Tuesday, June 3, 2014

Hills Science Diet Recall

Hill’s Pet Nutrition, Inc. is recalling 62 bags of Science Diet® Adult Small & Toy Breed™ dry dog food as they have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella.


The suspect product was distributed to 17 veterinary clinic and pet store customers in California, Hawaii and Nevada between April 24 and May 13, 2014.

Even though Hills is limiting the problem to California, Hawaii and Nevada, it is my recommendation that you check the SKU number and Production Code for this product no matter where you live.


Affected Products:

Product Name: Science Diet® Adult Small & Toy Breed
Bag Size: 15.5 lbs
SKU: 9097
Best Before Date/Production Code: 08 2015 M094

For further information, contact Hill’s Pet Nutrition, Inc. at 1-800-445-5777 Monday-Friday during the hours of 7am-7pm (CT).


Salmonella is a bacteria that can cause severe gastrointestinal disease. It can also affect other organ systems as well. Typical signs associated with Salmonella in pets include but are not limited to: vomiting, diarrhea, diarrhea with blood, lethargy, depression, weakness, loss of appetite, weight loss, fever, and abdominal pain.


Animals that don't show clinical signs can also be carriers of Salmonella and pass it to other pets and humans. If your pet has any signs or has ingested the product mentioned above, please contact your veterinarian.

Salmonella can also affect humans and there is a risk if you or someone you know has come in contact with pet food, treats or supplements contaminated with Salmonella, this includes dry products. The elderly, children and immunocompromised individuals are most at risk.

To reduce risk of infection, people should wash their hands with hot soapy water after touching pet foods and surfaces pet foods have come in contact with. The clinical signs are similar as in pets. If you or anyone you know is showing signs of illness after coming in contact with this product, contact your health care provider.

Purina and Waggin' Train Jerky Treat Class Action Settlement

A national settlement has been reached between a group of pet owners and Waggin' Train and Nestle Purina PetCare Company relating to jerky treats and pet deaths and illnesses.

Waggin' Train and Nestle Purina PetCare Company has agreed to establish a settlement fund of $6,500,000 that will be used to compensate pet owners who believe their pets were harmed by the treats.

Waggin’ Train and Nestle Purina do not admit to any wrongdoing. The written agreement states,"All parties entered into the agreement only to bring the litigation to a prompt and certain resolution.”

If approved, the settlement would allow pet owners to be compensated for veterinary costs, ongoing veterinary care and burial expenses.

Also, under the agreement (for a period of two years) the companies agree to use a single source supplier of the chicken used as an ingredient in the Dog Treat Products, the implementation of Quality Assurance and Quality Control practices relating to ingredient supply and manufacture of the Dog Treat Products, testing of the Dog Treat Products, and disclosure of the country of origin.

You can read the actual court agreement here:  http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/i/msnbc/Sections/NEWS/press_release_on_settlement.pdf

You can read a breakdown of the settlement here:
http://www.nbcnews.com/health/health-news/pet-jerky-treat-deal-six-things-you-need-know-n120576