Hartz Recalls Cat Vitamins; Possible Salmonella Contamination

Hartz Mountain Corp. has recalled two lots of Hartz Vitamin Care for Cats because of concerns about potential Salmonella contamination of bottles within the lots.

UFAC (USA) Inc. of Baconton, Ga., manufactured both lots for Hartz in 2007. Testing by Hartz and UFAC has not revealed the presence of Salmonella in any Hartz products, but recent sampling by the Food and Drug Administration did detect the bacteria.

The first lot of products that Hartz recalled was 3,600 bottles of Hartz Vitamin Care for Cats, lot code SZ-16371. The second lot was 739 bottles, lot code SZ-22771. The bar code on bottles from both lots is 32700-97701.

Hartz has not received reports of animals or humans becoming ill as a result of coming into contact with the product. Customers can contact Hartz at (800) 275-1414 with any questions and to obtain reimbursement for products.

Salmonella is an organism which can cause serious infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems, all of whom are at particular risk from exposure and should avoid handling these products.

Salmonella symptoms may include fever, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and nausea in both cats and humans. Anyone experiencing the symptoms of Salmonella infection should seek immediate medical attention. Owners of cats exhibiting these symptoms should also seek veterinary assistance.

Reprinted from AVMA News Bulletin, March 18, 2008 with additional information from Hartz