Salmonella Scare Forces Pet Food Recall

Diamond Pet Foods and several other companies recently recalled a list of products due to potential salmonella contamination to pets and people, according to a release by the Maryland Department of Agriculture.

The pet food company and several others with products manufactured in a Gaston, SC facility are recalling the goods in cooperation with federal food safety and health agencies, according to the state agriculture department. The recall process involves removing items from the shelves, informing the public and returning the items to the manufacturer.

“Consumers who have any of these products should discard them immediately. When disposing of unopened containers of the recalled product, do not open the container,” according to the release.

The state agriculture department recommends that pet owners use gloves and wrap the products in double-layered plastic bags tightly wrapped in tape. After disposing of an item, be sure to slowly remove the gloves and remember to wash thoroughly with soap and running water, according to the release.

Dr. Marianne Bailey of the South Arundel Veterinary Hospital said despite the recent recall, she and her colleagues have not seen a significant increase in Salmonella cases in the area.

“I don’t think we’ve seen any case that we know for sure was directly due to [the recall],” Bailey said. “It could be that some of our patients are affected by it but we don’t know, we haven’t seen a big change in the cases.”

The physician said diarrhea and gastro-intestinal issues are the most common symptoms accompanied with salmonella in animals, and that the bacteria can transfer to humans if owners aren’t careful.

Bailey recommends pet owners to be aware of their dogs' reactions to new foods or strange attitudes toward traditional diets. 

“[Diarrhea] isn’t uncommon, but if it goes on for more than two bowel movements, it warrants having [the animal] looked at,” Bailey said. “Any kind of diarrhea over a long period of time, you should be concerned about.”

Below is a complete list of the recalled products according to the state agriculture department press release.

• Apex:  Chicken and Rice Dog (dry), 40 and 20 pound bags, UPC Code: ACD0101B32.  Best by date - 24-Jan-2013
• Wellpet: Wellness Complete Health, Super5Mix Large Breed Puppy, 15 and 30 pound bags and 5 ounce bags. Best by Jan 9, 2013 through Jan 11, 2013.
• Dick Van Patten’s Natural Balance: Sweet Potato & Venison, Lamb Meal & Brown Rice, Sweet Potato & Bison – 5, 15 and 28 pound bags; Vegetarian, 5 pound bags; Lamb Meal & Brown Rice Large Breed Bites, 28 pound bags; Lamb Meal & Brown Rice Small Breed Bites, 5 and 12.5 pound bags.
• Canidae: All Life Stages (dry), Chicken Meal & Rice (dry), Lamb Meal & Rice (dry), Platinum (dry). UPC Codes affected have a "3" in the 9th position AND an "X" in the 10th or 11th position. Best by date: December 9, 2012 through January 31, 2013.
• Kirkland (Kirkland Signature): Super Premium Adult;  Lamb, Rice & Vegetable Formula; Super Premium Adult; Chicken, Rice & Vegetable Formula; Super Premium Mature Dog; Chicken, Rice & Egg Formula; Super Premium Healthy Weight Dog Formulated with Chicken & Vegetables; Super Premium Maintenance Cat Chicken & Rice Formula; Super Premium Maintenance Cat Chicken & Rice Formula; Super Premium Healthy Weight Cat Formula; Nature's Domain Salmon Meal & Sweet Potato Formula for Dogs. UPC Codes affected have a "3" in the 9th position AND an "X" in the 11th position. Best By Date: December 9, 2012 through  January 31, 2013.
• Diamond: Chicken Soup for the Pet Lover's Soul (canned liquid), Country Value (dry), Diamond (dry), Diamond Naturals (dry), Premium Edge (dry), Professional (dry), 4Health (dry), Taste Of The Wild (dry). Best by Date: December 9, 2011 through April 7, 2012.