Mars Petcare recalls some dry pet foods(Salmonella)

Source: USA Today

FRANKLIN, Tenn. (AP) — Mars Petcare US announced a voluntary recall Friday of all dry pet food products produced at its plant in Everson, Pa. between Feb. 18 and July 29, citing potential contamination with salmonella.

Mars, in a news release, did not say how much pet food is involved, but said the recall reaches 31 states and various brands and said the action was taken as a precaution.

"Even though no direct link between products produced at the Everson plant and human or pet illness has been made, we are taking this precautionary action to protect pets and their owners," the company statement said.

Mars said it stopped production at the plant July 29 when it was alerted of a possible link between dry pet food produced in Everson and two isolated cases of people infected with salmonella.

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The brand names include some items under the names Country Acres, Retriever, Doggy Bag, Members Mark, Natural, Ol' Roy, Special Kitty, Paws & Claws, Pedigree, Wegman's, Pet Pride, PMI Nutrition and Red Flannel.



Read more: http://www.usatoday.com/money/industries/food/2008-09-12-pet-food_N.htm

Source: fda.gov


Pet owners who have questions about the recall should call 1-877-568-4463 or visit www.petcare.mars.com




Mars Petcare US Issues Voluntary Recall of Everson, PA Plant Dry Pet Food Product due to Potential Salmonella Contamination
Contact:
Debra Fair
Public Relations Manager — Central Marketing
MARS PETCARE US
(973) 691-3536





For Immediate Release
Mars Petcare US Announces Nationwide Voluntary Recall
Franklin, Tennessee (September 12, 2008)—Today, Mars Petcare US announced a voluntary recall of products manufactured at its Everson, Pennsylvania facility. The pet food is being voluntarily recalled because of potential contamination with Salmonella serotype Schwarzengrund. This voluntary recall only affects the United States.

Salmonella can cause serious infections in dogs and cats, and, if there is cross contamination caused by handling of the pet food, in people as well, especially children, the aged, and people with compromised immune systems. Healthy people potentially infected with Salmonella should monitor themselves for some or all of the following symptoms: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramping and fever. On rare occasions, Salmonella can result in more serious ailments, including arterial infections, endocarditis, arthritis, muscle pain, eye irritation, and urinary tract symptoms. Consumers 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. Animals can be carriers with no visible symptoms and can potentially infect other animals or humans. If your pet has consumed the recalled product and has these symptoms, please contact your veterinarian.

The company stopped production at the Everson facility on July 29, 2008 when it was alerted of a possible link between dry pet food produced at the plant and two isolated cases of people infected with Salmonella Schwarzengrund.



Read more: http://www.fda.gov/consumer/updates/petfoodtips080307.html

http://www.petcare.mars.com/200809_pedigree_tool.html

it is on the list. I am so glad I dropped that with the last dog/cat food scare.

Pedigree canned DF escaped the last recall...

I have cats, and I use a prescription food I get from the vet.

The store had called me because I bought Pedigree dry and some of the store brand of Buju and Zugbee dry for the barn cats. They both are on the list.

I will take back our dog's dry tomorrow. The cats had all ready finished theirs. They are back on Purina.

I figured Pedigree was safe since it wasn't on the list last time and it is supposedly "formulated by vets."

My dog seems okay, I am just really worried now because my nuerologically handicapped cat, ate about a dozen pieces of my dog's dry food this morning. He snuck in and got in her dish. This happened before I got the call. I will have to watch them both closely and call our vet, if either show any symptoms.

Hopefully neither will get sick now. Kitty all ready throws up on his own often enough.

When people ask me how elections effect their day to day lives, I am going to point out the Pukes refusal to allow food to be inspected as one big one.