Meow Mix Cat Food Recall Issued Over Salmonella Poisoning Risks

Multiple brands of Meow Mix cat food sold at Walmart have been recalled, due to a risk of salmonella contamination, which may pose a health risk for pets, as well as those handling the products, federal health officials warn.

The FDA and The J. M. Smucker Co. issued a Meow Mix recall on April 12, indicating at least two lots of the dry cat food, sold at 1,100 Walmart stores across eight states, may be contaminated with salmonella.

Although no pet or human illnesses have been reported in connection with the contaminated cat food, similar problems with other pet products have resulted in widespread illnesses and food poisoning outbreak.

The recalled cat food was sold in Illinois, Missouri, Nebraska, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Utah and Wisconsin, impacting Meow Mix Original Choice Dry Cat Food sold in a 30 lb. bag, including lot number 1081804, retail UPC code 2927452099 and a Best If Used By Date of 9/14/22, as well as lot number 1082804, with retail UPC Code 2927452099 and a Best If Used By Date of 9/15/2022.

While J. M. Smucker Co. indicates it has received no reports of illness or adverse reactions, both the manufacturer and the FDA warn owners to stop using the product and recommend they throw the affected cat food away. The FDA recommends cleaning of all objects, such as bowls or containers, to ensure no salmonella is potentially left where the pet’s food goes.

Salmonella food poisoning can cause mild to severe health consequences in both animals and humans. The bacteria may cause a healthy person to experience fever, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain whereas the young or elderly with weakened immune systems may face more severe consequences, including fatal infections.

The U.S. Centers for Disease and Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates salmonella food poisoning causes approximately 1.35 million illnesses and 420 deaths annually in the United States.

The FDA warns symptoms of salmonella infection in cats include vomiting or diarrhea. Cats may also develop lack of appetite, fever, and excessive salivation as well from salmonella infection. The FDA warns that if a pet has consumed the product and is showing signs of symptoms, the owners should contact a veterinarian.