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Dog Food Danger to Pets and Owners

By Dan Flynn and Suzanna Schreck

Possible Salmonella contamination of dog food brought a recall Friday from a California company.

Natural Balance Pet Foods Inc. recalled its Natural Balance Sweet Potato & Chicken Dry Dog Food  with the "Best By" date of June 17, 2011, in 5-lb. and 28-lb. bags because of the potential it is contaminated with Salmonella.

The recall was issued after a sample in a routine test conducted by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) came back positive for Salmonella.

No illnesses have yet been associated with the recall.

The recalled product was manufactured on Dec.17, 2009.

Salmonella in dry pet food can infect both humans and animals.

For humans, symptoms of Salmonella include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramping, and fever.

More serious ailments including arterial infections, endocarditis, arthritis, muscle pain, eye irritation, and urinary tract problems. Anyone exhibiting these signs after having contact with this product should contact their healthcare providers.

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.

Recalled products were only distributed in pet specialty stores in the states of Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Washington, Wisconsin and Wyoming.

Consumers who have purchased Natural Balance Sweet Potato & Chicken Dry Dog formula with the "Best By" date of June 17, 2011, are urged to return it to the place of purchase for a full refund.

For additional information, please contact Natural Balance Pet Foods Customer Service at (800) 829-4493 (8a.m. - 5p.m., PDT) or by visiting www.naturalbalanceinc.com.

Full post as published by Food Safety News on June 19, 2010 (boomark / email).