Nature's Variety has expanded its recall of its frozen diets to include all Chicken and Organic Chicken diets with a "Best By" date of 2/5/11. Please note that this expansion is out of an abundance of caution and not because any additional contaminated product was found. See below for FAQ's from Nature's Variety. If you have purchased Nature's Variety Chicken or Organic Chicken diets recently, please be sure to check the "Best By" date on the package. If it falls before 2/5/11, please dispose of the unused food and return just the package to us for an exchange or full refund. We are continuing to monitor this recall.
FAQs about the Expanded Voluntary Recall
For your reference, copied below are FAQ's that are posted at www.naturesvariety.com about this situation.
1. What action is being taken?
On March 8, 2010, Nature’s Variety announced that out of an abundance of caution, we are voluntarily recalling all Chicken Formula and Organic Chicken Formula products with a “Best If Used By” date on or before 2/5/11.
2. Why now? Why is Nature’s Variety expanding their voluntary recall of raw frozen chicken products?
Nature’s Variety has received new test results from an outside facility that Chicken Formula Raw Frozen Diet with the “Best If Used By” date of 10/29/10 and Chicken Formula Raw Frozen Diet with the “Best If Used By” date of 11/9/10 may be contaminated with Salmonella. Therefore, we are voluntarily recalling these date codes of product from the marketplace.
Also, out of an abundance of caution, Nature’s Variety has chosen to expand our voluntary recall to include all Chicken Formula and Organic Chicken Formula Raw Frozen Diets for dogs and cats with any “Best If Used By” date on or before 2/5/11.
3. Why did Nature’s Variety choose to expand their voluntary recall to all raw frozen chicken products when only two specific date codes were in question?
Nature’s Variety believes taking this action is an important and responsible step in order to reinforce consumer confidence and trust.
On February 11, 2010, Nature’s Variety began utilizing a new food safety process on all of our Raw Frozen Diets called High Pressure Pasteurization. Adopting High Pressure Pasteurization as an additional food safety protocol was an important step to ensure that our products meet the strictest quality and food safety standards.
By recalling all raw frozen chicken products with “Best If Used By” dates on or before 2/5/11, we can provide our pet parents with new raw frozen chicken products that have been processed through High Pressure Pasteurization.
4. What is High Pressure Pasteurization?
High Pressure Pasteurization is a unique process that kills pathogenic bacteria through high-pressure, water-based technology. High Pressure Pasteurization is a USDA-approved, 100% natural process, and is allowed for use on organic and natural products. Essentially, this technology “puts the squeeze” on food pathogens without cooking out vital nutrients or changing the fresh characteristics of food. During High Pressure Pasteurization, pressure is uniformly applied around and throughout the food product. Please refer to the High Pressure Pasteurization Q&A to learn more about this food safety step.
5. Are you being forced to recall all raw frozen chicken products?
No, Nature’s Variety is expanding the voluntary recall to all raw frozen chicken products as a precautionary step to reinforce consumer confidence and trust.
6. Which products are being cleared from the marketplace?
Nature’s Variety Chicken Formula and Organic Chicken Formula Raw Frozen Diets with the “Best If Used By” dates on or before 2/5/11 are included in this voluntary recall, including:
* 7 69949 60131 9 - Chicken Formula 0.75 lb Taste of Raw medallions
* 7 69949 60130 2 Chicken Formula 3 lb medallions
* 7 69949 60120 3 Chicken Formula 6 lb patties
* 7 69949 60121 0 Chicken Formula 2 lb single chub
* 7 69949 50121 3 Chicken Formula 12 lb case of chubs
* 7 69949 60137 1 Organic Chicken Formula 3 lb medallions
* 7 69949 60127 2 Organic Chicken Formula 6 lb patties
7. How do I find the “Best If Used By” date?
Look for the “Best If Used By” date on the back of the package directly above the handling instructions. (See image at right.) Nature’s Variety recommends that consumers who are unable to determine the “Best If Used By” date discontinue use of the product.
8. Which products are NOT included?
The following products are NOT included, and are not being cleared from the marketplace:
* Nature’s Variety Chicken Formula and Organic Chicken Formula Raw Frozen Diets with “Best If Used By” dates AFTER 2/5/11
* Nature’s Variety Beef, Lamb, Bison, Venison, and Rabbit Formula Raw Frozen Diets
* Nature’s Variety Freeze Dried Raw foods
* Nature’s Variety kibble foods (Instinct and Prairie)
* Nature’s Variety canned foods (Instinct, Prairie, and Homestyle)
* Nature’s Variety raw frozen bones
* Nature’s Variety slow roasted bones and treats
* Nature’s Variety SweetSpots treats
9. When will the new High Pressure Pasteurized chicken products be available for purchase?
The new High Pressure Pasteurized raw frozen chicken products have already begun shipping to our retail stores. Additional High Pressure Pasteurized raw frozen chicken products will be shipped to our distributor and retailer partners this week.
10. How will I be able to recognize which raw frozen chicken products have been High Pressure Pasteurized?
All raw frozen chicken products with a “Best If Used By” date on or after 2/11/11 have been High Pressure Pasteurized and is not involved in this voluntary recall.
11. Are you still selling the affected products?
No, we are no longer selling any products with the affected date codes. All retailers and distributors have been notified and directed to remove the products from store shelves, and to destroy it in a prescribed manner.
12. Where were the included Chicken Formula and Organic Chicken Formula products distributed and available?
Chicken Formula and Organic Chicken Formula Raw Frozen Diets with “Best If Used By” dates on or before 2/5/11 were distributed through retail stores and internet sales in the United States and Canada.
13. What do I do if I am in possession of one of the included products?
Nature’s Variety always offers a 100% money-back guarantee on all of our products. If your package has not been opened, please bring the unopened product to your local retail store to receive a full refund, or to exchange it for another variety. If your package has been opened, please dispose of the raw food in a safe manner by securing it in a covered trash receptacle. Then, bring your receipt (or the empty package in a sealed bag) to your local retailer for a full refund or replacement.
14. What should I do if I have given this product to my pet?
Most likely, your pet will not experience any digestive upset or unusual symptoms. However, if your pet has consumed any of the affected product and is experiencing unusual symptoms, please contact your veterinarian.
15. How can I be assured that the other proteins of Nature’s Variety Raw Frozen Diets are safe and healthy for my pet?
Pet health and safety has always been our top priority. As with all of our products, we utilize robust systems to ensure the quality and safety of our foods. Our quality control and quality assurance programs include but are not limited to: Sanitation Standard Operating Procedures (SSOP’s), Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP’s), a Hazard Analysis & Critical Control Points (HACCP) program, regular lot segregation, and other industry best practices. Our manufacturing facility also adheres to these specific quality measures:
* Our ingredients are sourced from USDA inspected facilities and facilities regulated by the FDA
* We adhere to state and federal regulations regarding product safety
* Our manufacturing facility is regularly monitored by third party auditors
* Our manufacturing facility is a USDA Certified Organic Processing Facility and adheres to USDA and EU standards
In addition to the steps listed above, Nature’s Variety utilizes a “test and hold” protocol to ensure that all products test negative for harmful bacteria before being released for sale.
Nature’s Variety stands behind all of our products with a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee. Please be assured that Nature’s Variety Raw Frozen Diets are safe and healthy for your pet.
16. What are your test and hold procedures?
Nature’s Variety uses a third party laboratory to test every lot of finished product in order to confirm that it is negative for select pathogenic bacteria (Salmonella, E. coli O157:H7, and Listeria monocytogenes). When the test results are reviewed and confirmed negative, the product is released for shipment to our distributor partners and then on to retail stores.
17. What additional manufacturing processes have you instituted to ensure the safety and quality of your products since the voluntary recall on February 11, 2010?
In addition to the industry best practices previously mentioned, and in an abundance of caution, we have implemented a progressive new food safety protocol called High Pressure Pasteurization for use on all Nature’s Variety Raw Frozen Diets. High Pressure Pasteurization is a unique process that kills pathogenic bacteria through high-pressure, water-based technology. High Pressure Pasteurization is a USDA-approved, 100% natural process, and is allowed for use on organic and natural products.
To learn more about High Pressure Pasteurization and how Nature’s Variety uses it as part of our overall food safety and quality protocols, please visit www.naturesvariety.com or reference our High Pressure Pasteurization Q&A document.
18. What are the symptoms of Salmonella poisoning in me or my pet?
Salmonella lives in the intestines of mammals, birds and reptiles and is usually harmless. Healthy people infected with Salmonella may experience some or all of the following symptoms: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramping, or fever. If you have handled the affected product and are exhibiting these symptoms, please contact your health care provider.
Pets with Salmonella infections may become lethargic and have diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever, or vomiting. Some pets may experience only a decreased appetite, fever, or abdominal pain. If your pet has consumed any of the affected products and is exhibiting these symptoms, please contact your veterinarian.
19. Have any animals been made sick by the Chicken Formula Raw Frozen Diet with the “Best If Used By” dates of 10/29/10 or 11/9/10?
Some pet illnesses have been reported in association with these date codes, although we are still investigating whether the reported illnesses were caused by the food.
On a daily basis, our Customer Care team speaks with many consumers. Some consumers want to learn more about ingredients, some need help finding a store, some have basic feeding questions, etc. It’s not uncommon for pets to experience some digestive upset as they transition to new foods, and typically this is not a cause for concern. We will of course continue to monitor and respond to our consumer contacts and follow up with each individual question thoughtfully and thoroughly.
20. What if I think my pet is sick because of eating a raw frozen chicken diet?
If you have a dog or cat that you feel is sick, you should speak with your veterinarian. Our number one concern is the health and happiness of your pet. If you have any questions for Nature’s Variety, please call us on our dedicated Customer Care line 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 800-374-3142.
21. I am a consumer and I have more questions – whom should I call?
Consumer questions are understandable. For questions related to this expanded voluntary recall, you can call our dedicated Customer Care line 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 800-374-3142. Or, you can email us by visiting naturesvariety.com.
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High Pressure Pasteurization Q&A
For your reference, copied below is additional information about High Pressure Pasteurization. This information is also posted at www.naturesvariety.com.
1. What is High Pressure Pasteurization?
High Pressure Pasteurization is a unique process that kills pathogenic bacteria through high-pressure, water-based technology. High Pressure Pasteurization is a USDA-approved, 100% natural process, and is allowed for use on organic and natural products.
2. How does High Pressure Pasteurization work?
Essentially, this technology “puts the squeeze” on food pathogens without cooking out vital nutrients or changing the fresh characteristics of food. During High Pressure Pasteurization, pressure is uniformly applied around and throughout the food product. High Pressure Pasteurization can be conducted at refrigerated temperatures, which means the temperature starts low and stays
low – High Pressure Pasteurization does not cause the heat degradation that happens during cooking. Because of this, High Pressure Pasteurization is known for being especially beneficial for heat-sensitive products, like meats, fruits, and vegetables.
3. Why is Nature’s Variety now using High Pressure Pasteurization?
As always, we’re committed to continual product improvements, and we believe the use of High Pressure Pasteurization is an important step to further enhance our strict quality and food safety standards.
At Nature’s Variety, our purpose is empowering people to transform the lives of pets. We take pride in the quality of our foods “from farm to bowl” so that our ingredients, formulas, manufacturing protocols, and finished products are nothing short of superior – because that’s what our pets deserve. Using High Pressure Pasteurization is just one more step to ensure we’re living to fulfill our purpose.
4. Is High Pressure Pasteurization appropriate for natural and organic foods?
Yes. High Pressure Pasteurization is recognized by the FDA and USDA as an anti-pathogen treatment in many products. In addition, the USDA’s National Organic Products regulations provide for the use of High Pressure Pasteurization on organically labeled products. Because High Pressure Pasteurization is the only scientifically recognized pasteurization process that does not use heat or irradiation to kill harmful bacteria, it is a safe treatment option that has little to no nutritional degradation of the products.
5. How did the High Pressure Pasteurization technology originate?
The origin of the High Pressure Pasteurization concept is as natural as the process itself. Over a century ago, scientists began investigating the fact that harmful bacteria found at sea level were actually not able to survive at deep sea levels (under high water pressures).
Within the last decade or so, advancements in technology have allowed for the duplication of this interesting phenomenon for use on natural and organic foods to kill harmful bacteria while preserving taste, enzymes, and overall nutritional integrity.
6. Which Nature’s Variety foods use High Pressure Pasteurization?
As of 2/11/10, all Nature’s Variety Raw Frozen Diets and Freeze Dried Raw foods utilize High Pressure Pasteurization.
7. Where else is High Pressure Pasteurization used?
High Pressure Pasteurization is currently used in the human food industry on products such as guacamole, oysters, lunch meats, and natural fruit juices.
8. Will I be able to see a difference in High Pressure Pasteurized product as compared to non-High Pressure Pasteurized product?
It would be extremely difficult to see a difference between High Pressure Pasteurized products as compared to non-High Pressure Pasteurized products. Remember, Nature’s Variety Raw Frozen Diets are 100% natural and do not use artificial colors or preservatives. Therefore, batches may vary in color and/or texture due to the natural ingredients. It’s more likely that you would notice this natural variation rather than any visible differences caused by High Pressure Pasteurization.
9. Are you changing your raw diet formulas as you introduce High Pressure Pasteurization?
No, in implementing this food safety step, there is no change in formula for Nature’s Variety Raw Frozen Diets.
10. How does High Pressure Pasteurization maintain the nutritional integrity of the food?
High Pressure Pasteurization affects only the cell level. Pathogenic bacteria, including Salmonella, E. coli 0157:H7, and Listeria Monocytogenes are single-cell organisms present in small numbers and therefore ARE affected and destroyed by High Pressure Pasteurization by rupturing their cell walls. Beneficial bacteria are also present in very high levels in raw food, so, while some may be lost during High Pressure Pasteurization, there are still plenty remaining at the conclusion of the process.
High Pressure Pasteurization does NOT affect the molecular level. Proteins, enzymes, nutrients, prebiotics, vitamins, and minerals are molecules and, therefore, are NOT affected by High Pressure Pasteurization. Because proteins, enzymes, nutrients, vitamins, and minerals are unaffected by High Pressure Pasteurization, the nutritional value of the food is not sacrificed by High Pressure Pasteurization.
High Pressure Pasteurization causes minimal to no effect on nutritional value, vitamins or minerals, flavor compounds (taste), or pigments (color).
11. Does High Pressure Pasteurization affect the food’s naturally occurring enzymes?
No, High Pressure Pasteurization causes little to no effect on the food’s naturally occurring enzymes. Food enzymes are very resistant to pressure and require very high pressure for their inactivation. Many enzymes in our foods remain active up to 140 to 176°F, yet our High Pressure Pasteurization processing temperatures will not exceed 90°F and will typically peak in the 78 to 89°F range.
For example, the following raw food enzymes remain active far beyond the temperature used in our High Pressure Pasteurization process:
* Alkaline Phosphatase - active up to 140°F
* Lipase - active up to 143°F
* Catalase - active up to 145°F
* Peroxidase - active up to 165°F
* Xanthin Oxidase - active up to 186°F
* Acid Phospatase - active up to 188°F
12. Does the use of High Pressure Pasteurization change the manufacturing process for Raw Frozen Diets?
The use of High Pressure Pasteurization adds a new step to our manufacturing processes. After we grind and blend our raw ingredients (meat, poultry, fruits, and vegetables), we now send the refrigerated blend to a third party USDA-inspected plant that follows strict human food processing standards to be High Pressure Pasteurized. Then, the food is returned to the Nature’s Variety plant and is formed, frozen, and packaged into medallions, patties, or chubs.
Nature’s Variety uses a third party laboratory to test every lot of finished product in order to confirm that it is negative for select pathogenic bacteria (Salmonella, E. coli O157:H7, and Listeria monocytogenes). When the test results are reviewed and confirmed negative, the product is released for shipment to our distributor partners and then on to retail stores.
Please note, in implementing this food safety step, there is no change in formula for Nature’s Variety Raw Frozen Diets.
13. Where can I go if I want to learn more about High Pressure Pasteurization?
You can learn more about High Pressure Pasteurization through these helpful resources:
* Iowa Public Television’s High Pressure Pasteurization video
* Illinois Institute of Technology’s website: http://www.iit.edu
* American Pasteurization Company’s website: www.pressurefresh.com
* Avure Technologies website: www.avure.com
