Burkmann Feeds, southeast U.S. manufacturer for Wild Birds Unlimited (WBU), is participating in a voluntary recall of 150, twenty pound bags of WBU Wildlife Blend bird seed as a result of a positive test for one genetic strain of salmonella in one bag tested in North Carolina in February, 2009.

Upon learning of the positive test from the North Carolina Department of Agriculture, Burkmann instituted an emergency response including an immediate call for assistance to the University of Kentucky Department of Regulatory Services who serves as Agent in Kentucky for the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Burkmann provided immediate and full disclosure of all records to U.K. Regulatory during the investigation.

An internal investigation determined that one of Burkmann's peanut suppliers sold them a quantity of peanuts subject to a recall imposed by the Federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and FAILED to inform Burkmann of the peanut recall. Burkmann's internal records have confirmed that the peanuts subject to recall were used in manufacturing WBU Wildlife Blend. Burkmann's records further documented that a quantity of the recalled peanuts were used in manufacturing certain lots of Burkmann's WBU Woodpecker Blend. Resultantly, Burkmann has voluntarily recalled all applicable lot numbers of WBU Woodpecker Blend. The recalled peanuts remaining were immediately placed in a sealed container and removed from the plant property.

Because of Burkmann's product traceability system, all customers who purchased WBU Wildlife Blend and/or Woodpecker Blend containing the recalled peanuts have been notified and informed of FDA-approved methods of disposal and offered a full refund for their purchase.

As a result of recent occurrences in the United States concerning peanuts, Burkmann has adopted the policy that any peanuts purchased by Burkmann for use in manufacturing bird seed products will be required to be clean-certified free of salmonella. Burkmann believes their company will be the first manufacturer of bird seed products in America to adopt such a rigorous standard.

Any statement implying delay of response or claiming that Burkmann "knowingly manufactured products containing recalled peanuts" is false, irresponsible, slanderous and a gross disservice to the honest, ethical owners of Wild Birds Unlimited stores. Burkmann is proud of its immediate, open-book, full disclosure response in cooperation with FDA in a regrettable incident caused by a negligent supplier.

David B. Williams, Ph.D.
President