Pet Food Recalled Due to Salmonella Outbreak in Children

The FDA and CDC say seven people, most under one year of age, have contracted salmonella from tainted pet food products.

On November 9, Mid America Pet Food recalled all Victor, Eagle Mountain, Wayne Feeds, and two Member's Mark dog and cat food products with a best-buy date of October 31, 2024. The products are potentially contaminated with a specific strain of salmonella, a bacterium that can cause severe illness in children, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems.

The recall involves dog and cat food products sold online and in retail stores nationwide and expands on the company's previous September 3 and October 30 pet food recalls regarding products potentially contaminated with the bacterium.

According to the CDC, seven people likely became infected with salmonella Kiambu after touching either the recalled pet food, feeding bowls, or the feces and saliva of animals who consumed the tainted food. Six out of the seven people sickened were infants one year of age or younger.

Investigators from the South Carolina State Department of Agriculture and the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control analyzed a retail sample of Victor brand Hi-Pro Plus dry dog food. They found salmonella matching the strain that sickened all seven people.

Although no deaths have occurred, the CDC and FDA report one hospitalization related to the outbreak.

States reporting illnesses potentially related to the pet food recall include California, Minnesota, Oklahoma, Kentucky, Alabama, Florida, and Hawaii.

The FDA and CDC say anyone with these pet foods in their homes should stop feeding them to their pets and dispose of the product immediately in a secure container where other animals cannot access it. Moreover, consumers should not donate the recalled food.

In addition, to minimize health risks, consumers should clean and disinfect all pet food bowls, storage containers, food prep utensils, pet bedding, litter boxes, toys, and any surface or item that may have come into contact with the food or pet.

The FDA and CDC also advise pet owners to clean up pet feces in areas where animals or people may be exposed and thoroughly wash their hands after handling the recalled food or potentially contaminated items.

Consumers who have these products are advised to contact their healthcare provider if they think they or their child has symptoms of salmonella, including diarrhea with a fever higher than 102°F, bloody diarrhea, diarrhea lasting more than three days, and excessive vomiting.

In addition, people should contact a veterinarian if their pets show signs of salmonella infection. Symptoms in animals include vomiting, diarrhea, fever, loss of appetite, and decreased activity.