More firms have recalled dog food for possible Salmonella contamination, said the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA). Salmonella-tainted Diamond Pet Food dog food has been linked to 14 human illnesses in at least nine states and involves the rare Salmonella infantis, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Of the four recalls detailed below, none have been linked to any reported illnesses and none of the foods involved tested positive for the Salmonella pathogen.
All of the illnesses and the contamination are linked to dry dog food produced at Diamond Pet Foods’ South Carolina plant in Gaston. Since last month, Diamond Pet Foods recalled three dry dog food products: Various bags of Diamond Naturals Lamb Meal and Rice dry dog food, Diamond Chicken Soup for the Pet Lover’s Soul Adult Light Formula dry dog food, and Diamond Puppy Formula dry dog food. Sampling revealed Salmonella in the products, which may have been further distributed to additional states through pet food channels.
Reported infections spanned October 8, 2011 to April 22, 2012; involve five hospitalizations; and have been reported in Alabama, Connecticut, Michigan, Missouri, North Carolina, New Jersey, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Virginia. Seven of those sickened said they were in contact with a dog in the week before falling ill; five recalled the type of dog food involved.
As we’ve written, the Gaston plant was responsible for mold-contaminated food linked to dozens of dog deaths nationwide in 2005; a 2009 cat food recall over insufficient thiamine, a critical feline nutrient; and a scandal that killed dozens of dogs and resulted in a $3.1 million settlement over the deadly mold aflatoxin, which can cause severe liver damage.
Apex Pet Foods
Recalled dry dog food formulas were manufactured on January 24, 2012; distributed in the state of South Carolina; and include Apex Chicken and Rice Dog Food in 40- and 20-pound packaging. The products bear production code ACD0101B32 and best by date 24-Jan-2013. Complete details can be accessed on the FDA web site. Apex Pet Foods can be reached, toll free, at 1.866.918.8756, Monday through Sunday, 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Eastern Standard Time (EST).
Natural Balance Pet Foods
A variety of Natural Balance dog foods have been recalled in array of formulas, sizes, and lots, including Sweet Potato and Venison, Lamb Meal and Brown Rice, Sweet Potato and Bison, Vegetarian, Lamb Meal and Brown Rice Large Breed Bites, and Lamb Meal and Brown Rice Small Breed Bites. A complete listing can be accessed here. These recalled products may have been distributed in Alabama, Arkansas, Colorado, Connecticut, DC, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Mississippi, North Carolina, North Dakota, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Vermont, Wisconsin, West Virginia, Wyoming, and Canada. Natural Balance Pet Foods Customer Service can be reached, toll-free, at 1.800.829.4493, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Pacific Standard Time (PST) or at its website.
Canidae Pet Foods
A variety of Canidae dog food formulas manufactured between December 9, 2011 and January 31, 2012 have been recalled and involve products bearing production codes with both a number “3” in the 9th position AND the letter “X” in the 10th or 11th position and with best before dates of December 9, 2012 through January 31, 2013. Canidae All Life Stages, Chicken Meal and Rice, Lamb Meal and Rice, and Platinum are involved. An example of how to read the production code and best before date can be accessed on the FDA website. The recalled products were distributed to Florida, Massachusetts, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, and Tennessee. Canidae Pet Foods can be reached, toll-free, at 1.800.398.1600, Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., PST, or at canidae.com.
WellPet LLC
One recipe of Wellness® dry dog food is involved in the recall: Wellness Complete Health® Super5Mix® Large Breed Puppy, 15- and 30-pound bags and 5-ounce sample bags, with best by dates of JAN 9 2013 through JAN 11 2013, which can be found on the back of the bag in the bottom right-hand corner. WellPet LLC can be reached, toll-free, at 1.877.227.9587, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., EST; Saturday and Sunday, 9:00 a.m. through 5:00 p.m., EST; or at the firm’s website.
Salmonella can affect animals and there is also a risk to people who handle Salmonella-contaminated pet products. People handling the treats can become infected with Salmonella and consumers should dispose of the recalled pet food safely by securing the food in a covered trash receptacle to ensure other animals and wildlife cannot access the tainted product. Healthy people infected with salmonellosis should monitor themselves for nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramping, and fever. Pets suffering from Salmonella infections may suffer from lethargy, diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever, vomiting, decreased appetite, and abdominal pain. Sometimes pets can appear healthy, but can be carriers of the dangerous pathogen, infecting other people and animals.
