Pet Food Recall Due to Salmonella

Posted in Health & Wellness on August 15, 2013

Procter and Gamble has issued a recall of several types of pet foods for dogs and cats, citing an increased risk of salmonella poisoning. The FDA reports that salmonella bacteria can affect not only the animals eating the contaminated food, but also people who handle it or come into contact with exposed surfaces.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), most persons infected with the Salmonella bacteria will develop symptoms within 12 to 72 hours after infection and recover without treatment within 4 to 7 days.

Salmonella poisoning in people can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or bloody stools, abdominal cramping and fever. If you experience high fever, dehydration, muscle pain, joint pain, eye irritation or urinary tract symptoms after coming in contact with the product, you should call your doctor. The risk of developing a severe illness is higher in the elderly, infants, and those with an impaired immune system.

Monitor your pet

If your pet is infected, it may become lethargic and have diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever or vomiting. Some pets only develop mild side effects that can be harder to detect, such as decreased appetite, fever, or abdominal pain. If your pet has consumed infected food and has any of these symptoms, talk to your veterinarian.

The recall is for specific lots of Eukanuba dry dog food and Iams dry food for cats and dogs. For a detailed list of recalled products and lot numbers, visit the FDA website. Consumers who purchased recalled pet food should stop using the product and throw it away.

Source:

“U.S. Food and Drug administration recalls dry pet foods due to salmonella contamination” by Jay Seaton, Newsnet5.com, August 15, 2013.