Pet Food Recall 101

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     In the past, there have been massive recalls in pet food. These are usually due to food contamination or of inclusion of harmful substances in the ingredients of pet food. And in the future, when you are to face such situation again, there are right things that you can do and right responses that you can make for the situation.

Don't panic. Whatever the severity of the condition, you need to avoid panicking. You will not be able to think clearly if you are in severe level of anxiety. Whereas when you keep calm, you can think of the things that you need to do to prevent further damage and possible hazard to the health of your pet when a product that you are using is recalled.

Spread the information. When you are an owner of a store and a product that you are selling is recalled, you need to alert your customers. It is also considered as your responsibility to ensure their safety. This may not be a positive action for your store, but you have to do what you are expected to do. You may offer apologies but show them that you are prioritizing the health of your customer's pets.

For big stores, since it will be impossible to contact your customers one-by-one, you can spread information by posting signs and running ads on papers, the radio and even on TV. Doing this will also help you lessen or avoid legal actions in the future.

Get instructions on what to do. Together with the manufacturer, the distributors or the store owners will be providing the customers with a guide on what they need to do. As the customer, it is necessary that you follow their recommendations. Also, early action will help avoid damage or further development of it.

Keep the atmosphere friendly. Since this situation can cause people to have increased stress levels, especially if pet owners are concerned for their pets, everyone should make it a point to ensure that no further trouble will ensue.

Customers who are complaining violently will only aggravate the situation. Distributors and manufacturers who are defensive of their faults will not solve the problem. Those who are affected will be able to receive help if they are cooperative.

Seek help. If your pet exhibits physical symptoms that may or not be specified as the effects of ingestion of the food product for recall, you need to seek the help of a veterinarian. For cases of contamination, the pet doctor will be able to treat your pet's condition with the correct antibiotics.

You can also seek help from state officials or organizations especially those that are directly or indirectly involved with the recall.

Contact appropriate persons/companies. The company who owns the product, if indeed proven to be at fault with the situation will be obliged to shoulder expenses and other damages. If you have been affected by the problem, it will be best for you to contact them. You may be able to get instructions on what tasks you need to do.