The poor hedgehog took a beating from the media as the poor critter was linked to 20 cases of Salmonellosis.
Hedgehog - http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm6204a3.htm?s_cid=mm6204a3_w
Hedgehogs are not the only pets that have been responsible for outbreaks. Many reptiles and amphibians have had past history of being a source of salmonella outbreaks.
Reptiles and amphibians - http://www.cdc.gov/Features/SalmonellaFrogTurtle/
Turtles have caused a number of Salmonella outbreaks over time including last year.
Turtles - http://www.cdc.gov/salmonella/small-turtles-03-12/
Along with turtles, we have frogs, lizards, and snakes.
Frogs - http://www.cdc.gov/salmonella/water-frogs-0411/
Lizards - http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/00017445.htm
Snakes - http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/eid/article/12/2/pdfs/05-0692.pdf
Birds are another group of animals that also get flagged for causing Salmonella outbreaks. Both chicks and ducklings that are given as pets top the list.
Chicks - http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/00046940.htm
Ducklings - http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/00016299.htm
But there is also a link with the exotic birds, such as parrots and macaws. (My Dad had a macaw and that was one messy bird with regard to its watery poop).
Exotic birds - http://vdi.sagepub.com/content/7/2/270.full.pdf
Even feeding birds has its risk. Bird seed has been recalled because of Salmonella contamination.
Bird seed - http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm325609.htm
And of course, wild birds can carry Salmonella. This is why it is important to maintain clean bird feeders.
Wild birds (including songbirds) - http://vetmed.tamu.edu/common/docs/public/schubot/SalmonellosisinWildBirds.pdf.
http://www.wildcarebayarea.org/site/PageServer?pagename=TakeAction_Salmonella_Outbreak
Pet rodents have been a issue, but in most cases, the animal will be ill from the Salmonella infection. That is, they are not as good as carriers when compared to reptiles.
Rodent pets such as guinea pigs - http://www.webmd.com/news/20050505/cdc-pet-rodents-can-carry-salmonella
Dogs and cats are generally not an issue unless it comes via their food.
Pet food - http://www.cdc.gov/salmonella/dog-food-05-12/vet-info.html
http://www.nwhc.usgs.gov/disease_information/other_diseases/salmonellosis.jsp
Regular pets - http://www.cdc.gov/salmonella/typhimurium/salmonella_pets.html
Petting zoos have a history of causing illness via cross contamination of Salmonella and STEC E. coli.
Petting zoos - http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm5450a1.htm
Handwashing is among one of the many control steps for petting zoos.
Preventing disease in animal settings - http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/pdf/rr/rr6004.pdf
Finally, we have this from CDC on reducing risk of Salmonella from animals.
Pets - http://www.cdc.gov/healthypets/diseases/salmonellosis.htm
Showing posts with label pet food. Show all posts
Showing posts with label pet food. Show all posts
Monday, February 4, 2013
Monday, October 15, 2012
Dog Biscuits Recalled Due to Possible Salmonella Contamination
Dog Biscuits are being recalled due to possible Salmonella contamination. There have been no reported illnesses.
Nature's Recipe Voluntarily Recalls Nature's Recipe Oven Baked Biscuits With Real Chicken Due to Possible Salmonella Contamination
http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm323823.htm?source=govdelivery
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - October 13, 2012 - Nature’s Recipe brand is voluntarily recalling a limited supply of Nature’s Recipe® Oven Baked Biscuits with Real Chicken, manufactured in one of its U.S. production facilities. This is being done as a precautionary measure, as the product has the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella. Salmonella can affect animals eating the products and there is risk to humans from handling contaminated pet products.
Healthy people infected with Salmonella should monitor themselves for some, or all, of the following symptoms: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramping and fever. Rarely, Salmonella can result in more serious ailments, including arterial infections, endocarditis, arthritis, muscle pain, eye irritation, and urinary tract symptoms. Consumers exhibiting these signs after having contact with this product should contact their healthcare providers.
Pets with Salmonella infections may be lethargic and have diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever, and vomiting. Some pets will have only decreased appetite, fever and abdominal pain. Infected, but otherwise healthy pets can be carriers and infect other animals or humans. If your pet has consumed the recalled product and has these symptoms, please contact your veterinarian.
No pet or consumer illnesses from this product have been reported to date. However, because of its commitment to safety and quality, the Company is conducting a voluntary recall of this product.
The potentially affected lots of Nature’s Recipe Oven Baked Biscuits with Real Chicken were distributed nationally, primarily through pet specialty retailers.
Nature’s Recipe Oven Baked Biscuits with Real Chicken is sold in 19-ounce stand-up resealable pouches. The product affected by this recall is identified below and has the following "Best If Used By" dates:
Product and product lots that do not appear on the list above are not subject to this recall.
Consumers who have purchased the above lots of Nature’s Recipe Oven Baked Biscuits with Real Chicken should stop feeding the product and discard immediately. For further information about the recall and for instructions on obtaining replacement product, consumers can use the Contact Us form at www.naturesrecipe.com1 or call the Consumer Hotline, 24 hours a day, at 800-237-3856.
About Nature’s Recipe®
Nature’s Recipe®, a brand of Del Monte Foods, markets a complete line of natural dog food and treats and recently introduced a line of natural cat food. Nature’s Recipe® has been making better pet food where “Every Ingredient Counts® ” for more than 30 years. For additional information about Nature’s Recipe®, visit www.naturesrecipe.com2.
Nature's Recipe Voluntarily Recalls Nature's Recipe Oven Baked Biscuits With Real Chicken Due to Possible Salmonella Contamination
http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm323823.htm?source=govdelivery
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - October 13, 2012 - Nature’s Recipe brand is voluntarily recalling a limited supply of Nature’s Recipe® Oven Baked Biscuits with Real Chicken, manufactured in one of its U.S. production facilities. This is being done as a precautionary measure, as the product has the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella. Salmonella can affect animals eating the products and there is risk to humans from handling contaminated pet products.
Healthy people infected with Salmonella should monitor themselves for some, or all, of the following symptoms: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramping and fever. Rarely, Salmonella can result in more serious ailments, including arterial infections, endocarditis, arthritis, muscle pain, eye irritation, and urinary tract symptoms. Consumers exhibiting these signs after having contact with this product should contact their healthcare providers.
Pets with Salmonella infections may be lethargic and have diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever, and vomiting. Some pets will have only decreased appetite, fever and abdominal pain. Infected, but otherwise healthy pets can be carriers and infect other animals or humans. If your pet has consumed the recalled product and has these symptoms, please contact your veterinarian.
No pet or consumer illnesses from this product have been reported to date. However, because of its commitment to safety and quality, the Company is conducting a voluntary recall of this product.
The potentially affected lots of Nature’s Recipe Oven Baked Biscuits with Real Chicken were distributed nationally, primarily through pet specialty retailers.
Nature’s Recipe Oven Baked Biscuits with Real Chicken is sold in 19-ounce stand-up resealable pouches. The product affected by this recall is identified below and has the following "Best If Used By" dates:
Lot Code:
|
UPC Code:
|
Size:
|
Product Name/Description:
|
Best If Used By Date:
|
2199TP
|
30521 51549
|
19-ounces
|
Nature’s Recipe Oven Baked Biscuits with Real Chicken
|
10 11 13
|
2200TP
|
30521 51549
|
19-ounces
|
Nature’s Recipe Oven Baked Biscuits with Real Chicken
|
10 12 13
|
Product and product lots that do not appear on the list above are not subject to this recall.
Consumers who have purchased the above lots of Nature’s Recipe Oven Baked Biscuits with Real Chicken should stop feeding the product and discard immediately. For further information about the recall and for instructions on obtaining replacement product, consumers can use the Contact Us form at www.naturesrecipe.com1 or call the Consumer Hotline, 24 hours a day, at 800-237-3856.
About Nature’s Recipe®
Nature’s Recipe®, a brand of Del Monte Foods, markets a complete line of natural dog food and treats and recently introduced a line of natural cat food. Nature’s Recipe® has been making better pet food where “Every Ingredient Counts® ” for more than 30 years. For additional information about Nature’s Recipe®, visit www.naturesrecipe.com2.
Wednesday, May 23, 2012
Pet treats linked to illness in dogs?
In an MSNBC report, 1,000 dogs have become sickened by jerky pet treats made in China. Numerous other news outlets have written reports based upon the MSNBC report (USA Today news release below). At this point there are no associated recalls.
Of course, it is best to go to the original source, which is the FDA report. FDA indicates that extensive testing was done on these treats, but they have not found anything associated with these products that could cause illness to this point. Upon further reading of the FDA news release, one may get the sense that an issue may be related to overfeeding a protein dense product such as jerky. Think about it, if you ate enough jerky to constitute a high proportion of your daily food intake, your kidneys and liver would be getting a serious workout, and after a few days, you would be in a serious world of hurt. And like many dog owners, including myself, we have a tendency (or need) to give our dogs that extra treat, or two, or three…….
While FDA continues to analyze products (and perhaps something will show up), it is important to follow the FDA recommendations (below).
FDA RELEASE
http://www.fda.gov/AnimalVeterinary/SafetyHealth/ProductSafetyInformation/ucm295445.htm
Questions and Answers Regarding Chicken Jerky Treats from China
Why did FDA issue a cautionary update in November 2011?In 2011, FDA saw an increase in the number of complaints it received of dog illnesses associated with consumption of chicken jerky products imported from China.
FDA previously issued a cautionary warning regarding chicken jerky products to consumers in September 2007 and a Preliminary Animal Health Notification in December of 2008. The number of complaints being received dropped off during the latter part of 2009 and most of 2010. However in 2011, FDA once again started seeing the number of complaints rise to the levels of concern that prompted release of our earlier warnings.
Since the issuance of the CVM Update on November 18, 2011, the agency has received numerous additional complaints regarding chicken jerky products.
What are the products involved?The cautionary update specifically refers to chicken jerky products that are imported from China. These dried chicken jerky products, intended for dogs, may also be sold as tenders, strips or treats.
What are the signs of illness that are being reported?The signs that may be associated with chicken jerky products include decreased appetite; decreased activity; vomiting; diarrhea, sometimes with blood; increased water consumption and/or increased urination. These signs may occur within hours to days of feeding the products.
Laboratory tests may indicate kidney problems, including Fanconi-like syndrome. Although many dogs appear to recover, some reports to the FDA have involved dogs that have died.
FDA continues to investigate the problem and its origin. Some of the illnesses reported may be the result of causes other than eating chicken jerky.
What is FDA testing for?Since 2007, FDA has been actively investigating the cause of illness in pets reported in association with the consumption of chicken jerky products. Samples have been tested by FDA laboratories, by the Veterinary Laboratory Response Network (Vet-LRN), and by other animal health diagnostic laboratories in the U.S for multiple chemical and microbiological contaminants.
Product samples were tested for Salmonella, metals, furans, pesticides, antibiotics, mycotoxins, rodenticides, nephrotoxins (such as aristolochic acid, maleic acid, paraquat, ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol, toxic hydrocarbons, melamine and related triazines) and were screened for other chemicals and poisonous compounds. DNA verification was conducted on these samples to confirm the presence of poultry in the treats. Samples have also been submitted for nutritional composition (which includes glycerol concentrations), vitamin D excess and enterotoxin analysis. Some samples from recent cases (2011-2012) have been submitted for multiple tests and we are awaiting results. More samples are in the process of being collected for testing.
What are the results of testing?Samples collected from all over the United States have been tested for a wide variety of substances and to date, scientists have not been able to determine a definitive cause for the reported illnesses.
Has there been any indication that metal contamination in chicken jerky products may be the cause of illness in dogs?FDA’s previous testing of chicken jerky product samples did not show toxic levels of metals. In addition, results from March 2012 toxic metal analyses, which included tests for heavy metals, have again shown samples of chicken jerky products to be negative for toxic metals.
Of course, it is best to go to the original source, which is the FDA report. FDA indicates that extensive testing was done on these treats, but they have not found anything associated with these products that could cause illness to this point. Upon further reading of the FDA news release, one may get the sense that an issue may be related to overfeeding a protein dense product such as jerky. Think about it, if you ate enough jerky to constitute a high proportion of your daily food intake, your kidneys and liver would be getting a serious workout, and after a few days, you would be in a serious world of hurt. And like many dog owners, including myself, we have a tendency (or need) to give our dogs that extra treat, or two, or three…….
While FDA continues to analyze products (and perhaps something will show up), it is important to follow the FDA recommendations (below).
FDA RELEASE
http://www.fda.gov/AnimalVeterinary/SafetyHealth/ProductSafetyInformation/ucm295445.htm
Questions and Answers Regarding Chicken Jerky Treats from China
Why did FDA issue a cautionary update in November 2011?In 2011, FDA saw an increase in the number of complaints it received of dog illnesses associated with consumption of chicken jerky products imported from China.
FDA previously issued a cautionary warning regarding chicken jerky products to consumers in September 2007 and a Preliminary Animal Health Notification in December of 2008. The number of complaints being received dropped off during the latter part of 2009 and most of 2010. However in 2011, FDA once again started seeing the number of complaints rise to the levels of concern that prompted release of our earlier warnings.
Since the issuance of the CVM Update on November 18, 2011, the agency has received numerous additional complaints regarding chicken jerky products.
What are the products involved?The cautionary update specifically refers to chicken jerky products that are imported from China. These dried chicken jerky products, intended for dogs, may also be sold as tenders, strips or treats.
What are the signs of illness that are being reported?The signs that may be associated with chicken jerky products include decreased appetite; decreased activity; vomiting; diarrhea, sometimes with blood; increased water consumption and/or increased urination. These signs may occur within hours to days of feeding the products.
Laboratory tests may indicate kidney problems, including Fanconi-like syndrome. Although many dogs appear to recover, some reports to the FDA have involved dogs that have died.
FDA continues to investigate the problem and its origin. Some of the illnesses reported may be the result of causes other than eating chicken jerky.
What is FDA testing for?Since 2007, FDA has been actively investigating the cause of illness in pets reported in association with the consumption of chicken jerky products. Samples have been tested by FDA laboratories, by the Veterinary Laboratory Response Network (Vet-LRN), and by other animal health diagnostic laboratories in the U.S for multiple chemical and microbiological contaminants.
Product samples were tested for Salmonella, metals, furans, pesticides, antibiotics, mycotoxins, rodenticides, nephrotoxins (such as aristolochic acid, maleic acid, paraquat, ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol, toxic hydrocarbons, melamine and related triazines) and were screened for other chemicals and poisonous compounds. DNA verification was conducted on these samples to confirm the presence of poultry in the treats. Samples have also been submitted for nutritional composition (which includes glycerol concentrations), vitamin D excess and enterotoxin analysis. Some samples from recent cases (2011-2012) have been submitted for multiple tests and we are awaiting results. More samples are in the process of being collected for testing.
What are the results of testing?Samples collected from all over the United States have been tested for a wide variety of substances and to date, scientists have not been able to determine a definitive cause for the reported illnesses.
Has there been any indication that metal contamination in chicken jerky products may be the cause of illness in dogs?FDA’s previous testing of chicken jerky product samples did not show toxic levels of metals. In addition, results from March 2012 toxic metal analyses, which included tests for heavy metals, have again shown samples of chicken jerky products to be negative for toxic metals.
Friday, May 11, 2012
Updates on Salmonella Linked to Tempeh and Pet Food and the Importance of Supplier Control
Here are updates for two ongoing outbreak investigations/recalls. Interestingly, both cases indicate the importance of supplier control – in the case of tempeh, it was an ingredient bought from an on-line supplier, and with the pet food, a co-packer has impacted other retail brands.
Salmonella in Tempeh (original post - http://pennstatefoodsafety.blogspot.com/2012/05/outbreak-of-salmonella-paratyphi-b-in.html)
The number of Salmonella cases associated with contaminated tempeh has increased to 63 according to the NC Department of Ag. In testing, it was found that the starter culture used was responsible for the contamination. The company who sold the starter culture was Tempeh Online, which one can guess is a small, web-based company. (If we think about Supplier Control – it can be difficult for one buying an important component on the web from a unknown entity, where there is limited opportunity to investigate the supplier. Starter culture is an ingredient that needs tight process control in that if the process is contaminated, that contaminate, in this case Salmonella, may grow right along with the designated culture, or can contaminate the culture through cross contamination if handling procedures are not good).
Salmonella-tainted culture shipped from Maryland company
Test confirms tempeh salmonella source
http://www.citizen-times.com/article/20120511/NEWS/305110037/Tainted-food-salmonella-outbreak-traced-Md-?odyssey=tab%7Ctopnews%7Ctext%7CFrontpage
Salmonella News Update 5/10/12
http://buncombecounty.org/news_detail.aspx?newsID=12319
On Thursday, May 10, Buncombe County Department of Health received final test results from the NC Department of Public Health laboratory confirming that the unopened bag of culture that was added to the tempeh tested positive for the matching strain of Salmonella Paratyphi B linked to the current disease outbreak.
The US Food and Drug Administration is already involved in tracing the origin of the ingredient to identify source of contamination as well as the potential for other Salmonella outbreaks in the US.
As of May 10 at 2 PM, Buncombe County Department of Health reports 58 cases associated with salmonella outbreak. Please keep in mind that this number does not include cases being reported in other counties or states.
NC Department of Public Health reports 63 cases, which includes cases in NC and other states; however there is a slight delay in reporting.
To listen to information, call the HOTLINE: 828.250.5300 (English, Spanish and Russian).
To report symptoms of Salmonella Paratyphi B, call Communicable Disease Nurses: 828.250.5109.
Pet Food and Salmonella (Original Post - http://pennstatefoodsafety.blogspot.com/2012/05/diamond-pet-foods-linked-to-salmonella.html)
As of 5/11/12,CDC reports there are now 16 related illnesses.
http://www.cdc.gov/salmonella/dog-food-05-12/index.html
A total of 15 individuals infected with the outbreak strain of Salmonella Infantis have been reported from 9 states. Additionally, one ill person has been reported from Canada.
The FDA news releases state that additional companies are recalling product made by Diamond Pet Food. The pet food has been linked to 14 cases of Salmonella. Companies that use Diamond to co-pack product must now react in the event that their product to may be linked to Diamond. Here again, another supplier control issue. Co-packing is an important part of the food supply chain. Many retailer branded products are produced by co-packers and must rely on these companies food safety systems. If there is an issue with co-packer produced product, and it may be a different brand such as in this case, it may result in a major blow to the retailer’s brand as well.
From the FDA Recall notice.
http://www.fda.gov/Food/FoodSafety/CORENetwork/ucm302904.htm
http://www.cdc.gov/salmonella/dog-food-05-12/index.html
May 9, 2012
Diamond Pet Foods has expanded its recall of some brands of dry dog and cat food manufactured in its Gaston, South Carolina facility between December 9, 2011 and April 7, 2012 because it has the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella.
The FDA, CDC and state and local officials are collaborating to investigate cases of human illness linked to some brands of dry pet food produced by Diamond Pet Foods at the South Carolina facility.
Consumers should check the company’s website, Diamond Pet Foods Recall Information6 , for information on how to read lot codes and “best by” dates involved in the recall, as well as specific states where the following products were distributed:
· Chicken Soup for the Pet Lover’s Soul
· Country Value
· Diamond
· Diamond Naturals
· Premium Edge
· Professional
· 4Health
· Taste of the Wild
· Apex (distributed only in the state of South Carolina)
· Kirkland Signature (Costco)
· Kirkland Signature Nature’s Domain (Costco)
· Canidae
Several other companies with products manufactured at the Gaston, S.C. facility have issued voluntary recalls, since some of their products were produced at the Gaston facility during the time frame of the recalls and have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella. Those companies include:
Dick Van Patten's Natural Balance7
Apex Pet Foods8
Canidae9, Wellpet LLC10
Solid Gold Health Products for Pets11
Diamond Pet Foods continues to work directly with distributors and retailers where the recalled products are carried to remove them as quickly as possible from the marketplace. FDA will provide updates on the recall and the investigation as new information becomes available. Complete information on the recalled products, including photos, lot numbers, and distribution information on each is located at Diamond Pet Foods Recall Information.
Salmonella in Tempeh (original post - http://pennstatefoodsafety.blogspot.com/2012/05/outbreak-of-salmonella-paratyphi-b-in.html)
The number of Salmonella cases associated with contaminated tempeh has increased to 63 according to the NC Department of Ag. In testing, it was found that the starter culture used was responsible for the contamination. The company who sold the starter culture was Tempeh Online, which one can guess is a small, web-based company. (If we think about Supplier Control – it can be difficult for one buying an important component on the web from a unknown entity, where there is limited opportunity to investigate the supplier. Starter culture is an ingredient that needs tight process control in that if the process is contaminated, that contaminate, in this case Salmonella, may grow right along with the designated culture, or can contaminate the culture through cross contamination if handling procedures are not good).
Salmonella-tainted culture shipped from Maryland company
Test confirms tempeh salmonella source
http://www.citizen-times.com/article/20120511/NEWS/305110037/Tainted-food-salmonella-outbreak-traced-Md-?odyssey=tab%7Ctopnews%7Ctext%7CFrontpage
Salmonella News Update 5/10/12
http://buncombecounty.org/news_detail.aspx?newsID=12319
On Thursday, May 10, Buncombe County Department of Health received final test results from the NC Department of Public Health laboratory confirming that the unopened bag of culture that was added to the tempeh tested positive for the matching strain of Salmonella Paratyphi B linked to the current disease outbreak.
The US Food and Drug Administration is already involved in tracing the origin of the ingredient to identify source of contamination as well as the potential for other Salmonella outbreaks in the US.
As of May 10 at 2 PM, Buncombe County Department of Health reports 58 cases associated with salmonella outbreak. Please keep in mind that this number does not include cases being reported in other counties or states.
NC Department of Public Health reports 63 cases, which includes cases in NC and other states; however there is a slight delay in reporting.
To listen to information, call the HOTLINE: 828.250.5300 (English, Spanish and Russian).
To report symptoms of Salmonella Paratyphi B, call Communicable Disease Nurses: 828.250.5109.
Pet Food and Salmonella (Original Post - http://pennstatefoodsafety.blogspot.com/2012/05/diamond-pet-foods-linked-to-salmonella.html)
As of 5/11/12,CDC reports there are now 16 related illnesses.
http://www.cdc.gov/salmonella/dog-food-05-12/index.html
A total of 15 individuals infected with the outbreak strain of Salmonella Infantis have been reported from 9 states. Additionally, one ill person has been reported from Canada.
- The number of ill persons identified in each state is as follows: Alabama (1), Connecticut (1), Michigan (1), Missouri (3), North Carolina (3), New Jersey (1), Ohio (2), Pennsylvania (2), and Virginia (1). One new ill person was reported from Pennsylvania.
- Among the 10 patients with available information, 5 (50%) were hospitalized. No deaths have been reported
- Multiple brands of dry dog food produced by Diamond Pet Foods at a single manufacturing facility in South Carolina have been linked to some of the human Salmonella infections.
The FDA news releases state that additional companies are recalling product made by Diamond Pet Food. The pet food has been linked to 14 cases of Salmonella. Companies that use Diamond to co-pack product must now react in the event that their product to may be linked to Diamond. Here again, another supplier control issue. Co-packing is an important part of the food supply chain. Many retailer branded products are produced by co-packers and must rely on these companies food safety systems. If there is an issue with co-packer produced product, and it may be a different brand such as in this case, it may result in a major blow to the retailer’s brand as well.
From the FDA Recall notice.
http://www.fda.gov/Food/FoodSafety/CORENetwork/ucm302904.htm
http://www.cdc.gov/salmonella/dog-food-05-12/index.html
May 9, 2012
Diamond Pet Foods has expanded its recall of some brands of dry dog and cat food manufactured in its Gaston, South Carolina facility between December 9, 2011 and April 7, 2012 because it has the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella.
The FDA, CDC and state and local officials are collaborating to investigate cases of human illness linked to some brands of dry pet food produced by Diamond Pet Foods at the South Carolina facility.
Consumers should check the company’s website, Diamond Pet Foods Recall Information6 , for information on how to read lot codes and “best by” dates involved in the recall, as well as specific states where the following products were distributed:
· Chicken Soup for the Pet Lover’s Soul
· Country Value
· Diamond
· Diamond Naturals
· Premium Edge
· Professional
· 4Health
· Taste of the Wild
· Apex (distributed only in the state of South Carolina)
· Kirkland Signature (Costco)
· Kirkland Signature Nature’s Domain (Costco)
· Canidae
Several other companies with products manufactured at the Gaston, S.C. facility have issued voluntary recalls, since some of their products were produced at the Gaston facility during the time frame of the recalls and have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella. Those companies include:
Dick Van Patten's Natural Balance7
Apex Pet Foods8
Canidae9, Wellpet LLC10
Solid Gold Health Products for Pets11
Diamond Pet Foods continues to work directly with distributors and retailers where the recalled products are carried to remove them as quickly as possible from the marketplace. FDA will provide updates on the recall and the investigation as new information becomes available. Complete information on the recalled products, including photos, lot numbers, and distribution information on each is located at Diamond Pet Foods Recall Information.
Friday, May 4, 2012
Diamond Pet Foods Linked to Salmonella Outbreak
For Update (http://pennstatefoodsafety.blogspot.com/2012/05/updates-on-salmonella-linked-to-tempeh.html)
CDC reports that there are 14 cases of Salmonella linked to dry dog food produced by Diamond Pet Foods. People become ill from handling the pet food itself and from interaction with the pet who ate the food (yes, and there are probably a few people who may take a little bite themselves).
From the CDC information, it appears that cases could have been seen as early as late 2011, but cases have been coming in sporadically over a 5 or 6 month period. FDA released the first recall notice by Diamond on April 6, (http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm299606.htm) but indicated no illnesses were reported. Diamond expanded the recall again on April 26th (http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm302137.htm) and again on April 30th (http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm302514.htm) to include puppy formula, but in both recall notices did not indicate whether people were affected. Much of this delay is probably related to the low level of cases that occurred over the last 5 months in that connecting illnesses to a product becomes difficult. Couple that with the slow movement of pet food from manufacture to store shelf to purchase to use and to illness. The company started the recall when they got test results back from Michigan Department of Ag , but that expanded the recall as Ohio Dept of Health found Salmonella in product during an illness investigation. It appears then that CDC had sufficient information to link illnesses with product.
From past incidents with Salmonella in dry dog food such as the Mars Pet Foods in 2008, Salmonella can establish itself in pet food plants and be very difficult to eliminate. This Mars facility that was linked to the Salmonella outbreak was eventually shuttered. If one had to determine how this occurs, Salmonella comes in on the raw materials, and ross contaminates (through air movement via dust particles, personnel movement, etc) the post process side or finished product side of the operation (after the heating step known as extrusion). Once there, Salmonella can make its way into the nooks and crannies and slowly be released into the final product. This can be seen in the Diamond Pet Foods case because there is not just one product implicated, but rather a number of products.
If consumers have Diamond Pet Foods, they should cease use and return to store or dispose.
Multistate Outbreak of Human Salmonella Infantis Infections Linked to Dry Dog Food
CDC News Release Posted May 3, 2012 5:15 PM ET
http://www.cdc.gov/salmonella/dog-food-05-12/index.html
· A total of 14 individuals infected with the outbreak strain of Salmonella Infantis have been reported from 9 states.
· The number of ill persons identified in each state is as follows: Alabama (1), Connecticut (1), Michigan (1), Missouri (3), North Carolina (3), New Jersey (1), Ohio (2), Pennsylvania (1), and Virginia (1).
· Among the 9 patients with available information, 5 (56%) were hospitalized. No deaths have been reported.
· Multiple brands of dry pet food produced by Diamond Pet Foods at a single manufacturing facility in South Carolina have been linked to some of the human Salmonella infections.
· Consumers should check their homes for recalled dog food products and discard them promptly. People who think they might have become ill after contact with dry pet food or with an animal that has eaten dry pet food should consult their health care providers.
CDC reports that there are 14 cases of Salmonella linked to dry dog food produced by Diamond Pet Foods. People become ill from handling the pet food itself and from interaction with the pet who ate the food (yes, and there are probably a few people who may take a little bite themselves).
From the CDC information, it appears that cases could have been seen as early as late 2011, but cases have been coming in sporadically over a 5 or 6 month period. FDA released the first recall notice by Diamond on April 6, (http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm299606.htm) but indicated no illnesses were reported. Diamond expanded the recall again on April 26th (http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm302137.htm) and again on April 30th (http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm302514.htm) to include puppy formula, but in both recall notices did not indicate whether people were affected. Much of this delay is probably related to the low level of cases that occurred over the last 5 months in that connecting illnesses to a product becomes difficult. Couple that with the slow movement of pet food from manufacture to store shelf to purchase to use and to illness. The company started the recall when they got test results back from Michigan Department of Ag , but that expanded the recall as Ohio Dept of Health found Salmonella in product during an illness investigation. It appears then that CDC had sufficient information to link illnesses with product.
From past incidents with Salmonella in dry dog food such as the Mars Pet Foods in 2008, Salmonella can establish itself in pet food plants and be very difficult to eliminate. This Mars facility that was linked to the Salmonella outbreak was eventually shuttered. If one had to determine how this occurs, Salmonella comes in on the raw materials, and ross contaminates (through air movement via dust particles, personnel movement, etc) the post process side or finished product side of the operation (after the heating step known as extrusion). Once there, Salmonella can make its way into the nooks and crannies and slowly be released into the final product. This can be seen in the Diamond Pet Foods case because there is not just one product implicated, but rather a number of products.
If consumers have Diamond Pet Foods, they should cease use and return to store or dispose.
Multistate Outbreak of Human Salmonella Infantis Infections Linked to Dry Dog Food
CDC News Release Posted May 3, 2012 5:15 PM ET
http://www.cdc.gov/salmonella/dog-food-05-12/index.html
· A total of 14 individuals infected with the outbreak strain of Salmonella Infantis have been reported from 9 states.
· The number of ill persons identified in each state is as follows: Alabama (1), Connecticut (1), Michigan (1), Missouri (3), North Carolina (3), New Jersey (1), Ohio (2), Pennsylvania (1), and Virginia (1).
· Among the 9 patients with available information, 5 (56%) were hospitalized. No deaths have been reported.
· Multiple brands of dry pet food produced by Diamond Pet Foods at a single manufacturing facility in South Carolina have been linked to some of the human Salmonella infections.
· Consumers should check their homes for recalled dog food products and discard them promptly. People who think they might have become ill after contact with dry pet food or with an animal that has eaten dry pet food should consult their health care providers.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)