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  5. Salmonella Model Press Release for Pet Food and Pet Treats
  1. Industry Guidance For Recalls

Salmonella Model Press Release for Pet Food and Pet Treats

DRAFT

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE DATE
COMPANY CONTACT AND PHONE NUMBER

[FOOD CO.] RECALLS [PRODUCT] BECAUSE OF POSSIBLE SALMONELLA HEALTH RISK

[Company Name] of [City], [State] is recalling [Quantity and/or type of Product] because it has the potential to be contaminated with SalmonellaSalmonella can affect animals eating the products and there is risk to humans from handling contaminated pet products, especially if they have not thoroughly washed their hands after having contact with the products or any surfaces exposed to these products.

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.

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.

[Product] was distributed [Listing of states and areas where the product was distributed and how it reached consumers (e.g., through retail stores, mail order, direct delivery).]

[Specific information on how to identify the product (e.g., the type of container [plastic, metal, glass], size and appearance of the product, the product's brand name, flavor, code and expiration date, etc.).]

[Status of the number of and types of related illnesses that have been CONFIRMED to date (e.g., "No illnesses have been reported to date.").]

[Brief explanation about what is known about the problem, such as how it was revealed, and what is known about its source. An example of such a description -- "the recall was as the result of a routine sampling program by the company which revealed that the finished products contained the bacteria. The company has ceased the production and distribution of the product as FDA and the company continue their investigation as to what caused the problem."]

[Information on what consumers should do with the product and where they can get additional information (e.g., "consumers who have purchased Brand X are urged to return it to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact the company at 1-800-XXX-XXXX.”).]

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(SAMPLE PRESS RELEASE)

XYZ Inc.
123 Smith Lane
Anywhere, MS

 
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Sam Smith /555-555-5555
DATE
 

XYZ RECALLS "Doggie Chow" BECAUSE OF POSSIBLE SALMONELLA HEALTH RISK

XYZ Inc. of Anywhere, MS, is recalling its 20 lb. bags of "Doggie Chow" pet food because they have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella. Salmonella can affect animals eating the product and there is risk to humans from handling contaminated products, especially if they have not thoroughly washed their hands after having contact with the products or any surfaces exposed to these products.

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.

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.

The recalled "Doggie Chow" was distributed nationwide in retail stores and through online mail orders.

The product comes in a 20 pound bag marked with lot #931456 on the top and with an expiration date of 12/30/11 stamped on the side.

No illnesses have been reported to date in connection with this problem.

The potential for contamination was noted after routine testing by the company revealed the presence of Salmonella in some 20 pound packages of “Doggie Chow”.

Production of the product has been suspended while FDA and the company continue their investigation as to the source of the problem.

Consumers who have purchased 20 pound packages of “Doggie Chow” should discontinue use of the product and may return the unused portion to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact the company at 1-800-XXX-XXXX.

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