Hello to our valued retailers and customers,
We want to direct your attention to an important collaboration between the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC), provincial public health partners, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, and Health Canada. Together, they are actively engaged in a comprehensive investigation into an outbreak of drug-resistant XDR Salmonella infections across six provinces.
Based on the investigation findings to date:
- A single common raw pet food supplier has not been identified.
- Exposure to raw meat prepared for pets (raw pet food) has been potentially identified as a source for some illnesses reported in this outbreak. Some individuals who became sick reported exposure to raw pet food or dogs fed raw pet food before their infections occurred.
- Contact with cattle, particularly calves, has also been identified as a likely source for some illnesses reported in the outbreak.
Investigation Summary:
A. Using laboratory methods, it was determined that the same XDR Salmonella illnesses in 2020 were caused by the same Salmonella strain that occurred in September 2023.
B. There are 40 confirmed cases of drug-resistant XDR Salmonella between September 2020 and September 2023, with no deaths yet reported.
C. In the analysis of epidemiological data, it is notable that the cases are concentrated in the warmer months, with Quebec having the highest concentration of cases.
D. The outbreak investigation is ongoing, and it is possible that additional non-pet food-related sources may be identified.
Peace of mind with the Bold Standard
At Bold, the safety of your pets and family is at the forefront of our commitment. As leaders in the raw pet food category, we take extensive precautions to ensure the food you feed your pets is of the highest safety standards.
At Bold, the safety of your pets and family is at the forefront of our commitment. As leaders in the raw pet food category, we take extensive precautions to ensure the food you feed your pets is of the highest safety standards.
Our audited food defense program includes:
- HACCP third-party food safety audit program.
- Strict food safety controls.
- Most recent audited HACCP certification was September 18th,
- Only human-grade, CFIA-inspected suppliers.
- All suppliers must provide current food safety documentation via a Letter of Guarantee.
- We require a Certificate of Analysis from each meat supplier, including Microbiological testing results.
- The monitoring of water microbiology and quality testing for total Coliform and E. coli.
- Regular batch testing for salmonella, e-coli, and listeria by third-party laboratories.
- MidWest Labs, Bio mérieux, and SGS Guelph.
- As Canada’s exclusive raw food manufacturer employing an In-line continuous tunnel freezer, we can freeze patties within minutes, ensuring the entire process from raw material to final frozen packaging is completed within hours.
- Our facility and equipment undergo nightly cleaning and sanitation conducted by CFIA-approved third-party specialists.
- Implementing a food defense plan ensures a safe working environment for our employees while delivering a high-quality, safe product to our customers and retailers.
What is HACCP?
HACCP, which stands for Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points, is a globally recognized human food safety system with clear standards and transparency; it is at the core of our food defense program. Think of the HACCP principles as the steps required to manage and control food safety risks in a business.
There are seven principles of HACCP:
- Conduct a Hazard Analysis
- Identify Critical Control Points
- Establish Critical Limits
- Monitor Critical Control Points
- Establish Corrective Actions
- Establish Record Keeping Procedures
- Establish Verification Procedures
Bold by Nature stands among the select few raw food manufacturers to achieve HACCP certification. It’s important to recognize that the quality of raw pet foods varies, and numerous companies may not undergo audits for food safety.
Unfortunately, Salmonella recalls are common today, emphasizing the ongoing need for stringent monitoring and preventive measures throughout the human food supply chain to safeguard public health.
We strongly advise adhering to Health Canada’s guidelines for defrosting raw food in your refrigerator.
We understand the importance of your inquiries and concerns and are dedicated to providing you with any additional information you may require.
Email us at info@boldcannine.com or call us at 1-888-826-5359.
Learn more:
The Canadian Institute of Food Safety –HACCP
Public Health Notice – Outbreak of extensively drug-resistant Salmonella infections linked to raw pet food and contact with cattle
