Recalls can feel scary, but most of them affect only a few specific lots. Here's how to find out quickly whether the food, treats, or medication in your home is affected.
1. Keep the packaging (or a photo of it)
Recalls are identified by lot number, best-by or use-by date, and sometimes the UPC barcode. Before you toss a bag or transfer food into a container, snap a quick photo of the label and lot code.
2. Check the official sources
- FDA Recalls, Market Withdrawals & Safety Alerts
- FDA Animal & Veterinary Outbreaks and Advisories
- The manufacturer's own website, which usually lists exact lot numbers
3. Know the difference between a recall and an advisory
A recall is when a company pulls a product from the market. An FDA advisory is a warning from the FDA telling pet owners not to feed a product, sometimes issued when a company hasn't recalled it. Take both seriously.
4. If your product matches
- Stop feeding it right away.
- Follow the notice: most say to return it for a refund or throw it away in a sealed container.
- Clean and disinfect bowls, scoops, storage bins, and counters, and wash your hands.
- Watch your pet for vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, or fever, and call your vet with any concerns.
- Don't stop a prescribed medication without talking to your vet first.
5. Report a problem
If you think a food or treat made your pet sick, you can report it to the FDA through the Safety Reporting Portal.
We post important recalls and safety alerts here as they happen. Questions? Email us at elizabeth@marinraw.com.