Dog food salmonella linked to Mid America Pet Food prompted a nationwide recall and an FDA warning letter.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the Centers for Disease Control are investigating a cluster of human Salmonella Kiambu infections potentially tied to pet food produced by Mid America Pet Food, the agencies said.
The firm voluntarily recalled all brands it manufactured with a best by date before 10/31/2024, including Victor, Eagle Mountain, Wayne Feeds and two Member’s Mark varieties, the FDA said. The recalled products include both dog and cat foods sold nationwide in retail stores and online.
The recall expands earlier company actions on September 3, 2023 and October 30, 2023, the FDA report states. The agency also issued a warning letter to Mid America Pet Food for violations noted during facility inspections, according to the FDA.
CDC reporting, as of November 1, 2023, identified seven ill people in seven states infected with the same Salmonella strain. Six of the seven were children one year of age or younger, five reported exposure to dogs and three reported feeding Victor pet food to their pets. Illness onset dates ranged from January 14, 2023 to August 19, 2023. One person was hospitalized and no deaths were reported.
A retail sample of Victor Hi-Pro Plus dry dog food collected by the South Carolina State Department of Agriculture and analyzed by the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control matched the Salmonella strain found in the seven ill people, state and federal notices said.
Guidance, Risks, And Reporting
Consumers who have recalled products with a best by date before 10/31/2024 should stop feeding the food, discard it in a secure container and not donate it, the FDA advised. The best by date is printed on the middle top of the back of the bag, and if it cannot be read consumers should discard the product.
The FDA told consumers to clean and disinfect pet supplies, storage containers, bowls, food prep surfaces, bedding, litter boxes, toys and floors that may have contact with the food or pet. The agency warned that refrigeration or freezing does not kill Salmonella.
The CDC noted symptoms in people can include diarrhea, fever and abdominal cramps and advised contacting a healthcare provider for severe symptoms because diagnosis requires testing. Pet symptoms may include vomiting, diarrhea and fever, and infected animals can shed bacteria without appearing ill, the FDA added.
Veterinarians may seek testing through the Veterinary Laboratory Investigation and Response Network for pets from households with a human Salmonella case. Retailers were asked to secure product and contact their distributor or Mid America Pet Food Consumer Affairs at 1-888-428-7544 between 8 AM and 11 PM Central Time for more information.
