voluntary recall of Feline's Pride Raw food with ground bone for cats and kittens, Natural Chicken Formula, Net Wt. 2.5 lbs. (1.13 kg., 40 oz.) produced on 6/10/10. It now includes the product produced on 6/21/10, because it may be contaminated with Salmonella.
People handling raw pet food can become infected with Salmonella, especially if they have not washed their hands thoroughly after having contact with the raw pet food or any surfaces exposed to the product.
When consumed by humans, Salmonella can cause an infection, salmonellosis. The symptoms include nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, minimal diarrhea, fever, and headache. Certain vulnerable populations -- children, the elderly, and individuals with compromised immune systems -- are particularly susceptible to acquiring salmonellosis from such pet food products and may experience more severe symptoms.
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.
The product is packaged in uncoded plastic containers and sold frozen to private consumers nationwide. Once thawed, the pet food has a shelf life of about 1 week. The firm manufactures the pet food by an as-ordered basis. This expansion of the recall affects those orders placed and shipped from June 21 through June 26, 2010 (produced on 6/21/10).
The firm and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) are investigating this matter to determine the source of this problem, and will take any additional steps necessary to protect the public health. To date, there have been no reports of Salmonella infection relating to this product.
People who are experiencing the symptoms of Salmonella infection after having handled the pet food product should seek medical attention, and report their use of the product and illness to the nearest FDA office.
Consumers should thoroughly wash their hands after handling the pet food -- especially those made from raw animal protein such as meat or fish -- to help prevent infection. People may risk bacterial infection not only by handling pet foods, but by contact with pets or surfaces exposed to these foods, so it is important that they thoroughly wash their hands with hot water and soap.
The above-mentioned vulnerable populations should avoid handling this product.
Anyone with questions should contact the company at (716) 580-3096, Monday -Friday from 10 am - 4 pm EDT.
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