RECALLED: Nature's Variety Instinct Raw Organic Chicken Formula for Cats and Dogs

In a classic Friday night dump and run, Nature's Variety has issued what they called a "Quality Announcement," apparently the term d'jour for pet food manufacturers issuing recalls. They're recalling their Instinct raw organic chicken formula for dogs and cats not, as you might be expecting, for salmonella, but because there may be pieces of plastic in the food.

From their "quality announcement":

Nature’s Variety has announced a voluntary recall of one batch of Instinct® Raw Organic Chicken Formula with a "Best if Used By" date of 10/04/13. This action is being taken because pieces of clear plastic may be found in some bags and could cause a potential choking risk to pets. The source of plastic has been identified and the issue has been resolved.

The affected product is strictly limited to a single batch of Organic Chicken Formula with the “Best if Used By” date of 10/04/13. This includes:

• UPC# 7 69949 60137 1 – Instinct Raw Organic Chicken Formula medallions, 3 lbs. bag
• UPC# 7 69949 70137 8 – Instinct Raw Organic Chicken Formula medallions, 27 lbs. case
• UPC# 7 69949 60127 2 – Instinct Raw Organic Chicken Formula patties, 6 lbs. bag
• UPC# 7 69949 70127 9 – Instinct Raw Organic Chicken Formula patties, 36 lbs. case

The "Best if Used By" date is located on the back of the package below the "Contact Us" section. The affected product was distributed through retail stores and internet sales in the United States and Canada. No other products were impacted.

Nature’s Variety became aware of a potential issue after receiving a consumer complaint. The source of the issue was identified and resolved. To date, there have been no reports of harm to dogs or cats.

Read the rest here.

Comments

[Megan Kelly]

FYI- The bag pictured is not their organic chicken. That is their regular chicken. Organic chicken has more of a gold color. And says ORGANIC CHICKEN on it.

[Christie]

Fixed, thank you so much!

[Kim H]

I reported foreign material in several of their dry formulas a few years ago, and since then have received dozens of reports of others finding odd things - whole corn kernels in grain free cookies was a recent one. We found both green and clear plastic, along with sharp fish bones and seed casings. Add to that the fact that their allergy diets were tested and don't conform to labeled ingredients. I'm sorry, but this company is the opposite of reputable, and this latest issue is just another drop in the bucket.