Skip to main content
          Skip to FDA Search
          Skip to in this section menu
          Skip to footer links


U.S. flagAn official website of the United States government

					Here’s how you know
          			Dot gov**The .gov means it’s official.**Federal government websites often end in .gov or .mil. Before sharing sensitive information, make sure you're on a federal government site.
							      SSL**The site is secure.** The **https://** ensures that you are connecting to the official website and that any information you provide is encrypted and transmitted securely. 
			U.S. Food and Drug Administration
				
        Search
            Menu
							
						Search FDA
									
									Submit search 
		Featured
							Contact FDA
	                FDA Guidance Documents
	                Recalls, Market Withdrawals and Safety Alerts
	                Press Announcements
	                Warning Letters
	                Advisory Committees
	                En Español

					Products
            Food
							Drugs
							Medical Devices
							Radiation-Emitting Products
							Vaccines, Blood, and Biologics
							Animal and Veterinary
							Cosmetics
							Tobacco ProductsTopics
            About FDA
							Combination Products
							Regulatory Information
							Safety
							Emergency Preparedness
							International Programs
							News and Events
							Training and Continuing Education
							Inspections and Compliance
							Science and ResearchInformation For
            Consumers
	            Patients
	            Industry
	            Health Professionals
	            Federal, State and Local Officials 
 In this section:

                Industry Guidance For Recalls

Industry Guidance For Recalls Home
          Safety
          Recalls, Market Withdrawals, & Safety Alerts
          Industry Guidance For Recalls
          Salmonella Model Press Release for Pet Food and Pet TreatsIndustry Guidance For Recalls Salmonella Model Press Release for Pet Food and Pet Treats
  
  	
    Share
    Post
    Linkedin

    Email
    Print*DRAFT*

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE **DATE**
COMPANY CONTACT AND PHONE NUMBER

[**FOOD CO.]** RECALLS [**PRODUCT]** BECAUSE OF POSSIBLE *SALMONELLA* HEALTH RISK

[**Company Name]**of**[City], [State]**is recalling [**Quantity and/or type of Product]** because it has the potential to be contaminated with *Salmonella*. *Salmonella* can affect animals eating the products and there is risk to humans from handling contaminated pet products, especially if they have not thoroughly washed their hands after having contact with the products or any surfaces exposed to these products.

Healthy people infected with *Salmonella* should monitor themselves for some or all of the following symptoms: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramping and fever. Rarely, *Salmonella*can result in more serious ailments, including arterial infections, endocarditis, arthritis, muscle pain, eye irritation, and urinary tract symptoms. Consumers exhibiting these signs after having contact with this product should contact their healthcare providers.

Pets with *Salmonella*infections may be lethargic and have diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever, and vomiting. Some pets will have only decreased appetite, fever and abdominal pain. Infected but otherwise healthy pets can be carriers and infect other animals or humans. If your pet has consumed the recalled product and has these symptoms, please contact your veterinarian.

**[Product]** was distributed [**Listing of states and areas where the product was distributed and how it reached consumers (e.g., through retail stores, mail order, direct delivery).]**

**[Specific information on how to identify the product (e.g., the type of container [plastic, metal, glass], size and appearance of the product, the product's brand name, flavor, code and expiration date, etc.).]**

**[Status of the number of and types of related illnesses that have been CONFIRMED to date (e.g., "No illnesses have been reported to date.").]**

**[Brief explanation about what is known about the problem, such as how it was revealed, and what is known about its source. An example of such a description -- "the recall was as the result of a routine sampling program by the company which revealed that the finished products contained the bacteria. The company has ceased the production and distribution of the product as FDA and the company continue their investigation as to what caused the problem."]**

**[Information on what consumers should do with the product and where they can get additional information (e.g., "consumers who have purchased Brand X are urged to return it to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact the company at 1-800-XXX-XXXX.”).]**

####

(SAMPLE PRESS RELEASE)

**XYZ Inc.
123 Smith Lane
Anywhere, MS**



FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Sam Smith /555-555-5555

DATE



XYZ RECALLS "Doggie Chow" BECAUSE OF POSSIBLE *SALMONELLA* HEALTH RISK

XYZ Inc. of Anywhere, MS, is recalling its 20 lb. bags of "Doggie Chow" pet food because they have the potential to be contaminated with *Salmonella*. *Salmonella* can affect animals eating the product and there is risk to humans from handling contaminated products, especially if they have not thoroughly washed their hands after having contact with the products or any surfaces exposed to these products.

Healthy people infected with *Salmonella* should monitor themselves for some or all of the following symptoms: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramping and fever. Rarely, *Salmonella*can result in more serious ailments, including arterial infections, endocarditis, arthritis, muscle pain, eye irritation, and urinary tract symptoms. Consumers exhibiting these signs after having contact with this product should contact their healthcare providers.

Pets with *Salmonella*infections may be lethargic and have diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever, and vomiting. Some pets will have only decreased appetite, fever and abdominal pain. Infected but otherwise healthy pets can be carriers and infect other animals or humans. If your pet has consumed the recalled product and has these symptoms, please contact your veterinarian.

The recalled "Doggie Chow" was distributed nationwide in retail stores and through online mail orders.

The product comes in a 20 pound bag marked with lot #931456 on the top and with an expiration date of 12/30/11 stamped on the side.

No illnesses have been reported to date in connection with this problem.

The potential for contamination was noted after routine testing by the company revealed the presence of*Salmonella* in some 20 pound packages of “Doggie Chow”.

Production of the product has been suspended while FDA and the company continue their investigation as to the source of the problem.

Consumers who have purchased 20 pound packages of “Doggie Chow” should discontinue use of the product and may return the unused portion to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact the company at 1-800-XXX-XXXX.

####

                                                                                  Content current as of:
      08/05/2014Industry Guidance For Recalls
 
 Footer Links
    FDA Archive
          About FDA
          Accessibility
      Visitor Information
          Website Policies / Privacy
          No FEAR Act
          Vulnerability Disclosure Policy
      FOIA
          HHS.gov
          USA.gov
    Contact FDA
      Follow FDA on Facebook
      Follow FDA on X
      Follow FDA on Instagram
      Follow FDA on LinkedIn
      View FDA videos on YouTube
      Subscribe to FDA RSS feeds
    FDA Homepage
    Contact Number
      1-888-INFO-FDA (1-888-463-6332) Back toTop