The Diamond Pet Food facility linked to 10 ongoing dog food recalls, a Salmonella outbreak that has sickened 15 people in nine states, and a lawsuit filed earlier this week was in violation of several food safety codes during a recent inspection, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
During an April 2012 inspection of the Diamond plant in Gaston, S.C., FDA officials found several problems with the company’s food safety practices including:
No microbiological analysis was conducted to make sure that incoming animal fat was not introducing pathogens to the finished product.
The sampling procedure did not preclude potential for contamination after sampling or during storage at the warehouse.
Lack of hand washing facilities at needed locations.
Poorly maintained equipment that may provide harbor for bacteria.
Improper repairs to equipment that prevented them form being cleaned or sanitized.
Since April 6, 2012 the same plant has been linked to 10 dog food recalls for possible Salmonella contamination including:
Diamond Naturals Lamb and Rice in 6 lb, 20lb and 40 lb bags with best before dates of Jan. 3 and Jan. 4 2013
Chicken Soup For The Pet Lover’s Soul Adult Light Formula in 6 lb and 35 lb bags with best before dates of Jan. 27 and 28 2013.
Diamond Puppy Formula in 6 oz, 8 lb, 20 lb and 40 lb bags with various production codes and best before dates.
Natural Balance in various varieties and sizes.
Apex Chicken and Rice Dog Food in 20 lb and 40 lb bags with best before ates of Jan. 24, 2013.
Expansion of Diamond recall to include: Chicken Soup for the Pet Lover’s Soul, Country Value, Diamond, Diamond Naturals, Premium Edge, Professional, 4Health and Taste of the Wild in various varieties and sizes with best before dates of e December 9, 2012 through April 7, 2013.
Canidae Dog Food in various formulas and sizes with best before dates of Dec. 9, 2012, through January 31, 2013.
Wellpet for Wellness Complete Health, Super5Mix and Large Breed Puppy in 15 lb. and 30 lb. bags and 5 oz. sample bags with best by dates of Jan. 9 2013 through Jan. 11 2013.
Solid Gold Health Products for WolfCub Large Breed Puppy Food, in 4 lb, 15 lb, and 33 lb, with best before date of Dec. 30, 2012 and Large Breed Adult Dog Food, 4 lb, 15 lb, and 28.5 lb bags with a best before date of Dec. 30, 2012.
Another Diamond recall expansion to include Diamond Naturals Small Breed Adult Dog Lamb & Rice Formula. in sample sizes, 6 pound and 18 pound bags with various production codes and best before dates.
The tainted pet food can sicken humans who handle it or come into contact with surfaces it has touched, according to the recall information on the FDA website. So far, 15 people in nine states have contracted Salmonella infections, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) including one infant whose family filed suit against the company earlier this week.
