Less than one month after a recall by Midwestern Pet Foods involving a lengthy list of dog and cat food brands potentially contaminated with salmonella, there is a recall involving a risk of salmonella with Meow Mix cat food sold at Walmart in eight states.
On April 12 the FDA released a statement about the voluntary recall:
“The J. M. Smucker Co. announced a limited, voluntary recall of two lots of Meow Mix® Original Choice Dry Cat Food (30LB bag) due to potential salmonella contamination. The Company has received no reports of pet illness or adverse reaction and has issued this recall out of an abundance of caution. The impacted products were sold at select Walmart stores in IL, MO, NE, NM, OK, UT, WI, and WY. No other Meow Mix® products are impacted by this recall.
If pet parents have products matching the following description in their possession, they should stop feeding them to their cats and dispose of them immediately. This information can be found on the bottom and back of each bag.”
Cats eating a product contaminated with salmonella bacteria and can become infected and spread to humans from handling contaminated pet products. Therefore, it is essential to wash your hands after having contact with your cat’s foods, food surfaces, and/or cats that have been in contact with the recalled product. “Healthy people infected with salmonella should monitor themselves for some or all of the following symptoms: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramping and fever. “Most of those who become infected will experience fever, vomiting, stomach pains, and diarrhea for four to seven days. If symptoms worsen or persist seek immediate medical help.
Salmonella can result in more serious disorders, including arterial infections, endocarditis( infection of the valves in the heart), arthritis, muscle pain, eye irritation, and urinary tract symptoms. Anyone showing these symptoms who have had contact with this product should contact seek immediate emergency medical care.
“Symptoms of Salmonella infection in cats may include vomiting or diarrhea. Some cats may not develop diarrhea but may have a decreased appetite, fever, and excessive salivation. If your pet has consumed the recalled product and has these symptoms, please contact your veterinarian. Some cats may not appear sick but can spread the infection to other animals and humans in the household.”
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, salmonella infects 1.3 million Americans annually, killing approximately 420 and hospitalizing 26,500. Those most at risk from salmonella include adults over 65, children under five, and people with compromised immune systems.
Pet owners who have questions or would like to report adverse reactions should call 1-888-569-6728, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. ET, or visit meowmix.com
