New York‑based pet brand Fi has pulled two of its dietary supplements from sale after learning that an ingredient supplied to its manufacturer may be tainted with salmonella. The affected products – Fi Calming supplement for Dogs and Fi 8‑in‑1 Formula supplement for Dogs – were distributed directly to consumers and through major online retailers Amazon and Chewy. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration confirmed that the manufacturer has halted production while it investigates the source of the contamination, and Fi is notifying buyers as a precaution. No illnesses have been reported so far, but the company urges anyone who has purchased the affected lots to stop using the supplements immediately and to discard them safely.
What the Recall Covers
The recall applies to two specific batches, each sold in 180‑gram containers. The Fi Calming supplement for Dogs carries lot number 26118 and UPC 8 50064 80011 1. The Fi 8‑in‑1 Formula supplement for Dogs is identified by lot number 26159 and UPC 8 50055 11168 4. Both products were available for purchase on Fi’s own website, as well as through the Amazon and Chewy marketplaces. The FDA notice quoted in the recall states: “The manufacturer has suspended production while it investigates,” and adds that “Fi is promptly notifying all affected customers out of an abundance of caution.” Customers with questions are advised to call Fi’s helpline at 1‑888‑434‑3647 or email support@tryfi.com.
Health Risks for Pets and People
Salmonella can cause gastrointestinal upset in dogs, with symptoms such as vomiting, reduced appetite, lethargy and diarrhoea. Humans who handle the contaminated supplements are also at risk; exposure may lead to nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea (sometimes bloody), abdominal cramping and fever. The FDA stresses that while no human or animal illnesses have been linked to this particular recall to date, the potential for cross‑contamination remains, especially in households where pets and owners share close contact.
Context: A Wave of Pet‑Food Safety Alerts
Fi’s action follows a series of similar alerts in the pet‑food sector. In late August, Northwest Naturals of Portland, Oregon issued a voluntary recall for select lots of its frozen raw pet food after testing revealed salmonella in cat food and both salmonella and Listeria monocytogenes in dog food. Earlier in July, Mars Petcare recalled two lots of Pedigree canned wet dog food after quality‑check failures; the affected cans were allegedly diverted fraudulently and sold nationwide before being withdrawn. These incidents underscore the ongoing challenges manufacturers face in ensuring ingredient safety across complex supply chains.
Why it Matters
The Fi supplement recall highlights how a single compromised ingredient can ripple through multiple sales channels, putting both pets and their owners at risk. As more consumers turn to online marketplaces for pet supplies, the speed and scale of potential exposure increase, making rapid, transparent communication from brands essential. For pet owners, the episode serves as a reminder to scrutinise lot numbers, heed recall notices promptly, and maintain good hygiene when handling pet food or supplements. From a broader perspective, the incident adds to growing pressure on regulators and manufacturers to tighten oversight of ingredient sourcing and to implement more robust testing protocols, ultimately aiming to protect the health of animals and the people who care for them.
