A major recall has been issued by a top raw food pet company because of the presence of harmful bacteria such as salmonella and listeria in one of their products. This article goes into the specifics of the recall and potential health concerns for pets and their owners.
Salmonella is a frequent cause of foodborne illness that can also result in symptoms such as vomiting, nausea, diarrhea, and fever in both humans and pets. However, listeria is an especially worrisome pathogen that can cause far greater health risks — fever, headaches, muscle aches and in the most serious cases meningitis.
The FDA said the recalled products are frozen beef and chicken dog food sold in half-gallon, four-pound cartons. The products were sold at various retail locations nationwide and online. The recall comes after three consumer complaints of a possible mold problem caused animals to fall ill.
Keeping Your Pets and Yourself Safe
The FDA urged consumers to just throw out any of the recalled pet food products and not feed it to their pets nor donate any. Additionally, consumers are cautioned that direct exposure to the bacteria on the outcome food or on surfaces with which we have come in contact is a way the bacteria spreads.
People can become infected by handling contaminated products or ingesting the bacteria after contact with pets that shed Salmonella in their stool. This is especially hazardous for young children, older adults, pregnant women and anybody with weakened immune systems since they can become more affected by severe illnesses if they catch a salmonella or listeria infection.
The FDA is advising people to take precautions, urging pet owners to “clean surfaces that might have touched the affected product” and clean and disinfect any pet food bowls, scoops, spatulas used to serve the meals. This means things like their bowls, utensils, and where they eat or play with the related items.
Pet owners should always be careful and rush to the ER if they or their pets show symptoms of salmonella or listeria poisoning. Early detection and treatment greatly increase the chances of eventual full recovery.
Conclusion
The following Answers Pet Food recall is a reminder that raw pet food products carry significant risks. While its relatively recent recognition which has brought to the public eye some potential health benefits of a raw diet for our canine and feline friends, bacterial contamination risks are very real threats to pets as well as human caretakers of these animals. Highlighting a clear need for pet owners to be cautious about what food they choose for their cat, but also the importance of high standards in safety measures within the pet food industry. Pet owners can help protect their pets – and themselves from the potentially deadly contaminants – by staying informed and taking sensible precautions.
