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| Beware of suet that might contain a hidden ingredient: Salmonella.© iStock.com |
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The Scotts Company expanded its recall of suet wild bird food products to include seven more products and additional manufacturing date codes of the varieties previously recalled. In February, Scotts recalled five varieties of suet because they might contain peanut meal from the Peanut Corporation of America's Blakely, Georgia, plant. The expanded recall covers peanut products from PCA plants in Texas and Virginia.
Roasted feed-grade peanuts from PCA have been recalled by distributer Western Trade Group. These peanuts may be fed to wild birds and squirrels as well as to pet birds and farm animals. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention identified PCA's Blakely plant as the source of an outbreak of Salmonella in humans.
An unrelated recall of wild bird foods was announced by Burkmann Feeds last week after the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services found Salmonella bacteria in one product. Burkmann is recalling a Wild Birds Unlimited Wildlife Blend bird food sold exclusively at Wild Birds Unlimited stores.
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Recalled Wild Bird Products
Check FDA for manufacturing and date codes of recalled products |
- Morning Song Nutty Safari Suet
- Morning Song Raisen Crunch Suet
- Morning Song Woodpecker Suet
- Royal Wing Raisin Suet
- Royal Wind Woodpecker Suet
- Royal Wing Peanut Suet
- Morning Melodies Variety Suet 3 CT
- Morning Melodies Nutty Safari Suet
- Morning Song Variety 15 Pack Suet
- Morning Song Variety 3 Pack Suet
- Scotts Multi-Bird Suet with Fruits & Nuts
- Scotts Woodpecker Suet
- Wild Birds Unlimited Wildlife Blend
- Aggieville Roasted Feed Grade Peanuts
- Western Trade Group Roasted Feed Grade Peanuts
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Deadly to Birds
The NC Department of Agriculture investigated dead wild birds throughout the state and identified Burkmann's product as the source of deadly Salmonella. Salmonella can be particularly deadly in birds because it prevents them from feeding, something they must do every day in the winter in order to be able to maintain themselves.
Expanded Peanut Recall
Earlier peanut product recalls included food and pet treat products made from peanut butter and peanut paste made since January 1, 2007 at the Blakely plant. Recently, FDA and Texas Department of State Health Services found evidence that products from PCA's Plainview, Texas, plant could also be contaminated. More than 2,100 products that may contain PCA peanuts or peanut products have been recalled by 200 companies and the list continues to grow.
Human Health Concerns
In addition to the potential for birds becoming ill from contaminated bird food, people can be infected with Salmonella by handling the product. To minimize the threat of infection, throw away products included in either recall; avoid touching the suet, feed, or peanuts with your bare hands; and if you do touch any, wash your hands thoroughly.
Tips on feeding birds in the winter include using high quality seed. And with
the recent peanut recall, you'll want to take extra precautions.
