Spectrum Brands Recalls Tetra Reptile Food over Salmonella Risk

Recall Date: May 23, 2025
Announced by: FDA on May 23, 2025
Company Involved: Spectrum Brands Pet LLC
Product Affected: Tetra ReptoMin 3-In-1 SELECT-A-FOOD reptile food
Issue: Potential Salmonella contamination
Packaging: 1.56 oz plastic container with a green label
UPC: 0 46798 78626 9 | Lot Code: 951790
Action: Stop using immediately and contact the retailer for a refund
Consumer Contact: 1-800-526-0650 | [email protected]

Stick around to find out more about this recall!

What Happened?

On May 23, 2025, Spectrum Brands Pet LLC issued a voluntary recall of a single lot of its Tetra ReptoMin 3-In-1 SELECT-A-FOOD reptile food. Internal testing flagged a possible Salmonella contamination in one of the components used in the mix, despite the final product initially testing negative.

So far, no reports of illness in humans or pets have been confirmed. However, out of an abundance of caution and in partnership with the FDA, Spectrum Brands has pulled the affected lot from shelves.

Product Details Table:

Brand	Product Name	Size	UPC	Lot Code	Best By Date	Issue
Tetra (SPG)	ReptoMin 3-In-1 SELECT-A-FOOD	1.56 oz	0 46798 78626 9	951790	Not specified	Salmonella contamination

The recalled product was sold nationwide through major retailers including Petco, Walmart, Chewy, Amazon, and Meijer, between May 6 and May 16, 2025.

What Caused the Issue?

The issue at hand is potential Salmonella contamination, which is no joke—especially in pet food that might end up on your hands, kitchen counters, or in your pet’s habitat.

What is Salmonella?

Salmonella is a bacteria that can cause serious illness in both animals and humans. While aquatic turtles are less likely to become seriously ill, they can become carriers and shed the bacteria, posing a risk to other pets and people in the household.

Spectrum Brands’ quality assurance testing found that while the finished product was clear, one of the three food components used in the 3-in-1 blend may have been contaminated. This triggered the voluntary recall.

Why is it a big deal?

Even a single contaminated ingredient can spread Salmonella across surfaces, containers, and hands. Given the rising trend of treating pets like family (read: close contact), contamination like this isn’t just a pet problem—it’s a human one.

Who is at risk?

Young children
Elderly individuals
People with weakened immune systems
Pet owners handling the product
Other pets exposed to contaminated surfaces

Common Human Symptoms:

Nausea
Vomiting
Diarrhea (sometimes bloody)
Abdominal cramps
Fever
In rare cases: arterial infections, endocarditis, arthritis, urinary tract infections

Common Pet Symptoms (in reptiles):

Lethargy
Diarrhea or bloody stools
Vomiting
Fever
Decreased appetite

10 Common Questions Consumers Might Ask:

Is it safe to keep feeding this product to my turtle?
No. If you have lot code 951790, stop feeding it immediately.
How do I know if I have the recalled product?
Check the bottom of the container for lot code 951790 and UPC 0 46798 78626 9.
What should I do if my turtle ate this food?
Monitor for symptoms like lethargy or diarrhea and consult a vet if symptoms appear.
What if I already threw away the container?
If you no longer have the packaging but purchased Tetra ReptoMin recently, contact your retailer or SPG for guidance.
Can I get a refund?
Yes. Contact the store where you purchased it or reach out to Spectrum Brands directly.
What if my child touched the food or container?
Wash their hands thoroughly and monitor for any signs of illness.
How should I clean surfaces or containers that came into contact with the food?
Use hot, soapy water and disinfectant on all surfaces and utensils.
Can Salmonella spread to other pets in the house?
Yes, especially if surfaces or hands are contaminated and not cleaned properly.
How long after exposure do symptoms appear?
Typically within 6 to 72 hours, but it can vary.
Has Spectrum Brands had recalls like this before?
While this specific product hasn’t been recalled before, Salmonella-related recalls are common in pet foods. We’ve seen similar issues from other brands this year.

Here’s What You Should Do

Tetra ReptoMin 3 In 1 SELECT A FOOD reptile food

Check the label: Look for UPC 0 46798 78626 9 and lot code 951790
Stop using the product immediately
Sanitize: Clean all surfaces, containers, bowls, and your hands
Contact the retailer for a refund
Reach out to SPG: 1-800-526-0650 | [email protected]

Behind the Brand

Spectrum Brands Pet LLC, headquartered in Earth City, MO, is a major player in the pet care industry. Their Tetra line is a staple for aquatic pet owners.

While this is the first recall of this specific Tetra product, food recalls over Salmonella aren’t rare. Here are some recent examples:

On May 22, 2025, Walmart Inc. voluntarily recalled its Marketside Fresh Cut Cucumber Slices from select stores in Texas due to those cucumbers were linked to a Salmonella outbreak under FDA investigation.
On May 22, 2025, Albertsons Companies voluntarily recalled three varieties of store-made Greek salad deli items due to the potential for Salmonella contamination.
On May 23, 2025, JFE Franchising, Inc. of Houston, TX, issued a voluntary recall of various fresh-cut cucumber products and sushi items sold under Snowfruit and Snowfox brands due to contact with Salmonella.
On May 20, 2025, Supreme Service Solutions LLC voluntarily recalled select Yummi Sushi products due to Salmonella outbreak, according to the FDA.
On May 21, 2025, PennRose Farms, LLC issued a voluntary recall of its whole cucumbers packaged in 5-pound mesh bags due to a Salmonella contamination risk.

“This recall shows how a single ingredient—just one component in a blend—can create a ripple effect across the entire supply chain. It highlights the critical need for strong traceability, reliable quality controls, and clear communication from suppliers to retailers to protect consumers and preserve trust in the brand.” says Eran Mizrahi, CEO of Source86.

Ensuring Safe Eats

Pet food recalls may seem minor, but for bulk ingredient suppliers, they’re a wake-up call. When a contamination risk shows up in a single component of a multi-part product, it highlights the need for:

Ingredient-level traceability
Rigorous supplier audits
Regular microbial testing
Cross-contamination protocols in co-manufacturing environments

Whether you’re a bulk buyer, private labeler, or importer, staying proactive with safety compliance is essential—not just for pets, but for public health.

Need help sourcing reliable, clean, and fully traceable ingredients? Let’s talk! At Source86, we’re here to support your safety standards from start to shelf.