Has Victor Hi Pro Plus been recalled

Investigation Details

CDC, public health and regulatory officials in several states, and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration Center for Veterinary Medicine (FDA CVM) are collecting different types of datato investigate a multistate outbreak of Salmonella Kiambu infections in people.

Epidemiologic and laboratory data show that a specific lot of Victor brand Hi-Pro Plus dry dog food is contaminated with Salmonella and has made people sick. The manufacturer, Mid America Pet Food, has recalled this and all other brands of pet food they make. See recalls for more details.

Epidemiologic Data

As of November 1, 2023, seven people infected with the outbreak strain of Salmonella have been reported from seven states (see map). Illnesses started on dates ranging from January 14, 2023, to August 19, 2023 (see timeline). One person was hospitalized and no deaths have been reported.

The true number of sick people in this outbreak is likely much higher than the number reported, and the outbreak may not be limited to the states with known illnesses. This is because many people recover without medical care and are not tested for Salmonella. In addition, recent illnesses may not yet be reported as it usually takes 3 to 4 weeksto determine if a sick person is part of an outbreak.

Public health officials collect many different types of information from sick people or their family members, including the sick persons age, race, ethnicity, other demographics, and food they ate and any animals or pet food they came into contact with the week before they got sick. This information provides clues to help investigators identify the source of the outbreak.

The table below has information about sick people in this outbreak (n is the number of people with information available for each demographic).

Table of demographic information (n is the number of people with information available)

Demographics	Information
Age(n=7)	86% 1 year or younger14% 65 years and older
Sex(n=7)	57% Female43% Male
Race(n=5)	60% White20% African American/Black20% reported more than one race
Ethnicity(n=5)	100% non-Hispanic

State and local public health officials are interviewing people or their family about pets or pet food that the sick person may have come into contact with before they got sick. Of the five people interviewed, all (100%) reported contact with a dog or having a dog in the household, and three (60%) fed their dogs Victor brand dog food. One person reported feeding the Hi-Pro Plus product, and the other two did not remember the specific type of Victor brand product they fed their dogs.

Laboratory Data

Public health investigators are using the PulseNet system to identify illnesses that may be part of this outbreak. CDC PulseNet manages a national database of DNA fingerprints of bacteria that cause foodborne illnesses. DNA fingerprinting is performed on bacteria using a method called whole genome sequencing (WGS).

WGS showed that bacteria from sick peoples samples are closely related genetically. This suggests that people in this outbreak got sick from the same product.

Victor brand Hi-Pro Plus dog food with a lot code of 1000016385 was collected from retail for routine testing by the South Carolina State Department of Agriculture and Salmonella was identified through analysis by the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control. WGS showed that the Salmonella in this dog food is closely related to bacteria from sick people. This means that people likely got sick by touching this dog food, touching things like dog bowls that contained this dog food, or touching the poop or saliva of dogs that were fed this dog food. There have been no leftover Victor brand products from sick peoples homes available for testing for Salmonella.

WGS analysis of bacteria from seven peoples samples and one pet food sample did not predict resistance to any antibiotics. More information is available at the National Antimicrobial Resistance Monitoring System (NARMS)site.

Public Health Actions

On September 3, one lot of Victor brand Hi-Pro Plus dog food was recalled.

On October 30, three lots of Victor Super Premium Dog Food, Select Beef Meal & Brown Rice Formula were recalled.

On November 9, Mid America Pet Food recalledall brands of pet food they make.

CDC advises pet owners to throw away any recalled pet food. CDC also advises businesses to not sell, use, or donate recalled pet food.

Victor Classic Dog Food Review (Dry)

The Victor Classic product line includes the 5 dry dog foods listed below.

Each recipe includes its AAFCO nutrient profile: Growth (puppy), Maintenance (adult), All Life Stages, Supplemental or Unspecified.

Ingredients Analysis

The first ingredient in this dog food is beef meal. Beef meal is considered a meat concentrate and contains nearly 300% more protein than fresh beef.

The second ingredient is sorghum. Sorghum (milo) is a starchy cereal grain with a nutrient profile similar to corn.

Since it is gluten-free and boasts a smoother blood sugar behavior than other grains, sorghum may be considered an acceptable non-meat ingredient.

The third ingredient is chicken fat. Chicken fat is obtained from rendering chicken, a process similar to making soup in which the fat itself is skimmed from the surface of the liquid.

Chicken fat is high in linoleic acid, an omega-6 fatty acid essential for life. Although it doesnt sound very appetizing, chicken fat is actually a quality ingredient.

The fourth ingredient is pork meal, another protein-rich meat concentrate that can also be high in ash about 25-30%.

However, the ash content of the final product is typically adjusted in the recipe to allow its mineral profile to meet AAFCO guidelines.

The next two ingredients listed are chicken meal and menhaden fish meal, yet more high protein meat concentrates.

Fish meal is typically obtained from the clean, dried, ground tissue of undecomposed whole fish and fish cuttings of commercial fish operations.¹

The seventh ingredient is blood meal. Blood meal is a by-product of slaughter and used to make high-protein (very low ash) animal feeds.

Yet even though some consider it a controversial ingredient, blood meal can still be considered a quality source of animal protein.

The eighth ingredient is millet, a gluten-free grain harvested from certain seed grasses. Millet is hypoallergenic and naturally rich in B-vitamins and fiber as well as other essential minerals.

The ninth ingredient is alfalfa meal. Although alfalfa meal is high in plant protein (about 18%) and fiber (25%), this hay-family item is more commonly associated with horse feeds.

From here, the list goes on to include a number of other items.

But to be realistic, ingredients located this far down the list (other than nutritional supplements) are not likely to affect the overall rating of this Victor product.

With 7 notable exceptions

First, tomato pomace is a controversial ingredient, a by-product remaining after processing tomatoes into juice, soup and ketchup.

Many praise tomato pomace for its high fiber and nutrient content, while others scorn it as an inexpensive pet food filler.

Just the same, theres probably not enough tomato pomace here to make much of a difference.

Next, dried seaweed meal is a product made from a family of brown algae known as Fucaceae (Rockweed). Although it does contain a number of healthy nutrients, seaweed meal is primarily used as a source of inexpensive carbohydrates (about 60% dry matter).

This item is only rarely used to make pet food and is more typically found in feeds for cattle, horses, hogs, hens and sheep.

In addition, we note the use of taurine, an important amino acid associated with the healthy function of heart muscle. Although taurine is not typically considered essential in canines, some dogs have been shown to be deficient in this critical nutrient.

Since taurine deficiency appears to be more common in pets consuming grain-free diets, we view its presence in this recipe as a positive addition.

Next, this food contains chelated minerals, minerals that have been chemically attached to protein. This makes them easier to absorb. Chelated minerals are usually found in better dog foods.

Additionally, brewers yeast can be a controversial item. Although its a by-product of the beer making process, this ingredient is rich in minerals and other healthy nutrients.

Fans believe yeast repels fleas and supports the immune system.

Critics argue yeast ingredients can be linked to allergies. This may be true, but (like all allergies) only if your particular dog is allergic to the yeast itself.

In addition, a vocal minority insists yeast can increase the risk of developing the life-threatening condition known as bloat. However, this is a claim weve not been able to scientifically verify.

In any case, unless your dog is specifically allergic to it, yeast can still be considered a nutritious additive.

Whats more noteworthy here is that brewers yeast contains about 48% protein, a factor that must be considered when judging the actual meat content of this dog food.

We also find some vegetable oil, a generic oil of unknown origin. The ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 fats in any oil is nutritionally critical and can vary significantly (depending on the source).

Without knowing more, its impossible to judge the quality of an item so vaguely described. However, compared to a named animal fat, a generic vegetable oil cannot be considered a quality ingredient.

And lastly, this product includes selenium yeast. Unlike the more common inorganic form of selenium (sodium selenite), this natural yeast supplement is considered a safer anti-cancer alternative.

Nutrient Analysis

Based on its ingredients alone, Victor Classic Dog Food looks like an above-average dry product.

The dashboard displays a dry matter protein reading of 33%, a fat level of 22% and estimated carbohydrates of about 37%.

As a group, the brand features an average protein content of 28% and a mean fat level of 18%. Together, these figures suggest a carbohydrate content of 46% for the overall product line.

And a fat-to-protein ratio of about 64%.

Which means this Victor product line contains

Above-average protein. Above-average fat. And below-average carbs when compared to a typical dry dog food.

Even when you consider the protein-boosting effect of the alfalfa meal and brewers yeast, this looks like the profile of a kibble containing a notable amount of meat.

Recalled: Mid America Pet Food Expanded Recall for Victor Super Premium Dog Food; 20 Product Lines Involved (UPDATED 11/09/2023)

Maker: Mid America Pet FoodCause: Potential Salmonella contaminationAnnouncement: FDA recall announcement dated October 30, 2023 (archived here) and November 9, 2023 (archived here), full list of recalled products (archived here)

What was recalled on November 9, 2023

Updated from original recall on October 30, 2023. For clarity, the lot code can be found on the back of the bag.

Victor Super Premium Dog Food, Select Beef Meal & Brown Rice Formula

• 40lb bag, UPC 894308002343, best by 10/31/2024
• 15lb bag, UPC 854524005092, best by 10/31/2024
• 5lb bag, UPC 894308002336, best by 10/31/2024

Victor Super Premium Dog Food, Select Chicken Meal & Brown Rice Formula

• 40lb bag, UPC 894308002428, best by 10/31/2024
• 15lb bag, UPC 854524005108, best by 10/31/2024
• 5lb bag, UPC 894308002152, best by 10/31/2024

Victor Super Premium Dog Food, Select Lamb Meal & Brown Rice Formula

• 40lb bag, UPC 894308002411, best by 10/31/2024
• 15lb bag, UPC 854524005115, best by 10/31/2024
• 5lb bag, UPC 894308002053, best by 10/31/2024

Victor Super Premium Dog Food, Select Ocean Fish Formula

• 40lb bag, UPC 894308002497, best by 10/31/2024
• 15lb bag, UPC 854524005122, best by 10/31/2024
• 5lb bag, UPC 894308002077, best by 10/31/2024

Victor Super Premium Dog Food, Select Grain Free Chicken Meal & Sweet Potato Recipe

• 30lb bag, UPC 854524005016, best by 10/31/2024
• 15lb bag, UPC 854524005245, best by 10/31/2024
• 5lb bag, UPC 854524005047, best by 10/31/2024

Victor Super Premium Dog Food, Select Grain Free Lamb Meal & Sweet Potato Recipe

• 30lb bag, UPC 854524005177, best by 10/31/2024
• 15lb bag, UPC 854524005160, best by 10/31/2024
• 5lb bag, UPC 854524005184, best by 10/31/2024

Victor Super Premium Dog Food, Select Grain Free Yukon River Canine

• 30lb bag, UPC 894308002510, best by 10/31/2024
• 15lb bag, UPC 894308002527, best by 10/31/2024
• 5lb bag, UPC 894308002176, best by 10/31/2024

Victor Super Premium Dog Food, Purpose Grain Free Active Dog & Puppy

• 30lb bag, UPC 894308002473, best by 10/31/2024
• 15lb bag, UPC 894308002534, best by 10/31/2024
• 5lb bag, UPC 894308002169, best by 10/31/2024

Victor Super Premium Dog Food, Purpose Grain Free Hero Canine

• 50lb bag, UPC 894308002763, best by 10/31/2024
• 30lb bag, UPC 894308002381, best by 10/31/2024
• 5lb bag, UPC 854524005290, best by 10/31/2024

Victor Super Premium Dog Food, Purpose Grain Free Ultra Pro

• 30lb bag, UPC 894308002480, best by 10/31/2024
• 5lb bag, UPC 854524005306, best by 10/31/2024

Victor Super Premium Dog Food, Purpose Performance

• 40lb bag, UPC 894308002404, best by 10/31/2024
• 5lb bag, UPC 854524005337, best by 10/31/2024

Victor Super Premium Dog Food, Purpose Nutra Pro

• 40lb bag, UPC 854524005085, best by 10/31/2024
• 15lb bag, UPC 854524005146, best by 10/31/2024
• 5lb bag, UPC 854524005078, best by 10/31/2024

Victor Super Premium Dog Food, Purpose Senior Healthy Weight

• 40lb bag, UPC 894308002572, best by 10/31/2024
• 15lb bag, UPC 854524005153, best by 10/31/2024
• 5lb bag, UPC 894308002596, best by 10/31/2024

Victor Super Premium Dog Food, Classic Elite Canine

• 40lb bag, UPC 894308002824, best by 10/31/2024
• 15lb bag, UPC 894308002831, best by 10/31/2024
• 5lb bag, UPC 894308002848, best by 10/31/2024

Victor Super Premium Dog Food, Classic High Energy

• 50lb bag, UPC 854524005252, best by 10/31/2024
• 40lb bag, UPC 894308002367, best by 10/31/2024
• 5lb bag, UPC 854524005313, best by 10/31/2024

Victor Super Premium Dog Food, Classic Hi-Pro Plus

• 50lb bag, UPC 854524005276, best by 10/31/2024
• 40lb bag, UPC 894308002374, best by 10/31/2024
• 15lb bag, UPC 854524005139, best by 10/31/2024
• 5lb bag, UPC 894308002145, best by 10/31/2024

Victor Super Premium Dog Food, Classic Multi-Pro

• 50lb bag, UPC 894308002718, best by 10/31/2024
• 40lb bag, UPC 854524005214, best by 10/31/2024
• 5lb bag, UPC 854524005344, best by 10/31/2024

Victor Super Premium Dog Food, Classic Professional

• 50lb bag, UPC 854524005269, best by 10/31/2024
• 40lb bag, UPC 894308002350, best by 10/31/2024
• 5lb bag, UPC 854524005320, best by 10/31/2024

Victor Super Premium Dog Food, Realtree Edge Energy

• 40lb bag, UPC 899944446056, best by 10/31/2024
• 15lb bag, UPC 899944446063, best by 10/31/2024
• 5lb bag, UPC 899944446070, best by 10/31/2024

Victor Super Premium Dog Food, Realtree Max-5 Pro

• 40lb bag, UPC 899944446025, best by 10/31/2024
• 15lb bag, UPC 899944446032, best by 10/31/2024
• 5lb bag, UPC 899944446049, best by 10/31/2024

Overview

Mid America Pet Food, based in Mount Pleasant, Texas, has voluntarily recalled multiple Victor Super Premium Dog Food products with Best by Dates lines before 10/31/2024. The potential contamination by Salmonella was detected after a third-party conducted random product testing from three lots which tested positive on October 30, 2023. As of November, 9, 2023, the recall expanded to other Mid America Pet Food product lines including recalled Wayne Feeds Dog Food products and recalled Members Mark Dog Food products.

Implications for Pets and Humans:

Salmonella can have harmful effects not only on pets but also on humans. Heres what to watch out for:

• For Humans: Symptoms can range from nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramping, to more severe issues like arterial infections, arthritis, and urinary tract symptoms.
• For Pets: Signs include lethargy, diarrhea (potentially bloody), vomiting, decreased appetite, and fever.

It is essential to note that while pets can exhibit these symptoms after consumption, healthy pets can also act as carriers, posing a risk to other animals and humans.

Immediate Actions to Take:

• Retailers are urged to remove these specific lots from shelves and inventory.
• Do not donate or sell these products.
• Consumers should avoid feeding the recalled product to their pets.
• Securely dispose of the product ensuring it is inaccessible to kids, pets, and wildlife.
• Wash and sanitize food bowls and storage containers.

Contact Information:

For more information, reach out to Mid America Pet Food Consumer Affairs either via email at [emailprotected] or call 1-888-428-7544 between 8 AM to 11 PM Eastern Standard Time (EST) seven days a week.

For media inquiries, Tim Schramm is available at 908-370-4771.

Always prioritize the safety and health of your pets. Its better to be cautious and ensure that the products we provide for them are free from potential hazards. Always monitor any changes in your pets health, and if in doubt, contact your veterinarian immediately.

We urge our readers to spread the word about this recall, ensuring the safety of pets and pet owners alike. Stay informed and stay safe!

View other recent pet food recalls here, and if you have not done so already, we urge you to sign up now for Petfuls FREE recall alertsby email. Our free alerts are saving pets lives.

There were more recalls in 2023. See the previous one:

Previous Recall

(Or browse recalls by brand name)