Health & Medicine

Dog Food Disaster, California Company The Honest Kitchen's Products Recalled for Salmonella

Kathleen Lees
First Posted: Feb 23, 2013 07:13 PM EST

With recent food recalls hitting the nation, you might at least hope that your pet's food is safe. Unfortunately, this may not always be the case. Dog owners in particular are being warned that some dog treats and food sold nationwide may be contaminated with salmonella.

Two separate companies, including the San Diego-based business The Honest Kitchen, were voluntarily recalled this week. The products are sold in the U.S. and Canada at various retail stores.

The Southern California company recalled five lots of its Verve, Zeal and Thrive pet food products manufactured between August and November 2012.

Human-grade Parsley in the dog food may be contaminated with salmonella and has been recalled by the supplier, according to the company.

The Honest Kitchen said it has not received any reports of illness. In a statement, company founder Lucy Postins said the move was "precautionary."

"While our quality control tests did not find evidence of salmonella in any of our finished products, we are accountable for everything we make," Postins said.

Pet treats made by Kasel Associates Industries Inc. between April 20, 2012, and Sept. 19, 2012, have also been recalled due to possible salmonella contamination.

The Denver-based company's recall includes Boots & Barley, BIXBI, Nature's Deli, Colorado Naturals, Best Bully Stick items and Petco products, such as pig ears and jerky. The items are sold at major nationwide retailers including Target, Petco, Sam's Club and Costco.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administraion (FDA) also reported that 48 of 87 samples of the product tested positive for salmonella, with more than 10 different species of the contagious bacteria.

Although there have been no reports of humans getting sick from the recalled products, the FDA said it has received complaints of illness in dogs who were exposed to the Kasel-brand treats, and has warned consumers of the product.

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