OC Raw Dog Food Recall

Posted on April 25, 2022 • 5 min read • 962 words

OC Raw Dog Treats | Most Recent Recall Concerning Dog Treats

It has been quite some time since I’ve had to inform you about the recall of dog treats, but here we are. 

This one might be pretty severe, so if you or someone you have bought the OC Raw Dog freeze-dried sardines or if you know a dog owner who may have purchased these, I highly urge continuing to read!

Recalled Treat  

A recent recall of dog treats involves a product called OC Raw Dog Freeze Dried Sardines. This treat is manufactured by OC Raw Dog, LLC, which has its headquarters in Rancho Santa Margarita, California.

The 3.2-ounce bag of freeze-dried sardines with the UPC number 095225853043 is being recalled. The UPC number is printed on the bottom right-hand corner on the back of the product.

Reason for Recall  

Due to the possibility that these freeze-dried sardine Raw Dog treats might spread botulism, the company has decided to withdraw them.

Bacterium Clostridium botulinum is responsible for the production of the botulism toxin, and these freeze-dried sardines might have Clostridium as a possible source of contamination.

Botulism disease, produced by the botulinum toxin, is a very lethal poison that may affect both people and their animals.

How Was It Discovered?  

The Department of Food and Agriculture tested a sample of OC Raw Dog’s freeze-dried sardines in the state of Minnesota. 

When measured, the sardines used to make these goodies came in between 6 and 6.5 inches in length, which is longer than the size requirements set out by the FDA for fish that are considered compliant with their regulations.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has found that fish of this length are more likely to be infected with Clostridium botulinum. This assessment is based on previous botulism illness outbreaks.

Deeper Explanation  

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has discovered that botulism poisoning outbreaks between 1981 and 1987 and in 1991 were associated with the consumption of salt-cured, dried, or fermented un-gutted fish that were more than 5 inches in length. 

Since fish with a length more than 5 inches have been associated with botulism outbreaks, the FDA has implemented a compliance guideline that indicates salt-cured, dried, or fermented fish with a length greater than 5 inches must have their guts removed.

As a result of this FDA recommendation, the OC Raw Dog sardine treats have been recalled since the product ingredients matched these criteria.

At this point, no instances of botulism have been linked to the consumption of these treats by people, cats, or dogs.

Test Results  

It is essential to point out that the sardine sample did not test positive for Clostridium botulinum; the only conclusion is that larger sardines have a more significant potential for becoming tainted with the toxin.

Salmonella testing was also performed on the Minnesota Department of Food and Agriculture sample in addition to Clostridium botulinum testing. The outcomes of these tests were also negative.

Where Could I Have Purchased It?

These tasty sardine snacks, which had been freeze-dried, were sent to distributors in the following states:

• California
• Colorado
• Florida
• Maryland
• Minnesota
• Pennsylvania
• Texas

These wholesalers would then sell the confections to individual consumers after purchasing them from the distributors. 

Independent pet businesses in the states mentioned above may have sold this product.

Info About Botulism  

The Clostridium botulinum bacterium produces the botulin toxin, and it has the potential to be lethal to both humans and animals. 

It is possible for dogs who consume these treats or people who have touched a contaminated treat and subsequently touched other parts of their face, such as their eyes, nose, mouth, etc., to get infected with botulism.

The following are some of the frequent symptoms of botulism poisoning:

• difficulty breathing
• muscle weakness
• dizziness
• trouble speaking or swallowing
• blurred or double vision
• constipation
• abdominal distention

Seek urgent medical assistance if you or your pet are exhibiting any of these symptoms following the possibility of eating or coming into touch with any of the freeze-dried sardine snacks.

OC’s Response  

OC Raw Dog, LLC guarantees that high standards of quality and safety are always adhered to. 

As a result, they have voluntarily withdrawn their dried sardine snacks from the market. In addition, they will be reassessing and maybe switching their sardine suppliers to ensure that future batches of treats will include sardines shorter than five inches. If the sardines are over five inches long, they will have to have their stomachs removed first.

OC claims that they are committed to creating safe goods of high quality, and it will continue to utilize only ingredients and products inspected and approved for human consumption by the USDA.

What should I do?  

If you have just bought the freeze-dried sardine treats sold by OC Raw Dog, I’d suggest that you immediately cease giving them to your dog and take the remaining sardines in the box back to the store to get a complete refund.

If you have any questions or complaints, call OC Raw Dog at 844-215-3647 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Click this link to read the original recall advisory issued by the FDA -HERE

Observation  

Even though no cases of sickness have been recorded and no tainted freeze-dried sardines have been found at this time, you must closely check your pet and yourself for any signs that the disease may be developing. 

Suppose you notice your dog behaving unusually after consuming any of these treats. In that case, get in touch with the veterinarian who cares for your dog to seek advice and potentially make an appointment.

Have you bought these goodies specifically for your pet dog? Please share your thoughts and experiences with us in the comments section below.