Frozen Reptile Feed Recalled Due To Human Health Risk

A major supplier of frozen reptile food animals is recalling it's products after buyers in 17 states may have become ill as a result of handling the products.

Biggers & Callaham LLC, who operate Mice Direct, is recalling frozen reptile feed (mice, rats, chicks), because it has the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella. The recall is based upon sampling by the FDA of frozen mice. Salmonella can affect animals and there is risk to humans from handling contaminated pet products. People handling contaminated pet food can become infected with Salmonella, especially if they have not thoroughly washed their hands after having contact with the product or any surfaces exposed to these products.

Human illnesses that may be related to the frozen reptile feed have been reported in 17 states. 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. Rarely, Salmonella can result in more serious ailments, including arterial infections, endocarditis, arthritis, muscle pain, eye irritation, and urinary tract symptoms. Consumers exhibiting these signs after having contact with this product should contact their healthcare providers.

The frozen reptile feed was distributed in all states, except Hawaii, through pet stores and by mail order and direct delivery. Frozen reptile feed was shipped in plastic bags with the following product codes M-SP100, M-P100, M-PF100, M-F100, M-H100, M-W50, M-A50, M-JA25, R-P100, R-F50, R-PUP50, R-W50, R-S50, R-M20, R-L10,R-J5, R-C5, R-M3 followed by E9, F9, G9, H9, I9, J9, K9, L9 or A10, B10, C10, D10, E10, F10, G10 and whole frozen chicks in 25 count bags.

The company says that the recalled product should not be fed to animals, even after heating in a microwave oven, since the heating may not be adequate to kill Salmonella. Products shipped after 24th July 2010, will be irradiated in a similar manner as raw food for human consumption in order to address the Salmonella issue associated with these products. The company is continuing their investigation, and consumers who purchased the affected products are urged to telephone 888-747-0736 for instructions concerning this recall and for credits towards replacement of unused product.

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