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Salmonella Fears Extend Cat Food Recall

By Dan Flynn and Suzanna Schreck

The July 1 Feline's Pride cat food recall has been expanded.

Feline's Pride raw food with ground bone for cats and kittens may be contaminated with Salmonella.

No illnesses have been associated with the cat food recall.

The recall has been extended to include all of the Natural Chicken Formula in 2.5 lb. packages produced on 6/21/10 and shipped from June 21 through June 26, 2010.

The product is packaged in uncoded plastic containers and sold frozen to private consumers nationwide. Once thawed, the pet food has a shelf life of about 1 week. The firm manufactures the pet food by an as-ordered basis.

People handling raw pet food can become infected with Salmonella, especially if they have not thoroughly washed their hands after having contact with the raw pet food or any surfaces exposed to the product.

When consumed by humans, Salmonella can cause an infection, salmonellosis. The symptoms of salmonellosis include nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, minimal diarrhea, fever, and headache. Certain vulnerable populations, such as children, the elderly, and individuals with compromised immune systems, are particularly susceptible to acquiring salmonellosis from such pet food products and may experience more severe symptoms.

Pets with Salmonella infections may be lethargic and have diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever, and vomiting. Some pets will have only decreased appetite, fever, and abdominal pain. Infected but otherwise healthy pets can be carriers and infect other animals or humans. If your pet has consumed the recalled product and has these symptoms, contact your veterinarian.

Feline's Pride is cooperating in the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) investigation of the Salmonella contamination.

People who are experiencing the symptoms of Salmonella infection after having handled the pet food product should seek medical attention, and report their use of the product and illness to the nearest FDA office.

People should thoroughly wash their hands after handling pet food--especially those made from raw animal protein such as meat or fish--to help prevent infection. People may risk bacterial infection not only by handling pet foods, but also by contact with pets or surfaces exposed to these foods, so it is important that they thoroughly wash their hands with hot water and soap.

Since certain vulnerable populations, such as children, the elderly, and individuals with compromised immune systems, are particularly at risk from exposure they should avoid handling this product.

Consumers with questions should contact the company at (716) 580-3096, Monday -Friday from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. EDT.

Full post as published by Food Safety News on July 17, 2010 (boomark / email).