OC Raw Dog Issues 2 Recalls

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OC Raw Dog, LLC has issued two recalls. Both notices were posted on the FDA’s site on April 20 and confirmed by Pet Age with OC Raw Dog. One recall was of Freeze Dried Sardines and the other of more than 1,500 pounds of Chicken, Fish & Produce Raw Frozen Canine Formulation.

The following was posted on the FDA’s site about the first recall:

 OC Raw Dog, LLC of Rancho Santa Margarita, California, is recalling the Freeze Dried Sardines because the fish have exceeded the FDA compliance guideline for fish larger than five inches. The FDA has determined that salt-cured, dried or fermented un-eviscerated fish larger than five inches have been linked to outbreaks of botulism poisoning between 1981 and 1987 and again in 1991. Because OC Raw Dog Freeze Dried Sardines are larger than five inches there is a possible health risk. Clostridium botulinum can cause severe and potentially fatal toxicity in both animals consuming the pet treat and people handling the pet treat or coming in contact with contact areas that have been exposed to the product. Common symptoms may include dizziness, blurred or double vision, trouble with speaking or swallowing, difficulty breathing, muscle weakness, abdominal distension, and constipation. Pets or persons experiencing these symptoms should seek immediate medical attention.

This product of Freeze Dried Sardines was shipped to distributors in the following states with the intent to be sold to wholesales who in turn sell to consumers. This product would be found in independent pet specialty stores within the following states: California, Colorado, Florida, Maryland, Minnesota, Texas and Pennsylvania.

OC Raw Dog Freeze Dried Sardines are packaged in a 3.2-ounce bag with a UPC of 095225853043.

To date there have been no reported illnesses of dogs, cats or persons in any connection with the sardines.

OC Raw was notified by the Minnesota Department of Food and Agriculture after a sample of our OC Raw Dog Freeze Dried Sardines were collected and determined to contain un-eviscerated or intact un-gutted fish that measure 6-6.5 inches which is greater than FDA guidelines of five inches for un-eviscerated fish.

This product has not tested positive for Clostridium botulinum. Minnesota Department of Food and Agriculture tested the product for salmonella where the test returned negative.

OC Raw Dog is a family owned and managed by passionate dog enthusiasts who take very seriously the safety and well-being of its consumers and clients. We are dedicated to producing a safe and quality product. Because safety and quality is our priority we are conducting this voluntarily recall. We will be changing our sardine suppliers to ensure the new sardines are less than five inches or if larger they will be eviscerated. We will continue to only use ingredients and products that are USDA certified and inspected for Human Consumption.

Distributors, retailers and consumers who have purchased OC Raw Dog’s Freeze Dried Sardines can return it to the location where it was purchased for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact the company at 1-844-215-DOGS Monday – Friday 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. PST

The following was posted on the FDA’s site about the second recall:

OC Raw Dog, LLC of Rancho Santa Margarita, California, is recalling approximately 1,560 pounds of Chicken, Fish & Produce Raw Frozen Canine Formulation which was manufactured on 10/11/2017 with a lot number 3652 and a use by date of 10/11/18. We are voluntarily recalling because of potential contamination with Listeria monocytogenes, which can cause severe and potentially fatal infection in animals consuming the pet food, and the humans that handle the pet food and surfaces exposed to the product. Pets can be carriers of the bacteria and infect humans, even if the pets do not appear to be ill. Short-term symptoms may include high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea. Young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems are particularly vulnerable to Listeria monocytogenes infections, which can cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women. Healthy people infected with Listeria monocytogenes should monitor themselves and their pets for symptoms.

Lot # 3652 of OC Raw Dog Chicken, Fish & Produce was shipped to the following states with the following associated volume with the intent to sell to independent specialty retailers and in turn sold to consumers. California – 356 pounds, Colorado – 153 pounds, Florida – 195 pounds, Maryland – 320 pounds, Minnesota – 429 pounds, Pennsylvania – 78 pounds and Vermont – 30 pounds.

This lot of OC Raw Dog Chicken, Fish & Produce was made into 3-pound Meaty Rox Bags, 4-pound Slider Bags, 6.5-pound Doggie Dozen Patty Bags and 7-pound Meaty Rox Bags, all of which have been marked with a lot number of 3652 and a USE BY DATE of 10/11/18. Each bag has this information on a sticker located on the back lower left corner of the bag.

To date there have been no reported illnesses of dogs, cats or persons in any connection with this product. The contamination is still under investigation.

OC Raw was notified by the FDA of the contamination after it was reported that New Jersey Department of Food and Agriculture tested the product and found it to be positive.

The same lab who conducted the tests for Listeria also tested for Salmonella on our 3-pound bag of Chicken, Fish & Produce Meaty Rox and the test was negative. In addition to the OC Raw Dog Chicken, Fish & Produce tests the lab conducted tests for OC Raw Dog Pumpkin Rox for Listeria monocytogenes and Salmonella and the results were negative.

OC Raw Dog is a family owned and managed by passionate dog enthusiasts who take very seriously the safety and wellbeing of its consumers and clients. We are dedicated to producing a quality product that is safe. We are taking this contamination very seriously and have sent multiple samples of machines, utensils, packaging equipment and freezers to insure there is no contamination at our facility. We have also sent several individual ingredients to insure we are using safe ingredients and the food we produce is done so in a safe environment. All samples have returned negative for listeria.

There was product at two of the seven distribution locations. The product has been pulled from inventory and destroyed. It is possible there might be a few bags at retailers or at home with consumers. We strongly urge anyone who has purchased OC Raw Dog’s Chicken, Fish & Produce to check the lot number.

Consumers who have purchased product with lot 3652 are urged to return it to the retailer where it was purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact the company at 1-844-215-DOGS Monday – Friday 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. PST.