Weston, Ohio-based Vitakraft Sun Seed Inc. has recalled 13 lots of its Sun Seed Vita Prima Hedgehog Food and Vitakraft Vita Smart Hedgehog Food because the products may be contaminated with the organism Salmonella, reports the FDA.
Those at risk of suffering a Salmonella infection have been identified as animals that consume the products and humans who handle pet products carrying traces of the bacteria, especially without washing their hands thoroughly with soap.
The recall was initiated by Vitakraft Sun Seed on June 18, 2024, after the Minnesota Department of Agriculture alerted the company that it had detected Salmonella in a sample of the product belonging to Lot Number 417429. The tests were carried out by the State Department of Minnesota, during a random inspection of consumer products. To date of the FDA recall announcement on July 1, 2024, the company has not received any reports of illness in connection to the products.
As indicated by the full list of affected products featured in the FDA communication, the recall covers 25-ounce packages of the products, which all bear expiration dates ranging from as early as 5/04//2025 to 11/20/2025. Specific UPCs (Universal Product Codes) and Lot Numbers can be identified in the list.
The products were distributed and made available for purchase in 22 U.S. states: Arizona, California, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Montana, North Carolina, New Jersey, Nevada, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, and Wisconsin. Following the recall announcement, all of Vitakraft Sun Seed’s retail and distributing partners were instructed to remove all impacted lots from store shelves and out of inventory.
Pets infected with Salmonella may exhibit any of the following symptoms:
- lethargic behavior
- diarrhea (bloody or otherwise)
- fever
- vomiting
- reduced appetite
- fever
- pain in the abdomen
Customers should also note that healthy pets may still carry the organism and infect other animals or humans. Pets should be monitored closely for typical symptoms if they have consumed the affected products. In the event that the animal is sick, a veterinarian should be contacted.
In healthy people, a Salmonella infection may cause “nausea, vomiting, diarrhea [bloody or otherwise],” as well as cramps in the abdomen and fever. In rarer cases, the infection could advance into more serious conditions that include “arterial infections, endocarditis, arthritis, muscle pain, eye irritation, and urinary tract symptoms.” In the event that a consumer begins to experience the symptoms after becoming exposed to the products, they should reach out to their healthcare providers.
Anyone who may have purchase a product belonging to a recalled lot is asked to please discontinue use. Some may be able to receive a complete refund by returning the unused portion to the original point of purchase.
Further questions or concerns may be directed to the company’s Customer Service team at 1-800-221-6175, Extension 123. Calls will be monitored Monday through Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Eastern Time.
If you or a family member has fallen ill with a Salmonella infection or a related health outcome after consuming a contaminated food product, we would like to learn about your case and help ensure you are fully compensated. Our experienced attorneys at TruLaw work tirelessly to uphold consumer safety standards and fight for the financial recourse you deserve for the best recovery. Contact us today or take our free Instant Case Evaluation ℠ to learn more.