Potential Salmonella Contamination Prompts Mars Recall
A limited number of bags of SPECIAL KITTY® Gourmet Blend dry cat food is being recalled, sold only at Wal-Mart in Connecticut, Delaware, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, North Carolina, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Virginia, Vermont, and West Virginia. The affected products have a lot code beginning with 50, and a best before date of August 2009.
This is the fifth time since 2007 that Mars Petcare have recalled certain brands of their pet foods, with the most recent being only a month ago and also due to a suspected Salmonella contamination. This recall is voluntary after a positive test result indicating a potential contamination with Salmonella. Mars advises that pet owners should dispose of product in a safe manner (example, a securely covered trash receptacle) and return the empty bag to the store where purchased for a full refund. There are as yet no reports of any cats having become unwell after eating this food.
Salmonella can cause serious infections in cats, and, if there is cross-contamination caused by handling of the rawhide chips, in people as well. Pets with Salmonella infections may be lethargic and have diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever, and vomiting. Some pets will have only decreased appetite, fever and abdominal pain. Animals can be carriers with no visible symptoms and can potentially infect other animals of humans. If your pet has consumed the recalled product and has these symptoms you should contact your veterinarian.
Pet owners who have questions regarding this recall can call Mars Petcare on 1-877-568-4463 or visit their website below.
