UPDATE 7/2/2024:
Out of an abundance of caution, Vitakraft Sun Seed Inc. decided to expand the list of recalled products. Here is the full list of affected products, according to the FDA:
UPC #: | DESCRIPTION | LOT | EXP |
0-87535-40060-4 | Sun Seed Vita Prima Hedgehog Food, 25oz | 417429 | 10/18/2025 |
0-87535-40060-4 | Sun Seed Vita Prima Hedgehog Food, 25oz | 406118 | 5/04/2025 |
0-87535-40060-4 | Sun Seed Vita Prima Hedgehog Food, 25oz | 407265 | 5/22/2025 |
0-87535-40060-4 | Sun Seed Vita Prima Hedgehog Food, 25oz | 407849 | 6/09/2025 |
0-87535-40060-4 | Sun Seed Vita Prima Hedgehog Food, 25oz | 409133 | 6/20/2025 |
0-87535-40060-4 | Sun Seed Vita Prima Hedgehog Food, 25oz | 410999 | 7/17/2025 |
0-87535-40060-4 | Sun Seed Vita Prima Hedgehog Food, 25oz | 415624 | 9/21/2025 |
0-87535-40060-4 | Sun Seed Vita Prima Hedgehog Food, 25oz | 419647 | 11/20/2025 |
0-51233-34792-9 | Sun Seed Vita Prima Hedgehog Food, 25oz | 409175 | 6/28/2025 |
0-51233-34792-9 | Sun Seed Vita Prima Hedgehog Food, 25oz | 411084 | 7/20/2025 |
0-51233-34792-9 | Sun Seed Vita Prima Hedgehog Food, 25oz | 412635 | 8/18/2025 |
0-51233-34792-9 | Sun Seed Vita Prima Hedgehog Food, 25oz | 415713 | 10/09/2025 |
0-51233-34792-9 | Sun Seed Vita Prima Hedgehog Food, 25oz | 417491 | 10/18/2025 |
Original Post:
On June 22, 2024, the FDA announced that Vitakraft Sun Seed Inc. recalled some of its hedgehog products. The recalled food could potentially contain salmonella, so the products were voluntarily pulled for the safety of pets. Hedgehog owners should make sure they don't have the recalled food because Salmonella can harm both them and their pets.
What was Recalled?
Vitakraft Sun Seed Inc. has recalled certain lots of Sun Seed Vita Prima Hedgehog Food (25 oz). The UPC is 0-87535-40060-4, the lot code is 417429, and the expiration date is 10/18/2025.
This food's packaging is mostly yellow with an image of a hedgehog on it. The bag may say "Vita Prima" by Sunseed. The products were distributed to the following states: FL, IN, IL, KY, MA, MI, MN, MO, NC, NY, OH, PA, SC, TN, TX, and VA. The company has asked retailers and distributors to remove these items.
This recall occurred after the Minnesota Department of Agriculture alerted the company on June 18th, 2024, that Salmonella was detected during random testing. Vitakraft initiated the recall shortly after. Thankfully, no illnesses have been reported due to this recall so far.
The Risks of Salmonella for Hedgehogs
If your hedgehog has Salmonella, they could experience diarrhea, lethargy, weight loss, decreased appetite, or dehydration. In extreme cases, these symptoms could lead to death. If you notice any of these symptoms in your hedgehog, especially if they ate the recalled food, contact your vet right away.
Salmonella could also be passed to the humans handling the food. Humans with Salmonella could experience vomiting, diarrhea, nausea, abdominal cramps, and fevers. In rare cases, it could lead to more serious concerns, such as arterial infections, urinary tract infections, endocarditis, arthritis, and eye irritation. It's best to visit your healthcare provider if unusual symptoms occur.
What to Do with the Recalled Products
If you have the recalled product in your home, wipe down anything the food could have touched, such as bowls, counters, and storage containers. Thoroughly wash your hands after handling the food or your hedgehogs.
Stop using the recalled product and use gloves if you need to handle it. You can return the remaining food to the place you bought it from for a refund. If you have any questions about the recall, you can call Vitakraft's customer service at 1-800-221-6175 Extension 123. They're available Monday through Friday from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm EST.
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