Re: Voluntary Recall of Everson Plant Product
(US recall only; Puerto Rico not affected)
September 12th, 2008
Today, we're announcing a voluntary recall of selected bags of PEDIGREE Small Crunchy Bites Complete Nutrition and PEDIGREE Large Breed Food For Dogs, both of which are made in our Everson, PA facility. Thankfully, there haven't been any reports of pets being affected by our food in this recall; however, we feel we must take this action as a precautionary measure after we were alerted of a possible link between dry dog pet food produced at the Everson plant and two isolated cases of people infected by Salmonella Schwarzengrund.
While none of the pet foods found in the homes were determined to contain Salmonella, the strain of Salmonella Schwarzengrund involved in the illnesses was detected in the Everson plant where some PEDIGREE products are produced.
You should know that we have numerous facilities throughout the country and Everson represents a very small portion of our manufacturing base (2.7%) of total PEDIGREE production. Rest assured, you can continue to have confidence in the quality and safety of products produced at all our other facilities.
We realize how important dogs are to your family. We are dog lovers too. And implementing this safety measure immediately is the best way we can protect them, their owners and the families who feed and trust PEDIGREE.
Please know we are doing all we can to make sure that these foods are no longer on store shelves. If, however, you believe you have purchased products affected by this voluntary recall, please return the product to the store where you purchased it for a full refund. If you want more information on specific product details and other information please visit www.petcare.mars.com
As the makers of PEDIGREE, our number one priority has always been, and continues to be, the health and welfare of pets and their owners.
Sincerely,
Debra Crew
General Manager
Mars Petcare US