Food Poisoning Cases From Recalled Pet Food Reported Among Humans

At least 14 people in nine states have been diagnosed with salmonella food poisoning, which may have been caused by recalled pet food that is contaminated with the bacteria. 

Health officials from the state of Michigan and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicate that people are becoming ill after feeding their pets dog food from Diamond Pet Foods.

Victims of the salmonella outbreak have been identified in Alabama, Connecticut, Michigan, Missouri, New Jersey, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Virginia.

A Diamond Pet Food recall was announced last week, affecting dog food sold under a number of different brands, including Chicken Soup for the Pet Lover’s Soul, Country Value, Diamond, Diamond Naturals, Premium Edge, Professional, 4Health, Kirkland Signature, and Taste of the Wild.

Consumers can identify affected bags by looking at the production code. The pet food is on the recall list if the code has a number “2” or “3” in the 9th position and has an “x” in the 10th or 11th position, as well as a best-before date between December 9, 2012 and April 7, 2013.

Salmonella is a type of bacteria that attacks the gastrointestinal tract, causing mild to severe food poisoning.  Symptoms may include diarrhea, fever, headache and abdominal pain that usually begins one to 10 days after exposure.

For most healthy adults, symptoms of salmonella poisoning typically resolve within a few days or weeks.  However, young children, the elderly and those with compromised immune systems may have an increased risk of severe food poisoning, which may result in hospitalization, dehydration or death if not properly treated.

There has not been any information released about pets suffering food poisoning, but it is likely that some have contracted salmonella. If left untreated, pets with salmonella may be lethargic and have diarrhea, fever and vomiting. In addition, even pets who exhibit no symptoms may be carriers and infect other animals or humans.

Consumers with products affected by the recall can contact Diamond Pet Foods by calling (866) 918-8756 or by visiting the company’s website at www.diamondpetrecall.com for a replacement product or refund.