For the first time in history, a federal judge has permanently recalled a pet food company. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration ordered Bravo Packing, Inc. to stop manufacturing, distributing, and selling its products. This includes their Performance Dog and Ground Beef raw dog food packages.
This company is based in Carney’s Point, New Jersey, and they’ve already faced four recalls before this incident. The company failed to make necessary improvements following those recalls. Despite having a very similar name, Bravo Packing, Inc. has no relation to Bravo Pet Foods.
Why Was This Brand Permanently Recalled?
Bravo Packing, Inc. faced recalls in 2018, 2019, and 2021. After inspections of the New Jersey facility, samples tested positive for Salmonella and Listeria monocytogenes. Products testing positive for those conditions can be dangerous for both humans and animals.
The FDA states that they found “grossly insanitary conditions” after inspections in 2019 and 2021. The company didn’t follow proper manufacturing processes. Even after receiving a warning letter from the FDA, the company did not improve the quality of its manufacturing facility. So, the FDA has no choice but to shut them down.
“The FDA has taken this action to protect public health because, despite multiple inspections, notifications of violations, and recalls, this firm continued to operate under insanitary conditions and produce pet food contaminated with harmful bacteria. We will not tolerate firms that put people or animals at risk and will take enforcement actions when needed,” said Dr. Steven Solomon, director of FDA’s Center for Veterinary Medicine.
What Should Customers Do?
Customers who have purchased products from this brand should dispose of them immediately. Clean any surfaces that the product might have touched, such as counters, containers, and bowls. Always wash your hands thoroughly after handling dog food.
If you or your dog experience any unusual symptoms after coming into contact with this food, reach out to a medical professional right away. Dogs who ate the food could experience vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, fever, or a decreased appetite. Infected humans may face nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, severe headaches, fever, and abdominal pain.
“The food we give our pets should be safe for them to eat and safe for people to handle,” said Solomon.
Those negatively affected by a pet food product should also report a complaint to the FDA. This is true for any pet food, not just the ones in this recall. When it comes to the health and safety of our pets, it’s always better to be safe than sorry!
H/T: fda.gov
