Jessica M. Semins  |  December 11, 2020

Category: In Depth Features

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Woman with pup regarding dog food recall deep dive

There’s nothing more alarming for dog owners than finding out that their canine companion may have eaten contaminated food. Following the Hill’s Pet Nutrition dog food recall last year, due to excessive levels of Vitamin D, consumers may be on alert now more than ever concerning what they feed their dogs.  

The harm that Hill’s dog food purportedly caused to dogs in 2019 spurred major litigation. Countless dog owners claimed in 35 lawsuits that their dogs became severely ill or died as a result of consuming Hill’s Pet Nutrition dog food. Hill’s alleged failure to manufacture a safe food product left many dog owners frustrated, grieving and angry. Veterinarians who regularly recommend the dog food to pet owners were reportedly also left frustrated and asking for more transparency from the company.

Unfortunately, instances of tainted or defective dog food that can potentially cause serious illness or fatality have become widespread. Since the year began, approximately thirty dog food brands have been pulled from the shelves for reasons such as potential bacterial contamination or excessive levels of toxins

In addition to safety considerations, dog food recalls can also take a financial toll on consumers. While dog owners are willing to pay a premium for food that can help keep their pets healthy, they don’t expect to purchase a product that could cause harm instead.

While notifications about recalls are not always as prominent as those for human food, dog owners need to ensure they stay aware about any health risks that threaten their pets. Veterinarians can provide valuable information about foods to avoid and the best options for specific dogs. There are also email lists and apps that provide alerts about dog food recalls and can help dog owners avoid harmful ingredients or food products. Top Class Actions also posts articles about dog food recalls, you can sign up for a free newsletter to stay up to date with them. 

What Dog Food Recalls Have Been Issued This Year?

Dog disgusted with contaminated food

 

2020 has been a significant year for dog food recalls, with just one recall alone affecting more than 20 formulas. From salmonella risks to mold, dog owners have had to be aware of potential health hazards associated with a number of dog food brands.   

The recalled dog food products for 2020 include but are not limited to: 

  • Icelandic Whole Capelin Fish Pet Treats — IcelandicPlus LLC
  • Nature’s Menu Super Premium Dog Food with a Blend of Real Chicken & Quail — Sunshine Mills, Inc.
  • Family Pet Meaty Cuts Beef Chicken & Cheese Flavors Premium Dog Food — Sunshine Mills, Inc.
  • Heartland Farms Grilled Favorites Beef Chicken & Cheese Flavor — Sunshine Mills, Inc.
  • Paws Happy Life Butcher’s Choice Dog Food — Sunshine Mills, Inc.
  • Billy + Margot Wild Kangaroo and Superfoods Recipe — Real Pet Food Company
  • Champ, Field Trial, Good Dog, and other brands — Sunshine Mills, Inc.
  • Albright’s Raw Dog Food Chicken Recipe for Dogs — Albright’s Raw Dog Food 

Although the company didn’t officially recall their frozen raw pet food, the FDA issued a caution letter in February 2020 concerning salmonella found in a sample of Aunt Jeni’s Home Made All-Natural Raw Turkey Dinner Dog Food. 

 Albright’s Raw Dog Food Recall Over Salmonella 

On Nov. 13, 2020, Albright’s Raw Dog Food issued a voluntary recall for 67 cases of its Chicken Recipe for Dogs after a dog was reported to have fallen ill with salmonella poisoning. The bacterial contamination in the batch was confirmed by FDA testing. According to the FDA, the company and the agency are investigating the cause of the issue.

The potentially affected lots were distributed to ten states between July 8, 2020, and Aug. 27, 2020. As a result of being sold frozen, stores or consumers may still have the product in their freezers. Any food from Lot number C000185, Best By 19 May 2021 should promptly be thrown out. 

Dogs that consume food contaminated with salmonella can develop fever, pain, lethargy, and gastrointestinal problems, necessitating a trip to the vet. Puppies and senior dogs are at the greatest risk and can require hospitalization in severe cases. Dogs may also carry salmonella bacteria throughout the home without showing symptoms.   

Sunshine Mills Recalls 58 Products Due to Toxic Mold

In the largest dog food recall this year, Sunshine Mills voluntarily recalled 58 product lots across multiple brands of dog food made between April 3 through April 5, 2020, for potentially containing elevated aflatoxin levels. The recall was first announced in September 2020 and expanded to include even more products a month later. 

Aflatoxin is a type of toxic mold found in crops, such as corn and grain — common ingredients in dog food. It is produced by certain fungi, including Aspergillus flavus. In addition to being a known human carcinogen, the mold can cause gastrointestinal upset, jaundice, liver damage, and fatality. Dogs may show symptoms such as vomiting, lethargy, and lack of appetite. Other dogs may not show symptoms at all. 

Consumers who purchased a Sunshine Mills brand dog food should check the lot code and date on the dog food packaging and reference the FDA recall bulletin to determine if their pet’s food is affected. Any food that was subject to the recall should be discarded immediately. 

As of October 8, 2020, the brand names subject to the recall include:

  • Family Pet
  • Heartland Farms
  • Paws Happy Life
  • Field Trial
  • Good Dog
  • Hunter’s Special
  • Old Glory
  • Pet Expert
  • Principle Super Premium Natural Dog Food 
  • Retriever Bites & Bones
  • River Bend
  • Sportsman’s Pride
  • Sprout
  • Thrifty
  • Top Runner
  • Whiskers & Tails

The dog food recall concerning aflatoxin levels wasn’t the only one issued by Sunshine Mills this past year. In August 2020, the company alerted consumers that its Nature’s Menu Super Premium Dog Food with a Blend of Real Chicken & Quail posed possible salmonella risks. The pet food maker was made aware of the potential for contamination after the Georgia Department of Agriculture notified the company that a sample taken from a three-pound bag tested positive for the bacteria.  

Real Pet Food Company Recalled Due to Salmonella

Following a routine sample testing conducted by state officials revealing salmonella, Real Pet Food Company voluntarily recalled its product, Billy + Margot Wild Kangaroo and Superfoods Recipe, sold in four-pound bags on Sept. 22, 2020. The affected lot is code V 07 Feb 2022 and was distributed nationwide.

Real Pet Food Company stated in its announcement that no illnesses were reported and production of the product was stopped. According to the company’s recall announcement, potentially contaminated lots should be discarded immediately and consumers may contact the company for a refund.

Icelandic Plus Recalled Pet Treats Over Botulism Poisoning

In March 2020, Icelandic Plus LLC announced a recall of its Capelin Pet Treats due to the fish exceeding the size required for FDA compliance. Although no illnesses were reported, the FDA’s guidelines for capelins prescribe that the fish must be five inches or less in length to prevent health risks. 

The FDA’s requirements were prompted by three instances of botulism poisoning reported in humans in connection with salt-cured, dried, fermented and un-eviscerated fish between 1981 and 1987 and again in 1991.

The company indicated in its recall announcement that it is changing its supplier to ensure the fish sizes are consistently FDA compliant.

How Does Dog Food Get Recalled?

Sad pup regarding recalled product deep dive

 

Dog food can be recalled voluntarily by the company that manufactured it, or the FDA can request that the company issue a recall if the agency is alerted by consumers or veterinarians that there is a problem. The FDA also has the statutory authority to mandate a recall.

Most pet food companies issue voluntary recalls if an issue is discovered with a product that could cause illness or injury. Following the company’s submission of a recall announcement to the FDA, the notice is posted on the agency’s website to alert consumers.

The reasons for a dog food recall can vary widely and may include the presence of harmful foreign particles, chemicals, toxins, bacterial contamination, excessive levels of vitamins, and lead or metals. Voluntary recalls may also be issued if there is a choking hazard associated with the food, the product has been mislabeled, or any other condition that could give rise to a health risk.

Does the FDA Regulate Dog Food?

Many dog owners are unclear about the role the Food and Drug Administration plays in the regulation of pet food. The FDA establishes food standards and requires that the ingredients in pet food must be safe and “have an appropriate function.”

However, the FDA generally does not have to give pre-market approval to pet food makers in order for them to manufacture, market, and sell their products unless it contains a “food additive” that isn’t generally recognized as safe by the FDA. 

The FDA imposes the same regulations for animal food as human food, requiring that it be safe, free from substances that could cause harm, labeled truthfully, and is produced in a sanitary facility. Canned dog food must also meet specific FDA criteria by complying with certain production and process control procedures.

What Are the Labeling Requirements for Dog Food Ingredients?

Owner talking with vet over food labeling

Most dog owners choose food for their pets based on the product name and what it purports as the main ingredients. However, when they look carefully at the label, they may be surprised to learn that the “Beef Dinner for Dogs” they’ve purchased is only made up of one-quarter beef. Reading the ingredient list is the only way to know for sure what’s actually in the food you’re giving your dog. 

While the FDA regulations generally prohibit labeling that would be false or misleading, many individual states have adopted the Association of American Feed Control Officials’ (AAFCO) model regulations which apply more specific labeling requirements. The AAFCO is a non-profit organization that works with federal, state, and local agencies to set minimum quality and nutrition standards for pet food.

The AAFCO has four guidelines regarding the emphasis of an ingredient name on a label:

  • 95% Rule — In dog foods that contain only a few ingredients, the named ingredients on the label must comprise 95% of the product, or 70% of the total product, once water and “condiments” are added.
  • 25% Rule — Labeling on canned and dry dog foods must qualify ingredients with a descriptive term such as “dinner” or “formula” when the ingredients make up 25% or more of a product but less than 95%.
  • 3% Rule — In food products that contain more than one ingredient in the description, the total named ingredients must make up 25% of the product, with each individual ingredient making up no less than 3%.
  • The “Flavor” Rule — No specific amounts of the ingredient are necessary to be labeled as a “flavor,” but they must be detectable in the product.

It’s important to understand that the AAFCO’s guidelines are only model regulations, not enacted legislation. Pet food manufacturers do not have to implement the organization’s model rules unless they have been codified by state law in the jurisdiction where the manufacturing facility is located. The AAFCO does not approve or certify pet foods.      

Are Dog Foods Labeled ‘Natural’ or ‘Organic’ Better?

With millennials primarily setting the consumer trends, dog owners are willing to spend a premium on dog food brands that tout themselves as being healthier for their pets. According to the American Pet Products Association, $36.9 billion was spent on pet food and treats in 2019. The annual sales are projected to have increased by almost two billion in 2020, with expected growth in the “natural” category of dog food.

However, a consumer’s expectations may not be met by taking a closer look at the ingredients in “natural” dog food. Some pet food companies may use the word “natural” as a marketing tactic to appeal to consumers’ emotions and encourage them to purchase the product. 

The FDA has not defined “natural” in terms of dog food. Under the AAFCO’s guidelines, “natural” is a designation that can have a broad interpretation and is currently defined as:

“A feed or feed ingredient derived solely from plant, animal or mined sources, either in its unprocessed state or having been subject to physical processing, heat processing, rendering, purification, extraction, hydrolysis, enzymolysis or fermentation, but not having been produced by or subject to a chemically synthetic process and not containing any additives or processing aids that are chemically synthetic except in amounts as might occur in good manufacturing practices.” 

According to this definition, dog food or dog food ingredients can still contain trace amounts of a chemically synthetic compound and still be considered “natural.”

It’s also essential to be aware that even if a food is labeled “natural,” that doesn’t mean it’s “organic” or “non-GMO.” Dog owners should also take note that while “organic” guidelines are still being developed for pet food, a product only needs to be 95% organic to satisfy the USDA’s organic labeling requirements.

Are ‘Premium’ or ‘Grain-Free’ Dog Foods Healthier?

pet food regarding deep dive

Some pet food companies label their products as “premium,” or “super-premium,” charging higher costs for these products than traditional dog food. In some cases, the only thing that is “premium” about these foods is the price. Rather than rely on a company’s marketing strategies, consumers should do their homework on the ingredients in a dog food product before making the purchase.   

Although many companies may include higher-quality ingredients in foods that they label as “premium,” there is no requirement that they do so. In fact, there are no regulations in place mandating that a “premium” pet food needs to contain any ingredients of a higher nutritional standard than those used in any other dog food. According to some veterinarians, the “premium” ingredients used in a food product may only appear in small amounts that offer no real nutritional benefit to your dog.  

Another recent dog food controversy concerns those that are labeled as “grain-free.” Many dog owners purchase these foods believing that they are a healthier option when they may not be. Although research is inconclusive, the FDA has been conducting an ongoing investigation into a possible connection between “grain-free” diets and incidences of canine heart disease after the agency received over 500 reports of the illness in dogs that had been on grain-free diets.  

Apart from the potential health issues, the food may cause, “grain-free” dog foods have been subject to recent litigation surrounding claims that these products are not actually “grain-free” as indicated on the package. In one recent class action lawsuit commenced against Big Heart Pet Brands in California, consumers raised false advertising claims alleging that Nature’s Recipe “grain-free” food they bought contained corn and soy.

What You Can Do to Keep Your Dog Safe

The primary concern for anyone who cares for a pet or companion animal is ensuring that they’re safe. While dog food recalls are usually unexpected, there are still a few steps dog owners can take to make sure their dogs are healthy.

Dog owners should stay informed of any pet food recalls by periodically checking the FDA website for recalls. If a certain dog food product has been recalled, you should stop using it immediately. 

Consumers should also consider being wary of any dog food brands that may have been subject to several recalls before making their purchase. The website Petful.com provides a full history of dog food recalls by brand, providing specific information as to the nature of each recall. The site also indicates brands that have never been subject to a recall to make it easier to find a safe and nutritious food for your pet.

In addition, dog owners should take some time to read the ingredients on the packaging carefully to ensure that the food meets their pet’s nutrition requirements, as well as confirm that they’re getting what they believe they’re paying for as a consumer. Websites such as DogFoodAdvisor.com publish reviews and information concerning the quality and contents of a full range of dog food brands. Consumers can also sign up for a dog food recall alert on the website to be notified by email of any potential health or safety risks posed by a particular dog food brand.

Has your dog ever been affected by a pet food recall? Tell us your story in the comment section below! 

Jessica Semins is an attorney and writer specializing in legal topics. As a news writer for Top Class Actions, she reports on current class action litigation and consumer issues. Jessica earned her J.D. from Touro College Jacob D. Fuchsberg Law Center in New York. Licensed to practice in New York. Jessica has experience in several different areas of law. 

7 thoughts onTCA IN-DEPTH | 2020 Dog Food Recalls: Keeping Your Canine Companion Safe

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  2. Deedra says:

    I have given my dog a lot of these foods and treats. Now I’m very nervous wondering if I have hurt my best friend.

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