Last month, Nature’s Variety voluntarily recalled its Chicken Formula Raw Frozen Diet for dogs and cats with the “Best If Used By” date of 11/10/10 because of possible Salmonella contamination. The products affected were chicken medallions, patties, and chubs.

Yesterday (Monday, March 8th) Nature’s Variety announced that they were expanding their recall to include Chicken Formula Raw Frozen Diet with the “Best If Used By” date of 10/29/10, Chicken Formula Raw Frozen Diet with the “Best If Used By” date of 11/9/10 and 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. The “Best If Used By” date is located on the back of the package above the safe handling instructions.

If you have purchased one of the affected products, please return the unopened product to your local retail store to receive a complete 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 complete refund or replacement.

The products listed above have been recalled because of possible Salmonella contamination. Salmonellarefers to a type of bacteria that is most commonly found in animal feces. Food can become contaminated with Salmonelladuring the slaughter and processing of an animal, when food is handled by a person infected with Salmonella, or by cross-contamination from the environment (birds/frogs passing by) or unsanitary food handling practices.

Salmonella can cause serious infections in dogs and cats, and, if there is cross contamination caused by handling of the pet food, in people as well. Children, the elderly, and people with compromised immune systems are the most at risk. If you have handled the recalled food, monitor yourself for some or all of the following symptoms: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramping and fever. On rare occasions, 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. Animals can be carriers with no visible symptoms and potentially infect other animals or humans. If your pet has consumed the recalled product, even if he or she is showing no symptoms, please contact your veterinarian.

If you have additional questions about the recall, please call Nature’s Variety Customer Care line 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 800-374-3142.