Doggie chips recalled cause of Salmonella concern
Hartz chicken-basted rawhide chips for dogs are being voluntarily recalled due to concerns that one or more bags within the lot are potentially contaminated with Salmonella.
The company announced the recall Friday, saying the two-pound plastic bags of chips with lot code JC23282, UPC number 3270096463 were distributed to a national retail customer it did not identify.
Randy Phebus and I discuss the problems with Salmonella in pet food, treats, and the potential for cross-contamination in the video below.
Pedigree pet food and pregnancy: Managing cross-contamination risks at home
I am now 6 ½ months pregnant and still somewhat peacefully coexisting with our four pets. But pregnancy has meant giving special attention to handwashing and avoiding cross-contamination.
Although I thought I was being overly cautious, on Sept. 13 Pedigree small crunchy bites and Pedigree large breed complete nutrition dry pet food products were recalled due to possible Salmonella contamination (see http://www.wormsandgermsblog.com/2008/09/articles/animals/dogs/pet-food-recall-salmonella/). This appears to be the same food we feed our dogs and I know one of them was throwing up outside yesterday. Of course … she also likes to eat grass and other vomitous materials.
In addition to pet food which may contain pathogens, I pay close attention to the handling of dog treats which have been found problematic in the past. Our dogs have been getting their fill of bones lately because we haven’t had the usual time and energy to devote to their exercise. I try to avoid touching the dog bones when I take them out of the package and I wash the scissors I use to cut the packages open. I always wash my hands afterwards.
It really isn’t easy to think about washing hands every time you feed and pet the dogs, but the following are things I am trying to do to keep me and my future baby safe:
- regularly wash the dog dishes
- wash my hands every time I fill the dog water and food bowls (the dogs eat and drink, spreading any microbes from one bowl to the next)
- wash my hands after opening treats and/or giving them to the dogs
- wash the scissors after opening treat bags
- wash my hands after playing with the pets
- avoid letting the dogs lick my face of hands
- wipe down the counter where pet treats have touched
These steps are all much more difficult for me than they sound. I’m usually very playful and affectionate with my pets, even though I no longer allow the dogs on the bed or couch. It’s also very difficult to think about handwashing when you are out on a walk with the dogs and give them treats as part of a training process. In those cases I just remind myself not to touch my face or use a wet wipe when I have one handy.
I am still learning after years of taking it for granted that my dogs’ food was safe. Food safety, even for pets, is not simple.
For human symptoms of salmonella poisoning, check out http://barfblog.foodsafety.ksu.edu/2008/06/articles/salmonella/salmonella-symptoms/
According to an article in the North Country Gazette (April 3, 2007) related to a past pet food recall:
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. Apparently well animals can be a carrier and infect other animals or humans. If your pet has consumed the recalled product and has these symptoms, please contact your veterinarian.
Handling dog treats made teen seriously ill
On Thursday, March 13, 2008, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency and Rollover Premium Pet Food Ltd. warned consumers not to purchase or use certain Roll Over Pork Tenders Premium Dog Treat described below because it may be contaminated with the bacteria responsible for salmonellosis in humans. … There has been one illness reported associated with this product.
(1).jpg)
The Herald reported on March 15, 2008, that 13-year-old Brandon Jacklin will never handle a dog treat the same way after contracting salmonella from contaminated pork treats and losing 15 pounds during his medical ordeal that initially baffled health officials and frightened his family.The story says it was only after an official with the Calgary Health Region recalled a similar contamination problem nine years earlier involving dog treats -- from the same company, Rollover Premium Pet Food -- did the family start to get answers.
Jacklin's mom said,
"I had no idea that normal dog treats you take out of a bag could make someone so sick," adding the health inspector was very diligent in tracking down the source of the illness. Now the Jacklin family is extra vigilant after dealing with dog treats, ensuring they sanitize their hands afterwards.
The Calgary Health Region would not comment on the case, until they receive more information from the health official who investigated.
So the officer who cracked the case, informed the family and triggered a national recall, didn't supply enough information to his or her bosses in Calgary?
Not the first time the Calgary Health Region -- not the individual inspectors -- has been, uh, slow.
Salmonella in dog treats presents human risk
.jpg)
Amy uses treats to train and reward (spoil) our dogs all the time, and when I told her a few months ago about the potential for salmonella or other shit to be on her hands afterwards, she seemed a little horrified.Dude, wash your hands, especially after handling pet treats.
Don't eat poop.
As noted by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, there has been one illness reported associated with the Roll Over Pork Tenders Premium Dog Treat.
People may risk bacterial infection by handling the treats directly or by contact with pets who have used the treats. Anyone who may have handled the treats should wash their hands with warm water and soap. Consumers should dispose of these treats in the trash.
