The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has announced that Vitakraft Sun Seed Inc., an Ohio-based pet food company, has voluntarily recalled a batch of its Sun Seed Vita Prima Hedgehog Food due to potential salmonella contamination.
The FDA released the announcement on June 22, urging consumers who have purchased this product to discontinue use immediately and handle it only with gloves. No illnesses have been reported to date.
The contamination was discovered during a routine inspection by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture in a sample from Lot Number 417429. Vitakraft Sun Seed was notified on June 18.
The recalled product, Sun Seed Vita Prima Hedgehog Food, is packaged in 25-ounce bags with a UPC number 0-87535-40060-4 and an expiry date of October 18, 2025. The packaging is predominantly yellow and white with an image of a hedgehog and descriptions such as “wholesome nutrition,” “all-in-one pellet,” “vitamin fortified,” “highly digestible,” and “high in protein.” The background features images of grains.
This batch was distributed across several states, including Florida, Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, North Carolina, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, and Virginia. Authorities have contacted retailers and distributors to remove the product from sale immediately.
Consumers who have purchased the affected hedgehog food should cease its use, handle it with gloves, and wash their hands thoroughly afterward. They may return the product to the place of purchase for a full refund. For further inquiries, Vitakraft Sun Seed customer service can be reached at 1-800-221-6175, extension 123, Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET.
Salmonella infections in hedgehogs can cause lethargy, bloody or mucoid diarrhea, weight loss, decreased appetite, dehydration, and even death. Asymptomatic hedgehogs can still carry and transmit the pathogen to other animals or humans. Proper hygiene after handling animals, their food, dishes, and waste is crucial to prevent zoonotic transmission. If a pet shows symptoms after consuming the recalled product, owners should contact their veterinarian.
In humans, salmonella infection can lead to fever, diarrhea (potentially bloody), nausea, vomiting, and stomach pain. While most recover within four to seven days without treatment, severe cases may require hospitalization and prompt antibiotic intervention. Vulnerable groups include the elderly, children under five, pregnant individuals, and those with weakened immune systems.
Additionally, on June 21, the FDA announced the voluntary recall of 3,551 bags of Green Tripe dog treats by TDBBS LLC due to potential metal contamination. Wegmans has also recalled four flavors of Abilyn’s Frozen Bakery Ice Cream Cakes following FDA testing that indicated possible contamination on the production line. Furthermore, New Seasons Market LLC in Portland, Oregon, recalled its Strawberry Rhubarb Bakewell Tart due to undeclared almonds, which poses a serious health risk, receiving a Class 1 recall classification.
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