Sunshine Mills, an Alabama-based company that has already issued recalls, is once again pulling products from its shelves due to a possible Salmonella contamination.
The move comes after a sample bag of its Sprout Sporting dog food tested positive for Salmonella during a routine audit, according to the FDA. The distributor, Fleet Wholesale Supply Company, informed Sunshine Mills after the Minnesota Department of Agriculture shared the findings.
Related: Meet the Guy Obsessed With Dog Food Recalls
The batches that have been voluntarily recalled have unique best by dates and lot numbers. They have been sold online and in brick-and-mortar stores in the following states: Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Louisiana, Minnesota, Mississippi, North Carolina, North Dakota, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia and Wisconsin.
The brands voluntarily recalled are:
- Sportsman’s Pride Professional Formula 30/20 Dog Food in 40-pound bags (Best if used by 7 Oct 2021; lot number is TI1 07/Oct/2020; UPC code is 7015510184)
- Sprout Sporting Dog Food in 5-pound and 40-pound bags (Best if used by 6 Oct 2021; lot number is TE1 06/Oct/2020; UPC codes are 7015505101 and 7015505100, respectively)
- Intimidator Chicken & Rice Formula Dog Food 30/20 in 16- and 40-pound bags (Best if used by 6 Oct 2021; lot number is TA1 06/Oct/2020; UPC codes are 7015541002 and 5216631214, respectively)
- FRM Gold Select High Performance Dog Food in 50-pound bags (Best if used by 6 Oct 2021; lot number is TA1 06/Oct/2020; UPC code is 1549905873)
To date, there has been no reported illnesses or complaints.
Salmonella, a bacteria found in contaminated food or water, can impact both animals and humans.
Dogs who get infected with Salmonella may experience diarrhea, bloody stool, fever, and vomiting. They also may be lethargic, have loss of appetite and abdominal pain. Always visit your veterinarian if you suspect your dog has Salmonella.
For humans, it can be even more dire. They too may experience nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, fever, and diarrhea, but they also run the risk of more serious issues, including arthritis, urinary tract infection, arterial infections, and muscle pain.
Related: Before You Start Your Dog on a Raw Diet, Here Is What You Need to Know
To avoid the risk, it is always important to wash your hands.
Sunshine Mills has had several recalls over the last year. Last summer, some of its brands were recalled because of possible elevated levels of vitamin D. In September, Sunshine Mills recalled three brands due to mold issues and upped that number to include an additional 15 brands in October.
The company has not issued any sort of response to this recall, with no letter, notes, or posts about it on its site or social media channels.
Consumers are asked to stop using the products and return to the store or dispose of it. They can also call the Sunshine Mills hotline at (800) 705-2111 or by email at customer.service@sunshinemills.com.
Related: Breaking the Mold: How This Vegan Dog Food Company Is Taking on the Big Brands
