Salmonella risk for pets, people spurs Smallbatch Pets recall

BY NEWS DESK

After federal testing showed Salmonella in frozen “Chicken Blend for Dogs and Cats” from Smallbatch Pets Inc., the company recalled the pet food because of risks to people and animals.

The Portland, OR, company reported the 2-pound bags of frozen pet food was distributed to retailers in four states — California, Colorado, Oregon and Washington — and sold between Feb. 1 and May 5.

“Consumers who have purchased the above lots of Chicken Blend are urged to stop feeding them to their dogs or cats and return product to place of purchase for a full refund or dispose of them immediately,” according to the recall notice posted on the Food and Drug Administration website.

“This recall was initiated after routine testing by the Food and Drug Administration of a 2lb bag of chicken blend, that was collected at a distributor, revealed the presence of Salmonella.

“Salmonella can affect animals eating the products and there is risk to humans from handling contaminated pet products, especially if they have not thoroughly washed their hands after having contact with the products or any surfaces exposed to these products.”

Consumers are urged to check their homes for the recalled Smallbatch Pets brand pet food. The recalled “Chicken Blend for Dogs and Cats” can be identified by the following label information:

• Lot D032 with the UPC number 705105970974 and Best By Date 2/1/2018; and
• Lot E058 with the UPC number 705105970974 and Best By Date 2/27/2018.

Anyone who has handled the recalled pet food and developed symptoms of Salmonella infection should seek medical attention and tell their doctors about the possible exposure so the appropriate diagnostic tests can be performed.

Symptoms of infection in people include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramping and fever. Salmonella can result in more serious ailments, including arterial infections, endocarditis, arthritis, muscle pain, eye irritation and urinary tract problems.

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.

As of the posting of the recall notice, no people or pet illnesses had been confirmed in connection with the recalled product.

© Food Safety News