A Friday Night Dump & Run Recall

Hey Everyone!

From time to time recalls are necessary.  It's simply the nature of food items.  Sometimes, even under the best of circumstances, things happen.  Recalls are then issued for the safety of consumers.  Unfortunately, recalls are usually not seen in this light.  They have come to reflect on the capabilities and integrity of a company.  Perhaps it is this perception that led Merrick to issue their most recent recall is such a cowardly way.  Merrick issued a recall on their Beef Filet Squares late Friday, July 2nd.  That's not only what's become known as the Friday dump and run (a technique used to minimize the media attention given to a recall) but a dump and run on a holiday weekend!  I have to think that Merrick damaged their name more by issuing this recall in such a cowardly fashion than they would have if they had simply manned up and issued the recall in a straight forward, honest manner.  But they didn't.  And that leave us as consumers wondering what we can really expect from a company that displays such a lack of integrity...

Here is Merrick's official statement:

Merrick Pet Care Recalls Beef Filet Squares 10oz Bag (ITEM # 60016 LOT # 10084TL7 Best By March 24, 2012) Because of Possible Salmonella Health Risk

07.02.2010
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 2, 2010
Customer Inquiries:
Other Inquiries: JAMES WITCHER, COO (806) 322-2806

MERRICK PET CARE RECALLS BEEF FILET SQUARES 10oz BAG (ITEM # 60016 LOT # 10084TL7 BEST BY MARCH 24,2012) BECAUSE OF POSSIBLE SALMONELLA HEALTH RISK

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. 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 receptcial.

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 immediately.

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.

We found out about this recall thanks to the watchful eyes of the Pet Connection Blog.  If you don't already follow them, I recommend checking them out.