RECALL ALERT – Merrick, Nature’s Miracle and Excel Supplements

The Merrick product alert has been expanded to a full recall of Beef Filet Squares in 10 ounce bags.  There is also a recall of some Nature’s Miracle and Excel Nutritional Supplements.  Information on both recalls is below and on the Pet Supplies “Plus” web site –

7/3/2010
Recall Alert

Merrick Beef Filet Squares 10oz Bags
Natures Miracle Pet Mess Clean Up,
Excel Nutritional Supplements &
Powdered Form Products
Recalled For Possible Salmonella Contamination

Two major recalls involving pet products were announced on Friday July 2. The recalls involve 10 oz bags of Merrick Beef Filet Squares made by Merrick Pet Care, as well as nutritional supplements and powdered form products made by the United Pet Group and sold under the Nature’s Miracle, Excel and Pro-Pet brands (as well as under private label brands).

Detailed information about both recalls can be found below in this alert. If you have any of the products covered by these recalls, please stop using them immediately and return them to PSP for a complete refund.

Below is the detailed information on the two recalls. (The United Pet Group recall follows immediately after the Merrick recall.)

1. Merrick Pet Care Recalls 10oz Bags Of Merrick Beef Filet Squares

Merrick Pet Care, Inc. of Amarillo, Texas is recalling 86 cases of its 10oz “Beef Filet Squares for Dogs” pet treats (ITEM # 60016 LOT # 10084TL7 BEST BY MARCH 24, 2012) because they have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella. can affect animals and there is risk to humans from handling contaminated pet products. People handling the treats can become infected with Salmonella, especially if they have not thoroughly washed their hands after having contact with the chews or any surfaces exposed to these products. Consumers should dispose of these products in a safe manner by securing them in a covered trash receptacle.

Salmonella

If you have Merrick Beef Filet Squares for Dogs that are covered by this recall, please stop feeding them to your pet immediately and return them to PSP for a complete refund.  (Returned items should be double wrapped in plastic bags to avoid exposure to possibly contaminated product.) Also, if your pet has any unfinished Merrick Beef Filet Squares, be sure to remove them safely from your home, disposing of them so they cannot be eaten by wildlife. All surface areas that come into contact with any product suspected of being contaminated with Salmonella should be washed and disinfected. Wash your hands thoroughly after handling affected products. Pregnant women, young children, the elderly and anyone recovering from an illness should not handle products that may be contaminated with Salmonella.

People who handle these products can become infected with Salmonella, especially if they have not thoroughly washed their hands after having contact with them 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 the 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 immediately.

The Beef Filet Squares were shipped to distributors and retailers throughout the US. These individuals have been notified and have activated their recall procedures.

The treats are sold in 10oz plastic bags marked with “Lot # 10084TL7 Best By Mar 24, 2012” on the top of the bag and on a sticker applied to the bottom.

No illnesses have been reported to date. FDA collected a surveillance sample of “Merrick Beef Filet Squares for Dogs” (lot #10084TL7) which were purchased from a retail store. The sample tested positive for Salmonella.

Consumers who have purchased 10 ounce packages of “Beef Filet Squares for Dogs” are urged to return the unused portion to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact the company at 1-800-664-7387 M-F 8:00 – 5:00 CDT.

2. United Pet Group Nutritional Supplements and Powdered Form Products

United Pet Group has recalled a variety of nutritional supplements for dogs and powdered form products for dogs and cats. Some of these products are sold at Pet Supplies “Plus” under the Nature’s Miracle and Excel brand names. The products are also sold under the Pro-Pet name at other retailers,  Also affected by the recall are products sold under private label brands at other retailers and through catalogs/websites. Please check the FDA release for a complete listing of products affected by this recall (including those carried by PSP and other retailers). Here is the link: http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm217999.htm

A separate list of the recalled United Pet Group products that are carried by Pet Supplies “Plus” is provided at the end of this alert. If you have any of the affected United Pet Group Products, please stop feeding them to your pet immediately and return them to PSP for a complete refund. (Returned items should be double wrapped in plastic bags to avoid exposure to possibly contaminated product.)

All of the affected products are in tablet and powdered form.  The affected products are those with expiration dates that include and are between “01/2013” and “06/2013.” Products with expiration dates earlier than 01/2013 or later than 06/2013 are not included in this recall. The expiration date can be found imprinted vertically on the right side of the product label.

When disposing of affected products, do so in a way that prevents them from being eaten by wildlife. All surface areas that come into contact with any product suspected of being contaminated with Salmonella should be washed and disinfected. Wash your hands thoroughly after handling affected products. Pregnant women, young children, the elderly and anyone recovering from an illness should not handle products that may be contaminated with Salmonella.

Here is a list of products carried by Pet Supplies “Plus” that are affected by this recall:

PRODUCT	EXPIRATION DATE
5619 Nature’s Miracle Pet Mess Easy Clean-up Net WT 12oz	EXP 01/2013 thru 06/2013
Excel 3 in 1 Ear Powder Ear Care Net WT 1oz(28g)	EXP 01/2013 thru 06/2013
Excel Glucosamine Joint Care 120 Tasty Chew Tabs	EXP 01/2013 thru 06/2013
Excel Deter Coprophagia Treatment Behavioral Aid 60 Tasty Chew Tabs	EXP 01/2013 thru 06/2013
Excel Calm-Quil Calming Tablets Behavior Aid 60 Tasty Chew Tabs	EXP 01/2013 thru 06/2013
Excel Brewers Yeast with Garlic Skin and Coat Care 600 Tasty Chew Tabs	EXP 01/2013 thru 06/2013
Excel Brewers Yeast with Garlic Skin and Coat Care Mega Tabs 216 Tasty Chew Tabs	EXP 01/2013 thru 06/2013
Excel Puppy Multi Vitamin 100 Tasty Chew Tabs Time Release	EXP 01/2013 thru 06/2013
Excel Small Breed Multi Vitamin 45 Tasty Chew Tabs	EXP 01/2013 thru 06/2013
Excel Adult Multi Vitamin 60 Tasty Chew Tabs	EXP 01/2013 thru 06/2013
Excel Joint Ensure Moderate Care 60 Tasty Chew Tabs	EXP 01/2013 thru 06/2013
Excel Joint Ensure Advanced Care 60 Tasty Chew Tabs	EXP 01/2013 thru 06/2013

If you have questions, please contact your local Pet Supplies “Plus” store or contact us.  You can reach United Pet Group through this consumer line number: (877) 399-5226.