Pet food recall

email from my veternarian

Voluntary Recall Notice
A note from Chief Executive Officer, Jen Guzman

Dear Valued Customers:

On Thursday, Stella & Chewy's was notified by the Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA) that it issued a stop sale order on a single lot of Chewy's Chicken Freeze-Dried Dinner Patties for Dogs, 15 oz. bag (Lot# 111-15) because the MDA detected Listeria monocytogenes in the product.  There were no reported pet or human illnesses associated with this recall.  Since learning this news, we have been working quickly to review the situation to find answers to the important questions on our customers' minds.  As a precautionary measure, we are voluntarily recalling all products from Lot# 111-15 which are listed below.

Furthermore, while they have not tested positive for Listeria monocytogenes, in an abundance of caution, we are also voluntarily recalling a number of products that may have been exposed to the affected lot (please see the second chart below). The health and safety of our customers and their pets is always of the utmost importance to us.  We are accountable for every dinner and treat we make and recognize that we have an important obligation to provide customers with the quality products they deserve and have come to expect from us over the years. Please see below for additional details about our recall actions and please don't hesitate to contact us if you have any questions.

Sincerely, 

Jen Guzman
Chief Executive Officer

Q:  What products and lot numbers are being voluntarily recalled by Stella & Chewy's?
A:   As a precautionary measure, we are voluntarily recalling all products from Lot#111-15 including:
 
Product Description
Size
UPC
Lot#
Use By
Freeze-Dried Chewy's Chicken Dinner for Dogs
15oz.
186011000045
111-15
04/23/16& 
04/26/16
Freeze Dried Chick, Chick, Chicken Dinner for Cats
12oz.
186011000434
111-15
04/29/16 &
05/03/16
Carnivore Crunch - Turkey Recipe
3.25oz.
186011001103
111-15
05/03/16 &
05/04/16
Frozen Duck Duck Goose Dinner Morsels for Dogs
4lbs.
186011011394
111-15
04/21/16
Frozen Chewy's Chicken Dinner Morsels for Dogs
4lbs.
186011001387
111-15
04/21/16
Frozen Surf 'N Turf Dinner Patties for Dogs
6lbs.
186011000533
111-15
04/21/16
Frozen Chewy's Chicken Dinner Patties for Dogs
6lbs.
186011000120
111-15
04/21/16
Frozen Chewy's Chicken Dinner Patties for Dogs
3lbs.
186011000038
111-15
04/21/16
 
Moreover, while the below listed product has not tested positive for Listeria monocytogenes, in an abundance of caution, we are also recalling the following products which may have come into contact with the affected lot:
 
Product Description
Size
UPC
Lot#
Use By
Freeze-Dried Chick, Chick, Chicken Dinner for Cats
12oz.
186011000434
104-15
04/23/16
Freeze-Dried Tantalizing Turkey Meal Mixers
18oz.
186011000229
105-15
05/03/16
Freeze-Dried Tantalizing Turkey Meal Mixers
9oz.
186011000205
105-15
05/03/16
Freeze-Dried Chick, Chick, Chicken Dinner for Cats
12oz.
186011000434
109-15
04/29/16
Carnivore Crunch - Chicken Recipe
3.25oz.
186011001080
110-15
05/03/16
Freeze-Dried Tantalizing Turkey Meal Mixers
18oz.
186011000229
113-15
05/03/16
Freeze-Dried Chewy's Chicken Dinners for Dogs
15oz.
186011000045
114-15
04/26/16
Freeze-Dried Tummy Ticklin' Turkey Dinner for Cats
12oz.
186011000663
114-15
05/04/16
Freeze-Dried Tummy Ticklin' Turkey Dinner for Cats
12oz.
186011000663
115-15
05/04/16
Freeze-Dried Salmon & Chicken Dinner for Cats
12oz.
186011000403
107-15
04/23/16
 
Q:  Why were the products recalled?
A: Listeria monocytogenes was discovered in a package of product during surveillance testing by the Maryland Department of Agriculture.  As an extra precautionary measure, we chose to expand the recall list to include products that may have been exposed to the affected lot.
 
Q:  What is Listeria and what are the symptoms?  
A:  Listeria monocytogenes is an organism, which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems.  Although healthy individuals may suffer only short-term symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea, Listeria infection can cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women.  Animals that become ill with Listeria could display symptoms similar to the ones listed above for humans.

Q:  What do I do if I believe my pet has been exposed to Listeria? 
A:  People who have concerns about whether their pet has been exposed to Listeria should contact their veterinarian.

Q:  Where are the products sold?  
A:  The products included on the recall list above were sold throughout the U.S. to wholesale distributors and retail stores for resale to consumers.  The recalled products were not made available in Canada.  The best way to determine if you have a product included in the recall is to compare the product description and bag size located on the front of the bag, and the UPC #, the lot code, and use by date located on the back of the bag, with the two charts provided above.

Q:  What is Stella & Chewy's doing to correct the situation?
A:  As a precautionary measure, we have issued a voluntary recall of the entire affected lot as well as additional product that could have been exposed to the affected lot, and we are working collaboratively with the FDA to further investigate and address the situation.  Furthermore, we have engaged an outside third-party expert to conduct a root cause analysis and ensure appropriate corrective actions are taken.

Q:  Do you test for Listeria?
A:  Yes, we conduct environmental testing for Listeria which is the recommended method.

Q:  Does High Pressure Processing (HPP) eliminate the risk of Listeria?
A:  Yes, scientific studies show that HPP inactivates Listeria, however, this product had further processing after the HPP process and may have been affected elsewhere in the manufacturing environment.

Q:  Who do I contact if I have further questions or concerns?  
A:  For any inquiries, you may contact us at info@stellaandchewys.com or 888-477-8977.