Vitakraft Sun Seed Recalls 1 Lot of Sunseed Vita Prima Sugar Glider Food Due to Possible Salmonella Health Risk

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The following was posted on the FDA’s site on April 14 and confirmed by Pet Age with a Vitakraft team member:

Vitakraft Sun Seed Inc. of Weston, Ohio, is voluntarily recalling one lot of Sunseed Vita Prima Exotics Sugar Glider Formula because it has the potential to be contaminated with salmonella. 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.

Vitakraft Sun Seed was notified on April 13, 2018, by the Michigan Department of Agriculture that salmonella was detected in an inspection sample of product from Lot Number 271391. The tests which discovered the bacteria were part of random testing regularly performed by the State of Michigan on various consumer products and not prompted by any consumer concerns. To date there have been no reports of illness.

Products matching the specific lot number below are being recalled:

UPC #: 87535-20060

DESCRIPTION: Sunseed Vita Prima Exotics Sugar Glider Formula, 28oz

LOT: 271391

Exp: 12/20/19

“The health and happiness of our customers and their animal companions is always our top priority. We initiated our recall procedure as soon as we were notified of this issue so we could make sure pet owners were informed,” said Brent Weinmann, president and CEO of Vitakraft Sun Seed.

The product was distributed to the following states: California, Florida, Illinois, Michigan, New Jersey, Nevada, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Texas, as well as Edmonton, Alberta in Canada. Retailers and distributors who received the recalled lots have been contacted and asked to pull these lots from their inventory and shelves. Consumers who have purchased a product from the recalled lot should discontinue use of the product and may return the unused portion to the place of purchase for a full refund.

Customers who have further questions are welcome to contact Customer Service at 1-800-221- 6175, Monday through Friday between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. EST.