Another Natura recall

Natura Pet Foods issued a profusely apologetic recall of all its dry foods today. The affected brands are Innova, EVO, California Natural, HealthWise, Karma, and Mother Nature.

The company took consumers into its corporate arms and announced that the recall was the result “a single positive Salmonella test by the FDA on product manufactured April 3.”  They are very sad and disappointed and truly sorry.

The announcement came directly from the manufacturer (which was bought by Procter & Gamble in 2010) and it was not made on a Friday, a/k/a the Friday night dump and run that has become popular with manufacturers issuing recalls. Some credit is due there, I suppose.

There’s a new recall of EVO dry pet food by Natura and its other brands.

According to the press release, the food was made in a single facility and a single lot tested by FDA was positive for Salmonella. Pets affected by Salmonella may become lethargic, experience bloody diarrhea, fever, and vomiting. No illness has been reported and Natura is recalling all products with a June 14, 2014, expiration date as a precaution.

Information on replacement and refunds is available via the link above.

Consider the company pro-active or unlucky but this is not the first time. Ironically, I received a check today from Natura Settlement Administrator for $43.90 stemming from a class action claim, Ko vs. Natura Pet Products. This goes back to between 2005 and 2011 when Natura claimed that human grade food was used in its pet food. In addition the company issued a recall in March that was expanded in April.

Susan Thixton’s The Truth About Pet Food has details about the lots affected, as well as articles about the previous Natura recalls and the Procter & Gamble acquisition of the company.

I’ve watched the company grow from two of the better products in the late 1990s-early 2000 — Innova and California Naturals — to a broader base of grain-free canned food and kibble. It seems that even the higher end foods are not immune to recalls. I can’t emphasize enough how important it is to feed your cat a variety of foods — it minimizes the impact of such a recall in terms of your cat’s health — and palate.