The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has presented new info on Feb. 21 that Kasel Associates Industries is recalling all pet treats that were manufactured by their plant from April 20-Sept. 19. This updated FDA info differs from a previous recall listing specific products manufactured by the pet company due to possible contamination of salmonella.
New reports have surfaced after the Colorado Department of Agriculture tested retail samples from the Denver, Colo.-based plant.
The FDA released a follow-up inspection report of the facility, “that all of the finished pet treats product samples and 48 out of 87 environmental samples collected during the inspection tested positive for salmonella. More than ten different species of salmonella were found in the firm’s products and manufacturing facility, indicating multiple sources of contamination.”
Go to the FDA website for a complete updated list of pet treats, their Best-By-Date and UPC numbers.
The FDA has also received complaints of illnesses from dog owners who were exposed to the pet treats.
No human illnesses or complaints have surfaced as a result of this recall to date.
The FDA further cites, “Because of the multiple positive tests for Salmonella, and the production practices and conditions observed at the facility during the inspection, FDA believes that there is a reasonable probability that pet treat products manufactured in the facility from April 20, 2012 through September 19, 2012 are contaminated with Salmonella.”
The dog treats manufactured out of Kasel Associates – most having a two year shelf life – were distributed to various retailers including Target, Petco, Sam’s Club and Costco.
Consumers are urged to take extreme caution if they have purchased any of the infected treats and dispose of them where humans and animals including wild animals will not have access to them; make sure they are in a securely lidded garbage container.
Also, until further notice, this FDA recall announcement only affects products made in the U.S.
According to the FDA,” Salmonella is a public health risk and is one of the most common causes of foodborne illness. Healthy people infected with Salmonella may experience some or all of the following symptoms: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramping and fever. Although rare, Salmonella can result in more serious ailments including arterial infections, endocarditis (inflammation of the lining of the heart), arthritis, muscle pain, eye irritation and urinary tract symptoms. Consumers exhibiting these signs after having contact with the products subject to this recall should contact their health care provider immediately.
Pets with Salmonella infections may become lethargic and have diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever and vomiting. Some pets may experience only a decreased appetite, fever and abdominal pain. Infected, but otherwise healthy pets can be carriers and infect other animals or humans. If your pet has consumed any of the affected product or is experiencing any of these symptoms, contact your veterinarian immediately.
The elderly, infants and those with impaired immune systems are more likely to become severely ill from Salmonella infection. The bacterium can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in these vulnerable populations. Most healthy individuals recover from Salmonella infections within four to seven days without treatment.
As with humans, dogs who are elderly, very young or have impaired immune systems are more vulnerable to Salmonella infection.”
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