Salmonella Risk Spurs Additional Recall of Dog and Cat Foods

Urgent Warning for Pet Owners: Additional Products Included in Pet Food Recall Over Health Concerns, Seeing-Eye Changes Foods

Mount Pleasant, Texas-based Mid America Pet Food has widened its voluntary recall initiated on October 30, 2023, now encompassing a broader range of pet food products. The recall, due to potential Salmonella contamination, affects products with Best By Dates before 10/31/24 manufactured at the Mount Pleasant facility.

In a concerning development, Mid America Pet Food has expanded its initial recall from October 30, 2023, to include additional dog and cat food products. This action follows reports of possible Salmonella contamination in products made at the company's Mount Pleasant facility. The affected products carry Best By Dates before October 31, 2024, and encompass several popular brands distributed across the United States.

Salmonella, a bacterial infection, not only poses risks to animals consuming the contaminated products but also to humans handling them. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advises thorough handwashing after contact with these products or any surfaces they may have contaminated.

The Seeing Eye, renowned for its work with guide dogs, has notably switched from Victor Dog Food to ProPlan, citing concerns for both animal and human health. The organization, previously confident in Victor's safety record, emphasizes the urgency of transitioning to safer alternatives and proper disposal of the recalled products.

Symptoms of Salmonella infection in humans include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and fever. Severe cases can lead to more serious conditions like arterial infections and endocarditis. Pets may show signs of lethargy, diarrhea, fever, and vomiting. Owners noticing these symptoms in their pets are urged to seek veterinary care.

The recall encompasses brands such as Victor Super Premium Dog Foods, Wayne Feeds Dog Food, Eagle Mountain Pet Food, and select Member's Mark varieties. Retailers and distributors have been instructed to remove these products from shelves and destroy them to prevent further risk.

This expanded recall follows tests conducted by the South Carolina Department of Agriculture and the firm, revealing Salmonella presence in certain product lots. As of November 1, 2023, there have been seven reported cases of Salmonella infection linked to these products.

Pet owners are advised to cease feeding the recalled products immediately, properly dispose of them, and thoroughly clean any containers and utensils used for pet food storage and serving. The situation underscores the critical importance of vigilance in pet care and the need for prompt action to safeguard both animal and human health.