Dog owners are being warned that dog treats and food sold nationwide may be contaminated with salmonella.
The products were voluntarily recalled on Thursday by two separate companies, including San Diego-based business The Honest Kitchen.
The Southern California company recalled five lots of its Verve, Zeal and Thrive pet food products manufactured between August and November 2012.
No other Honest Kitchen products have been affected, according to the company. The Honest Kitchen’s products are sold in the U.S. and Canada at various retail stores, including smaller shops.
Human-grade parsley in the dog food may be contaminated with salmonella and has been recalled by the supplier, the company said.
The Honest Kitchen said it has not received any reports of illness. In a statement, company founder Lucy Postins said the move was “precautionary.”
"While our quality control tests did not find evidence of salmonella in any of our finished products, we are accountable for everything we make," Postins said.
Pet treats made by Kasel Associates Industries Inc. between April 20, 2012, and Sept. 19, 2012, have also been recalled due to possible salmonella contamination.
The Denver-based company’s recall includes Boots & Barley, BIXBI, Nature’s Deli, Colorado Naturals, Best Bully Stick items and Petco products, such as pig ears and jerky. The items are sold at major nationwide retailers including Target, Petco, Sam’s Club and Costco.
The FDA found 48 out of 87 samples of the product tested positive for salmonella, with more than 10 different species of the contagious bacteria. The affected treats were made at the company’s Denver plant.
Although there have been no reports of humans getting sick from the recalled products, the FDA said it has received complaints of illness in dogs who were exposed to the Kasel-brand treats.
The FDA warned consumers to dispose of the treats in a place where any pets cannot reach them, thoroughly wash their hands after touching the treats and wipe down any surfaces the product may have touched.
Infected but otherwise healthy pets can be carriers of the bacteria and infect other animals or
humans, according to the FDA. Salmonella can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections.
Humans infected with salmonella may experience symptoms such as:
- nausea
- vomiting
- diarrhea or bloody diarrhea
- abdominal cramping
- fever
Pets with salmonella infections may experience these symptoms:
- lethargy
- diarrhea or bloody diarrhea
- fever
- vomiting
- decreased appetite
- abdominal pain
For a complete list of the recalled Honest Kitchen-brand dog foods, click here.
For a complete list of the recalled Kasel-brand dog treats, click here.
Click here to check other pet food safety recalls and alerts.
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