Last year’s Salmonella outbreak that affected more than 70 people in 19 states has been linked to dry dog food produced in a Mars Petcare pet food plant in Pennsylvania, according to a new Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report. This marks the first time a human illness has been linked to dry dog food.
The Mars Petcare pet food plant is responsible for producing about 25 different brands of dry pet food, both cat foods and dog foods. An inspection of the manufacturing plant revealed an isolate of the outbreak Salmonella strain on an environmental surface and two isolates in two brands of dry dog food.
Following the inspection, operations were suspended between July and November, 2007, for cleaning and disinfection, and specific batches of the two brands of dog food, Krasdale Gravy dry dog food and Red Flannel Large Breed Adult Formula dry dog food, were recalled as of August 21st, 2007.
Neither of the recalled brands was related to human illness, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which publishes the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Reports. The CDC added that the limited recall by Mars Petcare means that contaminated dry pet food is almost certainly still present in many homes.
Mars Petcare US, Inc. manufactures a variety of well-known pet food brands, including Pedigree dog foods, the Goodlife Recipe cat and dog foods, Whiskas cat food, Cesar Canine Cuisine wet dog food, and Sheba wet cat food. The company originated within the Mars, Incorporated family as Masterfoods Pet Division/Mars, Inc. and later acquired the Doane Pet Care company.
Mars Petcare expanded again last year with an acquisition of Nutro Pet Food Products, manufacturers of a healthy line of “super premium dog and cat foods,” including Nutro Max, Nutro Ultra, and Nutro Natural Choice brands.
To date, Mars Petcare has not recalled any brands or batches other than specific batches and sizes of the Krasdale Gravy dry dog food (5lb bag) and Red Flannel Large Breed Adult Formula dry dog food (50lb bag). The dog foods were sold in Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania markets.
Salmonella bacteria can cause diarrhea (possibly bloody), fever, and abdominal cramps, with most victims recovering within a week without treatment. Babies, elders, and those with weak immune systems are particularly vulnerable.
The CDC urges pet owners to wash their hands immediately after handling pet food in order to prevent a possible Salmonella infection and also recommends that infants and children be kept away from pet feeding areas and prevented from touching or eating pet food, pet treats, or supplements.
Additional information is available on our Mars Petcare Dog Food Recall page.
A+ FRR Note: Flint River Ranch has no involvement with Mars Petcare or Nutro Products, and none of Flint River Ranch’s all natural, healthy dog food formulas or cat food formulas are involved in the dog food recall mentioned above or any other pet food recall.
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