Purina ONE Dry Dog Food Recall Issued Due to Salmonella Risk

Random testing has detected the presence of salmonella in certain brands of Purina ONE dry dog food, which could pose a potential a health risk for owners and handlers, since dogs may become carriers.  

A Purina ONE dry dog food recall was announced by the FDA on August 30, after testing confirmed the presence of salmonella. No illnesses related to the product have been reported to date.

The recall includes Purina ONE beyond Our White Meat Chicken & Whole Barely Recipe, adult dry dog food, sold in 3.5 pound bags with “Best By” date October 2014. The recalled pet food bags have UPC code 17800 and 12679 as well as production code 31071083 printed on the bottom of the bag.

Pets who have consumed the affected dry dog food may exhibit symptoms such as loss of appetite, fever, or abdominal pain. Federal health officials have recommended that any pets who show symptoms should be taken to their veterinarian for treatment, because the animals may continue to carry the infection and pass it on to humans they may come in contact with.

Salmonella infections in healthy individuals cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain in most cases, but some infections may result in more serious health consequences for those with weakened immune systems. Elderly individuals or children may face an increased risk of suffering from more severe illnesses as a result of salmonella, such as arterial infections, endocarditis, arthritis, muscle pain, eye irritation, and urinary tract infections.

Pet food recalls due to infections can be extremely dangerous because of the possible delay in diagnosis of the pet.

In 2008, a class action lawsuit was filed against Menu Foods, Nestle Purina PetCare Co., Wal-Mart, PETCO, and other various pet food manufacturers after thousands of animals became sick and died from a by-product called melamine. The lawsuit settled on a verdict awarding $24 million dollars to be awarded among the pet owners.

In April 2012, a lawsuit was filed against Diamond Pet Foods after its pet food tested positive for salmonella food poisoning and spread to an infant.

The FDA recommends that consumers who have purchased the affected dog food for pets immediately stop feeding it to their animal. They can contact NPPC at 1-800-473-8546 to obtain a full refund. The FDA also recommends that consumers monitor their pet’s behavior for signs of salmonella infection.