 11-20700 – USE BY dates: 10/23/15 and 11/14/1
ēCotrition Grains & Greens, Nutritional Supplement for Canaries and Finches (8oz bag)
UPC 26851 00546 Item # C546 / 11-20712 – USE BY date: 10/16/15
ēCotrition Grains & Greens, Nutritional Supplement for Cockatiels (6.5oz bag)
UPC 26851 00512 Item # B512 / 11-20711 – USE BY date: 12/05/15
No other United Pet Group, Inc., products are affected by this voluntary withdrawal. Customers who have purchased any of the products noted above are urged to dispose of them or return them for a full refund. Salmonella can affect animals eating the products and there may be 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.
There have been no known illnesses to date associated with the consumption of these products. If you have these products, please contact United Pet Group's Consumer Affairs team at 1-800-645- 5145, Monday through Friday between the hours of 8:30AM - 5:00PM Eastern Standard Time for a refund.
For press inquiries, please contact David Prichard at 608-278-6141, Monday through Friday 8:00AM-5:00PM Central Standard Time.


Recall -- Firm Press Release


FDA posts press releases and other notices of recalls and market withdrawals from the firms involved as a service to consumers, the media, and other interested parties. FDA does not endorse either the product or the company.

United Pet Group Inc., Voluntarily Withdraws "Ultra Blend Gourmet Food for Parakeets," "ēCotrition Grains & Greens Nutritional Supplement for Parakeets," "ēCotrition Grains & Greens Nutritional Supplement for Canaries and Finches," and "ēCotrition Grains & Greens Nutritional Supplement for Cockatiels" Due to Possible Salmonella Contamination


Contact:
Consumer:
1-800-645-5145

Media:
Dave Prichard
608-278-6141
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - February 27, 2013 - United Pet Group, Inc., announces that it has voluntarily withdrawn a limited quantity of the products "Ultra Blend Gourmet Food for Parakeets," "ēCotrition Grains & Greens Nutritional Supplement for Parakeets," "ēCotrition Grains & Greens Nutritional Supplement for Canaries and Finches," and "ēCotrition Grains & Greens Nutritional Supplement for Cockatiels." These products contain small quantities of dried parsley flakes supplied to United Pet Group by Specialty Commodities, Inc. On February 11, 2013, Specialty Commodities, Inc. initiated a voluntary product recall of parsley flakes distributed to United Pet Group and other pet food suppliers because the products may have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella. Specialty Commodities, Inc. distributed the products to United Pet Group on May 30, 2012, and August 29, 2012. Above listed products were distributed throughout the USA and Canada between Oct 2012 and Feb 2013.
Salmonella is an organism that can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Healthy persons infected with Salmonella often experience fever, diarrhea (which may be bloody), nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. In rare circumstances, infection with Salmonella can result in the organism getting into the bloodstream and producing more severe illnesses such as arterial infections (i.e., infected aneurysms), endocarditis and arthritis.
United Pet Group, Inc., is voluntarily withdrawing the following specific lot numbers of its "Ultra Blend Gourmet Food for Parakeets," "ēCotrition Grains & Greens Nutritional Supplement for Parakeets," "ēCotrition Grains & Greens Nutritional Supplement for Canaries and Finches," and "ēCotrition Grains & Greens Nutritional Supplement for Cockatiels" because of the recall initiated by for parsley by Specialty Commodities, Inc. The specific lot numbers/production codes subject to this notice are as follows:
Ultra Blend Gourmet, Food for Parakeets (80oz bag)
UPC 26851 00904 Item # A904 / 056-0904-01 – USE BY dates: 07/20/15 and 10/20/15
ēCotrition Grains & Greens, Nutritional Supplement for Parakeets (8oz bag)
UPC 26851 00505 Item # A505 / 11-20700 – USE BY dates: 10/23/15 and 11/14/1
ēCotrition Grains & Greens, Nutritional Supplement for Canaries and Finches (8oz bag)
UPC 26851 00546 Item # C546 / 11-20712 – USE BY date: 10/16/15
ēCotrition Grains & Greens, Nutritional Supplement for Cockatiels (6.5oz bag)
UPC 26851 00512 Item # B512 / 11-20711 – USE BY date: 12/05/15
No other United Pet Group, Inc., products are affected by this voluntary withdrawal. Customers who have purchased any of the products noted above are urged to dispose of them or return them for a full refund. Salmonella can affect animals eating the products and there may be 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.
There have been no known illnesses to date associated with the consumption of these products. If you have these products, please contact United Pet Group's Consumer Affairs team at 1-800-645- 5145, Monday through Friday between the hours of 8:30AM - 5:00PM Eastern Standard Time for a refund.
For press inquiries, please contact David Prichard at 608-278-6141, Monday through Friday 8:00AM-5:00PM Central Standard Time.
###
Recalled Product Photos Are Also Available on FDA's Flickr Photostream.
    United Pet Group, Inc. Voluntarily Withdraws Ultra-Blend Gourmet, eCotrition due to possible Salmonella contamination (Label 4)United Pet Group, Inc. Voluntarily Withdraws Ultra-Blend Gourmet, eCotrition due to possible Salmonella contamination (Label 3)United Pet Group, Inc. Voluntarily Withdraws Ultra-Blend Gourmet, eCotrition due to possible Salmonella contamination (Label 2)United Pet Group, Inc. Voluntarily Withdraws Ultra-Blend Gourmet, eCotrition due to possible Salmonella contamination (Label 1)

'vie

Personal note to Quillah.... MAke sure your birdie does not get any of these!!!!!

http://www.silvieon4.com/2008/10/quillahs-bird.html


Jul 01, 2008
Hey there buddy! I heard about your latest exam! Well you have done it!!!! Congrats!!! You are named Quillah which stands for Quill and you have re-written history! For those of you who have no idea what I am talking about, ...
Jul 13, 2008
MORE On VERBOTEN foods · Gooo QUILLAH and Rory · GROOMERS a necessary evil · Just "tween" us GIRLS · jd SPEAKS · MARS v VENUS · Ohh such sweet SLEEP · CELEBRISHONS · Why CAN'T I have chocolate?
Jul 15, 2008
MORE On VERBOTEN foods · Gooo QUILLAH and Rory · GROOMERS a necessary evil · Just "tween" us GIRLS · jd SPEAKS · MARS v VENUS · Ohh such sweet SLEEP · CELEBRISHONS · Why CAN'T I have chocolate?
Jul 20, 2008
My little heart is happy today. Watch the video and you will see Quillah, HEALTHY Quillah! Read her blog and you will know what courage, heart and love it took to snatch her from the brink of death. Hey Quillah, I challenge ...

Wednesday, February 27, 2013

Letter to Kasel Associates Industries, Inc. - Notification of Opportunity to Initiate a Voluntary Recall

Letter to Kasel Associates Industries, Inc. - Notification of Opportunity to Initiate a Voluntary Recall – http://www.fda.gov/downloads/AboutFDA/CentersOffices/OfficeofFoods/CVM/CVMFOIAElectronicReadingRoom/UCM341491.pdf



DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
Public Health Service  Food and Drug Administration
Silver Spring, Maryland 20993
February 13, 2013
VIA HAND DELIVERY
Notification of Opportunity to Initiate a Voluntary Recall
Raymond J. Kasel, President

Kasel Associates Industries, Inc.

3315 Walnut St.

Denver, CO 80205

Dear Mr. Kasel:

Pursuant to section 423 'of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FD&C Act) (21 U.S.C.
3501), as amended by the FDA Food Safety Modernization Act, the U.S. Food and Drug
Administration (FDA) is providing your firm, Kasel Associates Industries, Inc. (Kasel), with an
opportunity to voluntarily cease distribution and conduct a recall of pet treat products
manufactured by your firm from April 20, 2012 through September 19, 2012. Section 423(a) of
the FD&C Act provides in relevant part that if FDA "determines ...that there is a reasonable
probability that an article of human or animal food (other than infant formula) is adulterated
under section 402 or misbranded under section 403(w) and the use of or exposure to such article
will cause serious adverse health consequences or death to humans or animals," before taking
further action under section 423 of the FD&C Act, FDA must offer the responsible party the
opportunity to voluntarily cease distribution and recall such articles (21 U.S.C. 3501(a)).1

As discussed further below, FDA has determined that for those pet treats manufactured at your
Denver facility from April 20, 2012 through September 19, 2012, which bear the lot codes
BESTBY20APR2014 to BESTBY030CT2014 for products with a two year expiry, or
BESTBY20APR2013 to BESTBY030CT2013 for products with a one year expiry (collectively,
affected pet treats), there is a reasonable probability that such products are adulterated under
section 402(a)(1)2 and (a)(4i ofthe FD&C Act (21 U.S.C. 342(a)(l) and (a)(4)) and a reasonable
1 The term "responsible party" is defmed in section 417 of the FD&C Act and refers to the person who submits the registration for a food facility that is required to register under section 415(a) of the FD&C Act (21 U.S.C. 350d), at which the food at issue is manufactured, processed, packed or held. On February 4, 2004, you registered Kasel with FDA pursuant to section 415(a) ofthe FD&C Act (21 U.S.C. 350d(a)). As such, this letter is directed to you as the responsible party.
2 Under section 402(a)(l) of the FD&C Act, a food shall be deemed adulterated if"it bears or contains a poisonous or deleterious substance which may render it injurious to health."

It is a good thing.

Pets may qualify for 'Pet Food Stamps'

wordless Wednesday....RAINY!

It's wet out there, might as well sleep! But I don't want to miss anything...so I sleep under the table. 'vie


Tuesday, February 26, 2013

Drama at the beach



Ok, I am giving momma some credit here.

1. Her first time playing with her video cam.
2. Scared to death of seagulls.
3. They are loud and OB-noxious.....
4. she will get better...we hope

In any case, what do you suppose these two were fighting about?

'vie

Come away with me

'vie

Sunday, February 24, 2013

Gimme a guinea pig, hamster, mouse, rodent! Just GIMME!

Do you guys want to get out and play?

I want one, I want one of those.

A bichon guinea pig!  It's all white!!!  Heyyyyy cutie, we might be related? When do his curls come in?
(scratching the glass to get it out ... so fast and furious I am out of focus....)


Why do they keep running away??? Come on, play with me.

I love the double decker rides! These guys on the bottom are fatter...


Hey dude, me, you nose to nose, come out and play ok?


Dang it.  That glass wall is such a PITA!!!!


'vie

RIP Dakota Conrad, 101 Senator


Visit NBCNews.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy
Dearest Dakota,

We just learned you crossed the Bridge. You fought such a valiant fight against lymphoma. While we take comfort knowing that you are free of pain, there is such sadness because we miss you already.

Senator Conrad and family, our deepest condolences. Nothing anyone can say or do can fill that emptiness right now. Dakota was special. He was a true Bichon and a fulfilled more than his destiny. He touched lives with the gentle stroke of love and joy that is the essence of our breed.

Dakota, thank you. Thank you for having represented "US" so well. US, rescues. US, Bichons, US, dogs. 

We hope your family finds comfort and peace and with time we hope they welcome another rescued dog. 

Last night we asked our friends over the Bridge to welcome you with full honors. Dakota, know that you made the world better.

 'vie

http://www.silvieon4.com/2010/02/dakota-conrad.html

http://www.silvieon4.com/2011/09/sen-conrads-dog-dakota-favorite-of.html


Saturday, February 23, 2013

Kaytee Recalls Bird Treats and Greens Due to Possible Salmonella Contamination from Parsley Flakes


Recall -- Firm Press Release


FDA posts press releases and other notices of recalls and market withdrawals from the firms involved as a service to consumers, the media, and other interested parties. FDA does not endorse either the product or the company.

Kaytee Recalls Bird Treats and Greens Due to Possible Salmonella Contamination from Parsley Flakes


Contact:
Consumer:
Kaytee
1-800-Kaytee1 (800 529-8331)

Media:
Mark Newberg
847-330-5367
 
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - February 19, 2013 - Kaytee Products is recalling several bird treats and greens items due to possible contamination of Salmonella from parsley flake ingredients supplied to Kaytee by Specialty Commodities, Inc., an outside supplier to Kaytee.
Product Code/SKU/ Material #UPC CodeSizeProduct Name/DescriptionBest Before Code (day/month/yr)
10003224471859404102 lbKaytee Fiesta Max Canary/Finch9/28/2013 through 5/7/2014
10003288171859004313.5 ozKaytee Honey Treat - Parakeet12/6/2013 through 5/29/2014
10003292271859550277 ozKaytee Honey Treat - Parakeet (Value Pack)12/4/2013 through 8/2/2014
10003298271859004343.5 ozKaytee Honey Treat - Parakeet12/6/2013 through 8/2/2014
10050261571859998853.5 ozKaytee Fiesta Fruit & Veggie Treat - Parakeet1/15/2014 through 7/24/2014
10050274971859998559.5 ozKaytee Fiesta Fruit & Veggie Treat - Parakeet12/18/2013 through 7/31/2014
10050293771859942353.5 ozKaytee Forti-Diet ProHealth Honey Treat - Parakeet12/5/2013 through 7/17/2014
10050294071859942367 ozKaytee Forti-Diet ProHealth Honey Treat - Parakeet (Value Pack)12/4/2013 through 8/1/2014
10050300171859942684 ctKaytee Forti-Diet ProHealth Munchables Shred-A-Box Honey Seed Treats (4 Boxes)3/7/2014 through 7/30/2014
100503064718599426411 ozKaytee Forti-Diet ProHealth Molting & Conditioning - Small Birds12/25/2013 through 8/5/2014
10050380871859550277 ozKaytee Honey Treat - Parakeet (Value Pack)12/6/2013 through 7/31/2014
10050402171859943682.25 ozKaytee Fiesta Nutty Papaya Treat - Parakeet & Cockatiel12/4/2013 through 6/25/2014
10050402971859943701.5 ozKaytee Fiesta Foraging Treat for Pet Birds1/27/2014 through 5/29/2014
100504971737257271663.2 ozGrreat Choice Treat Sticks for Small Birds (2 sticks)12/13/2013 through 2/4/2014
100504974737257271659.6 ozGrreat Choice Treat Sticks for Small Birds (6 sticks)12/10/2013 through 3/19/2014
10050659371859946151.5 ozKaytee Foraging Box O'Fun Treat for Pet Birds1/28/2014 through 7/30/2014
10051028271859947081 ozKaytee Bird Greens Foraging Treat12/1/2013 through 5/28/2014
Product and product lots that do not appear on the list above are not subject to this recall.
No human or pet illnesses have been reported to-date. The recall notification is being issued based on a recall letter dated February 11, 2013 from Specialty Commodities, Inc. The above-referenced Kaytee products were originally manufactured as early as June 12, 2012. While Kaytee has not had any positive Salmonella results on finished product to suggest possible contamination, we are initiating this recall in accordance with FDA guidelines. Kaytee is taking immediate action to remove the potentially affected product from all retail stores and distribution centers.
Salmonella can affect animals eating the products and there is a risk to humans from handling contaminated pet products. Pet owners should thoroughly wash their hands after having contact with these products and clean any surfaces that were exposed.
Healthy persons exposed to Salmonella should monitor themselves for some or all of the following symptoms: nausea, vomit, diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramping, and fever. In rare circumstances, infection with Salmonella can result in more serious ailments, including arterial infections, endocarditis, arthritis, muscle pain, eye irritation, and urinary track symptoms. Consumers exhibiting these symptoms after having contact with these products should contact their physician or healthcare provider.
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. Infection but otherwise healthy pets can be carriers and infect other animals or humans. If your pet has consumed the recalled product(s) and has these symptoms, please contact your veterinarian.
Recalled products were distributed to retailers and distributors in the states of Arizona, Arkansas, California, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, Tennessee, Texas, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, and Wisconsin; and, into the countries of Canada, China, Guam, Japan, Korea, Kuwait, Pakistan, Singapore, and the UAE.
Consumers who have purchased the above-referenced Kaytee products with the referenced "Best Before" dates are urged to contact Kaytee Customer Service representatives.
A letter and instructions will be forwarded to all Kaytee customers. Kaytee Customer Service representatives and company veterinarians are responding to inquires through the 1-800-Kaytee1 (800 529-8331) phone number and will answer any questions regarding pets that have been fed the product. Pet owners can also visit the Kaytee website for more information http://www.kaytee.com/.


The Honest Kitchen® Voluntarily Recalls Limited Lots Of Verve®, Zeal®And Thrive® Products Due To Possible Health Risk


The Honest Kitchen® Voluntarily Recalls Limited Lots Of Verve®, Zeal®And Thrive® Products Due To Possible Health Risk
Photos

The Honest Kitchen Pet Food Products (label 1) 
The Honest Kitchen Pet Food Products (label 2)

Return to Firm PressRecall -- Firm Press Release


FDA posts press releases and other notices of recalls and market withdrawals from the firms involved as a service to consumers, the media, and other interested parties. FDA does not endorse either the product or the company.

The Honest Kitchen® Voluntarily Recalls Limited Lots Of Verve®, Zeal®And Thrive® Products Due To Possible Health Risk


Contact:
Consumer:
1-866-437-9729
Lucy Postins
e-mail: info@thehonestkitchen.com
 
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - February 21, 2013 - The Honest Kitchen today announced that it is voluntarily recalling five lots of its Verve, Zeal and Thrive pet food products produced between August and November 2012 and sold nationwide in the US and Canada via retail stores, mail order and online after August 2012 because they have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella. No other Honest Kitchen batches, production dates or products are affected.
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.
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 animals have consumed the recalled product and have these symptoms, please contact your veterinarian.
The Company is taking this action after learning that one of its raw ingredients suppliers has recalled a batch of human-grade parsley that may contain Salmonella. The batch of parsley was shipped to the Company in 2012 and used in the production of five lots of finished Honest Kitchen products.
The Honest Kitchen regularly tests for Salmonella and other pathogens as part of its quality control process and has not received to date any reports of illness associated with these lots of products. Nonetheless, the Company is proceeding with this action in order to ensure the full safety and quality of its products.
"We are committed to providing the highest-quality human-grade food available to our customers’ pets," said Lucy Postins, founder, CEO and CMO of The Honest Kitchen. "While our quality control tests did not find evidence of Salmonella in any of our finished products, we are accountable for everything we make, and are taking precautionary action to ensure the safety and integrity of our products."
The lots being recalled are:
 
Item CodeProduct NameProduction DateExpiration DateSizeLot Number
V4 + VRVERVE8/20/128/20/13
4 lb. box,
10 lb. box
2332A (batches 1-3)
VRVERVE11/1/1211/1/1310 lb. box3062A (batches 8 & 9)
TMTHRIVE9/18/129/18/131 oz. sample2622A (batch 3)
Z4 + ZRZEAL8/14/128/14/13
4 lb. box,
10 lb. box
2272A (batches 1–5)
ZRZEAL9/21/129/21/1310 lb. box2652A (batches 1–4)
Consumers who purchased the above lots of Honest Kitchen Verve, Zeal or Thrive products should stop feeding the products to their pets, remove the UPC (bar code) and lot code from the packaging, and discard the contents in a covered trash receptacle. Lot codes are located on the top of product boxes either adjacent to or opposite the UPC.
Consumers can receive a replacement or full refund of the MSRP of the affected products plus $1 to cover postage, by mailing the UPC and lot code along with a completedReimbursement Form to The Honest Kitchen, 145 14th Street, San Diego, Calif. 92101, Attn: Reimbursements. All refunds will be processed within five business days (plus postage time).
The Honest Kitchen products use human-food grade ingredients. The Company’s products are made in a human food facility and held to the same high quality control standards as human food products. Employees taste products as part of the quality control and research & development processes.
To supplement its quality control processes while maintaining its commitment to gentle processing that protects natural nutrients, The Honest Kitchen is enacting additional procedures:
  • All dehydrated leafy greens will be steamed, to further protect against the possibility of Salmonella and other pathogens;
  • All leafy greens will receive a second test for pathogens after arrival at the Company’s manufacturing facility, in addition to the testing conducted internally by suppliers;
  • The Company has discontinued its relationship with the supplier who provided the parsley used in the production of the lots being recalled.
For questions or more information, contact The Honest Kitchen by phone at 1-866-437-9729 or email at info@thehonestkitchen.com. Customer service representatives will be available Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. PST to respond to inquiries.

Kasel Associates Industries Recalling Certain Pet Treats Due to Salmonella Contamination Boots and Barkley, Colorado Naturals, Nature’s Deli among brands affected


Recall -- Firm Press Release

FDA posts press releases and other notices of recalls and market withdrawals from the firms involved as a service to consumers, the media, and other interested parties. FDA does not endorse either the product or the company.

Kasel Associates Industries Recalling Certain Pet Treats Due to Salmonella Contamination

Boots and Barkley, Colorado Naturals, Nature’s Deli among brands affected

Contact
Consumer:
888-INFO-FDA

Media:
Jalil Isa
240-402-3157

Siobhan DeLancey
240-276-9356

 
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - February 21, 2013 - The U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced today that Kasel Associates Industries Inc. is recalling all pet treats it manufactured from April 20 through Sept. 19, 2012 due to potential contamination with Salmonella. Kasel has issued three previous recall notices for specific products manufactured during this time period.
The move comes after the Colorado Department of Agriculture tested a retail sample of a Kasel pet treat product and found it to be positive for Salmonella. Based on FDA’s follow-up inspection at the firm, FDA found that all of the finished pet treat product samples and 48 out of 87 environmental samples collected during the inspection tested positive for Salmonella. More than ten different species of Salmonella were found in the firm’s products and manufacturing facility, indicating multiple sources of contamination.
While there are no reports of human illness, FDA has received a small number of complaints of illness in dogs who were exposed to the treats. Because of the multiple positive tests for Salmonella, and the production practices and conditions observed at the facility during the inspection, FDA believes that there is a reasonable probability that pet treat products manufactured in the facility from April 20, 2012 through September 19, 2012 are contaminated with Salmonella.
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 who have any of these products, or who are unsure of the manufacturing date of their pet treats, should dispose of them in ways that people and animals, including wild animals, cannot access them, such as placing them in a securely lidded garbage can.
The Kasel-manufactured products are sold at various retailers, including Target, Petco, Sam’s Club and Costco. Most of the products have a two-year shelf life.
All of the products were made in the U.S. This action is not related to FDA’s ongoing investigation of jerky pet treats made in China.
Salmonella is a public health risk and is one of the most common causes of foodborne illness. 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 the products subject to this recall should contact their health care provider immediately.
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 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.
As with humans, dogs who are elderly, very young or have impaired immune systems are more vulnerable to Salmonella infection.

Product NameDistributorsLot/Best By DateUPC
12 PK Natural Pig EarsPetco04202014 DEN-10032014 DEN800443092910
12 PK Smoked Pig EarsPetco04202014 DEN-10032014 DEN800443092927
16 oz Chicken ChipsPetco, Kasel04202014 DEN-10032014 DEN647263800291
16 oz Chicken JerkyPetco, Kasel, Menards04202014 DEN-10032014 DEN647263800291
16 oz Pork JerkyPetco, Kasel, Menards04202014 DEN-10032014 DEN647263700157
16 oz Salmon JerkyPetco, Kasel04202014 DEN-10032014 DEN647263900151
25 PK Natural Pig EarsPetco04202014 DEN-10032014 DEN800443092903
4 oz Beef JerkyPetco, Kasel04202014 DEN-10032014 DEN647263801175
4 oz Chicken JerkyPetco, Kasel04202014 DEN-10032014 DEN647263800178
4 oz Lamb JerkyPetco, Kasel04202014 DEN-10032014 DEN647263510176
4 oz Salmon JerkyPetco, Kasel04202014 DEN-10032014 DEN647263900175
7 PK Natural Pig EarsPetco04202014 DEN-10032014 DEN800443092934
7 PK Smoked Pig EarsPetco04202014 DEN-10032014 DEN800443092941
BIXBI Hip And Joint Beef Liver Jerky 5ozBIXBI04202014 DEN-10032014 DEN091037018106
BIXBI Hip And Joint Chicken Breast Jerky 5ozBIXBI04202014 DEN-10032014 DEN091037018083
BIXBI Hip And Joint Lamb Jerky 5ozBIXBI04202014 DEN-10032014 DEN091037018120
BIXBI Hip And Joint Pork Jerky 5ozBIXBI04202014 DEN-10032014 DEN091037018144
BIXBI Skin & Coat Beef Liver Jerky 5ozBIXBI04202014 DEN-10032014 DEN091037018021
BIXBI Skin & Coat Chicken Breast Jerky Treats 5ozBIXBI04202014 DEN-10032014 DEN091037018007
BIXBI Skin & Coat Lamb Jerky 5ozBIXBI04202014 DEN-10032014 DEN091037018045
BIXBI Skin & Coat Pork Jerky 5ozBIXBI04202014 DEN-10032014 DEN091037018069
Boots & Barkley Assorted Natural Parts 32ozTarget20APR2014 DEN-03OCT2014 DEN490830400086
Boots & Barkley Beef Bully Stick 12"Target20APR2014 DEN-03OCT2014 DEN085239043165
Boots & Barkley Beef Bully Sticks 6ctTarget20APR2014 DEN-03OCT2014 DEN647263899189
Boots & Barkley Beef KnuckleTarget20APR2014 DEN-03OCT2014 DEN647263899172
Boots & Barkley Beef Ribs 2ctTarget20APR2014 DEN-03OCT2014 DEN647263899196
Boots & Barkley Braided Bully Stick 5"Target20APR2014 DEN-03OCT2014 DEN085239043110
Boots & Barkley Chicken Jerky 16ozTarget20APR2014 DEN-03OCT2014 DEN085239043325
Boots & Barkley Chicken Jerky 8ozTarget20APR2014 DEN-03OCT2014 DEN085239043400
Boots & Barkley Chicken Stuffed Beef Femur Bone 6"Target20APR2014 DEN-03OCT2014 DEN085239043202
Boots & Barkley Flossie 6-8"Target20APR2014 DEN-03OCT2014 DEN085239043103
Boots & Barkley Pig Ear Strips 8ozTarget20APR2014 DEN-03OCT2014 DEN085239403440
Boots & Barkley Pig Ears 12ctTarget20APR2014 DEN-03OCT2014 DEN647263899158
Boots & Barkley Pork FemurTarget20APR2014 DEN-03OCT2014 DEN647263899165
Boots & Barkley Smoked Beef Femur Bone 3"Target20APR2014 DEN-03OCT2014 DEN085239403495
K9 Chicken Breath Fresh Jerky 15ozNutri-Vet04202014 DEN-10032014 DEN669125507117
K9 Chicken Breath Fresh Jerky 5ozNutri-Vet04202014 DEN-10032014 DEN669125507100
K9 Chicken Calming Jerky 15ozNutri-Vet04202014 DEN-10032014 DEN669125507094
K9 Chicken Calming Jerky 5ozNutri-Vet04202014 DEN-10032014 DEN669125507087
K9 Chicken Coat Jerky 15ozNutri-Vet04202014 DEN-10032014 DEN669125507070
K9 Chicken Coat Jerky 5ozNutri-Vet04202014 DEN-10032014 DEN669125507063
K9 Chicken Digestive Jerky 15ozNutri-Vet04202014 DEN-10032014 DEN669125507155
K9 Chicken Digestive Jerky 5ozNutri-Vet04202014 DEN-10032014 DEN669125507148
K9 Chicken Healthy Weight Jerky 15ozNutri-Vet04202014 DEN-10032014 DEN669125507179
K9 Chicken Healthy Weight Jerky 5ozNutri-Vet04202014 DEN-10032014 DEN669125507162
K9 Chicken Jerky 16ozNutri-Vet04202014 DEN-10032014 DEN669125507032
K9 Chicken Jerky 5ozNutri-Vet04202014 DEN-10032014 DEN669125507018
K9 Chicken Jerky 8ozNutri-Vet04202014 DEN-10032014 DEN669125507025
K9 Chicken Joint Jerky 15ozNutri-Vet04202014 DEN-10032014 DEN669125507056
K9 Chicken Joint Jerky 5ozNutri-Vet04202014 DEN-10032014 DEN669125507049
K9 Chicken Senior Jerky 15ozNutri-Vet04202014 DEN-10032014 DEN669125507131
K9 Chicken Senior Jerky 5ozNutri-Vet04202014 DEN-10032014 DEN669125507124
K9 Hip & Joint Chicken Strips 8ozNutri-Vet04202014 DEN-10032014 DEN669125990445
Nature's Deli Chicken Jerky 2.5lbsSam’s Club04202013 DEN-10032013 DEN647263800208
Nature's Deli Chicken Jerky 3lbsCostco04202013 DEN-10032013 DEN647263800215
Nutri-Pet 16oz Natural Filet StripsNutri-Vet04202014 DEN-10032014 DEN76-0081
Roasted Pig Ear Dog Treats 28ozSam's Club04202014 DEN-10032014 DEN681131857246
TDBBS, Inc Beef Lobster Tails 1ctTDBBS, Inc/Best Bully Sticks04202014 DEN-10032014 DENBulk
TDBBS, Inc Buffalo Hearts Sliced 3 lbsTDBBS, Inc/Best Bully Sticks04202014 DEN-10032014 DENBulk
TDBBS, Inc Chicken Jerky 16ozTDBBS, Inc/Best Bully Sticks04202014 DEN-10032014 DENUnknown
TDBBS, Inc Hearts of Lamb 4ozTDBBS, Inc/Best Bully Sticks04202014 DEN-10032014 DENUnknown
TDBBS, Inc Knee Caps 25 CtTDBBS, Inc/Best Bully Sticks04202014 DEN-10032014 DENBulk
TDBBS, Inc Lamb Jerky 4ozTDBBS, Inc/Best Bully Sticks04202014 DEN-10032014 DENUnknown
TDBBS, Inc Pig Snouts 25ctTDBBS, Inc/Best Bully Sticks04202014 DEN-10032014 DENBulk
TDBBS, Inc Pork Jerky Strips 16ozTDBBS, Inc/Best Bully Sticks04202014 DEN-10032014 DENUnknown
TDBBS, Inc Turkey Cubes 4.5ozTDBBS, Inc/Best Bully Sticks04202014 DEN-10032014 DENUnknown
TDBBS, Inc Turkey Jerkey Sticks 6ctTDBBS, Inc/Best Bully Sticks04202014 DEN-10032014 DENUnknown

For More Information: Kasel Press Release
###

Friday, February 22, 2013

Dancing with JOY, Charleigh is HOME!

FOUND!!!!








My pistachio momma is a bit more relaxed now.

Phew. No more yelling at the Nuvi as she drove in circles looking for Charleigh.

We saw a bunch of cats, btw...

Now, can you focus on my belly rub? And maybe a treat? And how about a snuggle? And maybe a new toy? And maybe some sort of celebratory libation? Whaaaat? A girl can try, no?


'vie
Keep your pets safe