CDC links earlier Salmonella outbreak to dry dog food.
Now we can add dog food to the list of foods that can harbor
Salmonella, a common cause of serious food poisoning. The Centers for
Disease Control for the first time has attributed a large Salmonella
outbreak to contaminated dry dog food. The link was discovered through
an investigation of a large multi-state Salmonella outbreak that
occurred between 2006-2007. The outbreak affected at least 70 people
across 19 states. Many suffered serious illness and some were even
hospitalized.
It's not clear how many of the cases were caused by eating the food
and how many involved contamination of human food associated with
handling the dog food. In any case, the incidents point to a need for
greater pet food safety that goes beyond pet welfare alone. Pet food
can potentially expose people to pathogens, both directly through pet
food handling, and indirectly, through contact with pets. Because pet
and human food production is sometimes linked (animal foods are
sometimes made from wastes generated in human food production), pet
food contamination may signal a larger problem that may affect the
human food supply.
The pet food implicated in the outbreak—Krasdale Gravy dry dog food (5
pound bags) sold in Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York
and Pennsylvania, and Red Flannel Large Breed Adult Formula dry dog
food (50 pound bags) sold in Pennsylvania—was recalled in August 2007.
Both brands were made by Mars Petcare. Though it's been nearly a year
since the recall, it pays to check your pet food supply since some
bags may still be on store shelves or stored in homes.
Because pet food can harbor salmonella and possibly other pathogens,
the CDC recommends that anyone handling pet food should take the same
precautions needed when handling raw meat and chicken. Wash hands and
all utensils and dishes with hot soapy water after feeding pets. Store
dry pet food in a clearly marked container in a cool, dry place out of
reach of children and away from areas where human food is prepared.
Refrigerate wet food.
For more information, read the CDC announcment and the FDA's FAQ on
the recalled food.
