A popular dog shampoo brand has issued a recall on a product that affects owners as well as pets.
Spectrum Brands Pet Care notified the FDA that its line of Pet Fur deShedding Conditioner could expose pet owners to a deadly strain of bacteria.
The Recall from the CPSC
A release from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) reported the recall of the product, which may contain Pseudomonas aeruginous, a bacteria found in water and soil that can cause illness when contacted by humans.
Although bacterial infection may not always be deadly, people with compromised immune systems or external medical devices may be at risk of serious illness. Healthy people with typical immune systems should generally not be worried about the bacteria.
What Is the CPSCP?
The CPSCP is an independent federal regulatory agency that protects the public against unreasonable risks of injury or death from consumer products under its jurisdiction.
These products can include products that pose a fire, electrical, chemical, or mechanical hazard.
Mold Identified in Several Bottles So Far
Spectrum Brands has received four reports so far of customers finding mould inside the conditioner container.
Thankfully, no serious injuries or illnesses have been identified.
More Than 100,000 Units Sold
The recalled item was sold in one-gallon plastic containers and marked with the UPC number 854460001073. It can be located on the label of the product.
More than 102,000 items were sold throughout the United States in recent months.
Recall Issued Throughout Canada
The recall notice was also issued throughout Canada in conjunction with the government and safety officials.
Only 250 units were sold throughout the country and most are expected to be tracked down quicky.
Where Were the Conditioner Bottles Sold?
The product was primarily sold through Amazon.com and Chewy.com from January 2022 to April 2024. The item cost roughly $43.
The lot numbers recalled include 211102 and between 220402 to 240152. Lot numbers can be located on the bottom of the container in small print.
What To Do if You Find You Own the Conditioner
The company issued a notice for consumers who found that they had purchased one of the affected bottles.
The notice reads that, “Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled pet conditioner and contact the firm to receive a full refund. Do not empty the product prior to disposal or pour the product down the toilet or drain.”
How To Get a Refund for the Recalled Product?
Refunds will be available for any consumers who have purchased the products. The CPSC notes that customers should write the word “Recalled” on the purchased items and upload a photo of the product’s UPC, date, and customer’s initials to www.prodprotect.com/recall/FURminator.
After a successful photo is uploaded, customers will likely receive a full refund for the product.
What Are the Symptoms of the Illness?
The symptoms of Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections are chills, fever, fatigue, earaches and headaches, nausea, eye inflammation and pain, difficulty breathing or discolored bumps on a person’s skin.
In more serious cases, the bacteria can impact the skin, blood, lungs, and GI tract.
How the Illness Is Contracted?
The CPSC notes that the illness can be deadly when “inhaled through the eyes, or through a break in the skin.”
The bacteria can spread from person to person through contaminated surfaces or the hands. High-traffic areas are breeding grounds for the bacteria.
There Are Options for Treatment
Treatment for Pseudomonas aeruginosa is simple when infection sets in.
A quick round of antibiotics is recommended to treat the illness and the symptoms that may occur.
Pets Are Unaffected by the Mold in the Bottles
Thankfully, dogs and cats cannot be affected by the mold present in the conditioner bottles.
The harm remains solely on owners and highlights the safety issue with improperly packaged items.
Another Recall
Nearly a month after announcing a pet food recall, Pedigree recalled 315 bags of 44-pound dry dog kibble sold as Pedigree Adult Complete Nutrition Grilled Steak & Vegetable Flavor Dry Dog Food.
Walmart stores in Arkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, and Texas sold the recalled products due to loose metal pieces found in the bags.
Metal Found In Dog Food
“The potential presence of loose metal pieces in the bag could pose a health hazard to pets,” the FDA said (via Newsweek).
“If you believe your pet has consumed the affected product, you should monitor for unusual behavior and contact a veterinarian in the event of any concerns.
Unsure How the Metal Appeared
The FDA did not specify why or how metal got into the dog food bags, nor whether a consumer or the company’s own product control measures discovered it.
‘If you believe your pet has consumed the affected product, you should monitor for unusual behavior and contact a veterinarian if you have any concerns,’ the recall notice reads.
Increasing Pet Food Recalls
Pet-food-related recalls have increased in recent years, according to the FDA. Recalls often involve dry and raw food, as well as liquid probiotics, across various brands.
In 2023, the number of pet food-related recalls totaled 16, including two in February, three in March, and the rest after August 1.
The Many Pet Food Recalls
As of May 18, six pet food recalls have affected cattle, chickens, and rabbits. Two recalls were announced in January and three in April.
Aside from Pedigree, brands with recalled products have included Purina, Blue Ridge Beef, Simply Nourish, Merck Animal Health, Ozona, Freshpet, and NutriSource.
The Growing Threat of Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Possible bacteria exposure has prompted the recall of more pet products besides Pet Fur deShedding Conditioner.
Last year, the CPSC reported that Pseudomonas aeruginosa were found in approximately 59,000 Capri Blue pet products.
Other Items Recalled
The CPSP said in a statement that the company was aware of reported infections in eleven dogs and had launched an investigation to see if there were any connections to other recalled items.
The items included in the recall are Deodorizing Pet Bedding Spray, Waterless Foaming Shampoo, Fragrance Spritz, and Detangling and Conditioning Spray.
How the Infection Works
Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection is a condition that can affect your skin, blood, lungs, GI tract, and other parts of the body.
This bacteria is commonly found in the environment, especially in water, soil, and produce. Fortunately, at least one type of antibiotic can treat the bacteria.
Something Worse
While Pseudomonas aeruginosa is not a form of sepsis, a Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection can cause sepsis.
Sepsis is a medical emergency that the immune system can stop fighting, leaving your healthy tissues and organs vulnerable to the infection.
The Infection Is Contagious
Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a contagious infection that spreads from person to person if people do not take preventative measures.
People should take these infections seriously because they can spread to other areas of the body and trigger serious conditions, including sepsis and organ failure.
The Survival Rate of Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Multiyear studies are not clear on what the survival rate is for Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections.
Healthcare providers estimate between 39% and 82% of people who have a Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection survive.
