Benyfit Natural Pet Food Ltd has taken the precautionary step of recalling several types of frozen raw dog food products containing beef because the products might contain salmonella. These products have been sold by various independent pet food stores and online.

Risk statement

The products listed above might be contaminated with salmonella. Salmonella is a bacterium that can cause illness in humans and animals. The products could therefore carry a potential risk because of the presence of salmonella, either through direct handling of the pet food, or indirectly, for example from pet feeding bowls, utensils or contact with the faeces of animals.

In humans, symptoms caused by salmonella usually include fever, diarrhoea and abdominal cramps. Infected animals may not necessarily display signs of illness, but symptoms can include diarrhoea.

Action taken by the company

Benyfit Natural Pet Food Ltd is recalling the above products. Customers who bought the affected products online have been contacted. Point of sale notices will be displayed in all retail stores that are selling these products. These notices explain to customers why the products are being recalled and tell them what to do if they have bought the product. Please see the attached notices.

Our advice to consumers

Pet owners: If you have bought any of the above products do not use them. Instead, return them to the store from wher they were bought for a full refund. When handling and serving raw pet food it is always advised to clean utensils and feeding bowls thoroughly after use. Consumers should wash hands thoroughly after handling raw pet food, bowls, utensils or after contact with the faeces of animals. Raw pet food should be stored separately from any food (especially ready to eat foods). Care should be taken when defrosting to avoid cross contamination of foods and surfaces.

about product recalls and withdrawals

If there is a problem with a food product that means it should not be sold, then it might be withdrawn (taken off the shelves) or recalled (when customers are asked to return the product). The FSA issues Product Withdrawal Information Notices and Product Recall Information Notices to let consumers and local authorities know about problems associated with food. In some cases, a Food alert for Action is issued. This provides local authorities with details of specific action to be taken on behalf of consumers.