Carnivore Meat Company Voluntarily Recalls Limited Batches of Vital Essentials Toppers, Food over Salmonella Concerns

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The following was posted on the Vital Essentials site and confirmed by Pet Age with a Carnivore Meat Company public relations representative:

Carnivore Meat Company of Green Bay, Wisconsin, is voluntarily recalling a limited amount of pet food because the products may have the potential to be contaminated with salmonella.

The following affected products were distributed in the continental USA through independent retailers and via online retailers Chewys.com and Amazon.com through direct delivery:

Affected products can be identified by comparing the following lot numbers and best by dates: “Vital Essentials Freeze-Dried Beef Toppers, 6 oz. poly bag” with “Lot #13815, Best by 06/01/2019, Best by 06/04/19 or Best by 06/20/19 and UPC 033211006059” and “Vital Essentials Frozen Beef Chub Entrée for Dogs, 5 lb.” with “Lot #13816, Best by 12/27/18 and UPC 033211008817.”

No other Vital Essentials products are subject to this precautionary voluntary recall.

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 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.

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 but otherwise healthy pets can be carriers and infect other animals or humans. If your pet has consumed the recalled product and has these symptoms, please contact your veterinarian.

The issue was discovered when product from a single batch was tested by FDA for the presence of salmonella.

Consumers who have purchased the items listed above are urged to discard them safely in a covered trash receptacle. You may notify your retailer for a replacement or refund. Consumers with questions may call the company at 920-370-6542.