This following warning was issued by Mars Petcare US, the parent company of Pedigree, on August 8, 2008. Please note that a second, larger pet food recall was issued on September 12, 2008 and then more recently on November 25, 2008.
Pet owners in California and Nevada, particularly the Las Vegas metro area, are warned of a voluntary limited pet food recall involving Pedigree Complete Nutrition Small Crunchy Bites dog food.
Officials from the California Department of Public Health say the dog food may have been contaminated with Salmonella, which has been at the center of many other nationwide food recalls and warnings in recent weeks.
The voluntary recall affects the following dog foods that have been sold at the following locations:
- 52-pound bags of Pedigree Complete Nutrition Small Crunchy Bites dog food. The recalled food was delivered to Costco stores in Northern California and Nevada only.
- 20-pound bags of Pedigree Complete Nutrition Small Crunchy Bites dog food. The recalled food was delivered to Albertsons stores in Southern California and the area of Las Vegas, Nevada.
Thus far, California Department of Public Health officials say that there have been no reports of illness or other ill effects in pets or humans as a result of this potential salmonella contamination incident.
Mars Petcare US recommends, “The product should not be sold or fed to pets. Pet owners should dispose of product in a safe manner (example, a securely covered trash receptacle) and return the empty bag to the store where purchased for a full refund…In an effort to prevent the transmission of Salmonella from pets to family members and care givers, the FDA recommends that everyone follow appropriate pet food handling guidelines when feeding their pets.”
Notably, one of the retailers involved in this recall, Costco, has contacted its customers to notify them of the potentially dangerous recalled dog food.
What is Salmonella?
Salmonella is a bacteria that infects the intestinal tract of a host, including humans, pets like cats and dogs, other wild mammals, reptiles and birds.
The salmonella bacteria is most commonly found in animal-related food products, such as meats, fish, eggs and dairy products, though even vegetables, fruits and grains can become contaminated. In many cases, contamination occurs when a food item comes in direct or indirect contact with animal feces.
Note: A food that’s contaminated with salmonella will not smell, taste or appear abnormal.
The Symptoms of Salmonella
Pets, just like humans, can suffer from a salmonella infection. According to Dr. Michael Levine, DVM, symptoms most typically arise within 72 hours of exposure.
The most common symptoms exhibited by cats and dogs include severe diarrhea (including bloody diarrhea), vomiting, fever, complete inappetance or reduced appetite.
“It’s vital that if your pet is exhibiting symptoms of salmonella that you begin by immediately disposing of feces to help eliminate the chance of spreading the problem to other household members and pets. Wash your hands after handling fecal material and get your dog to the vet as soon as possible,” Dr. Levine explained, adding, “This is an infection that can be very severe and treatment, especially for dehydration is required if you are to increase the chances of a good outcome.”
To learn more about this pet food recall involving Pedigree Complete Nutrition Small Crunchy Bites dog food and other pet foods by the same manufacturer, visit the Mars Petcare website or call 877-568-4463.
Related Reading
Suite101.com's Pet Food Recall Page features an array of information concerning the Pedigree recall, the October 20, 2008 Hartz Chicken Basted Rawhide Chips recall, salmonella symptoms in dogs and cats, along with information on serving a natural dog food or cooking homemade meals for dogs, and tips on what to do with tainted pet food.
Mia Carter - Mia Carter - Journalist, Producer/Editor & Web Writer. Carter's work has appeared on CBS and CNN.com.
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