Urgent Pet Food Recall: Mid America Pet Food Linked to *Salmonella* Outbreak

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), in conjunction with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and state partners, is actively investigating a concerning outbreak of Salmonella Kiambu infections in humans, with a potential link to pet food manufactured by Mid America Pet Food. This situation has prompted a voluntary recall of numerous pet food brands.

Comprehensive Recall of Mid America Pet Food Brands

Mid America Pet Food has initiated a broad voluntary recall encompassing all pet food products manufactured under the brands Victor, Eagle Mountain, Wayne Feeds, and two specific varieties of Member’s Mark pet foods. This recall specifically targets products with a “best by” date prior to October 31, 2024. The affected products include a wide range of both dog and cat foods, distributed nationwide through retail stores and online platforms. This recall represents an expansion of previous recalls issued by the company on September 3, 2023, and October 30, 2023.

Human Cases and Pet Exposure

As of November 1, 2023, the CDC has reported seven confirmed human cases of Salmonella Kiambu infection across seven states. Alarmingly, six of these cases involved infants one year of age or younger. Investigations revealed that five of the affected individuals reported exposure to dogs, and three specifically mentioned feeding their pets Victor brand pet food. The onset of illnesses ranged from January 14, 2023, to August 19, 2023. While one individual was hospitalized, no fatalities have been reported to date.

A critical piece of evidence in this investigation is a retail sample of Victor brand Hi-Pro Plus dry dog food. This sample, collected by the South Carolina State Department of Agriculture and analyzed by the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control, tested positive for the same strain of Salmonella found in the ill individuals.

Pet Owner Guidance and Safety Precautions

Consumers who possess any of the recalled pet food products are strongly advised to immediately discard the food in a secure container to prevent access by other animals, including wildlife. Do not feed the recalled food to pets or donate it.

Thorough cleaning and disinfection of all pet supplies and surfaces that may have come into contact with the recalled food or pets are crucial. This includes food storage containers, bowls, utensils, food preparation areas, pet bedding, litter boxes, toys, floors, and any other surfaces. Pet owners should also diligently clean up pet feces in areas where humans or other animals might be exposed. After handling the product or cleaning contaminated items, thorough handwashing is essential.

Salmonella poses a health risk to both humans and pets. Individuals experiencing symptoms of Salmonella infection should consult their healthcare providers. Similarly, pet owners should consult a veterinarian if their pet exhibits any signs of infection.

The FDA emphasizes that the investigation is ongoing, and further updates will be provided as necessary.

Detailed List of Recalled Pet Food Products

The following table details the recalled dog and cat food products manufactured by Mid America Pet Food, including their product descriptions, UPC codes, bag sizes, and “best by” dates.

Recalled Dog Food:

Recalled Cat Food:

Understanding Salmonella and Its Symptoms

Salmonella is a bacterium known to cause illness and, in severe cases, death in both humans and animals, particularly affecting the very young, the elderly, and individuals with compromised immune systems. Symptoms of Salmonella infection in humans, as outlined by the CDC, include diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps. While most individuals recover without medical intervention, severe diarrhea can necessitate hospitalization. In such cases, the infection can spread from the intestines to the bloodstream and other body parts if not treated promptly with antibiotics. Prompt consultation with a healthcare provider is recommended for individuals experiencing these symptoms.

Pets may not always exhibit visible signs of Salmonella infection, but potential symptoms can include vomiting, diarrhea (potentially bloody), fever, loss of appetite, and decreased activity levels. If your pet displays these symptoms, seek veterinary attention immediately. It’s important to be aware that infected pets can shed the bacteria in their feces even if they appear healthy.

FDA’s Concern Regarding Salmonella in Pet Food

The presence of Salmonella-contaminated pet food is a significant public health concern due to its potential impact on both human and animal well-being. Pets can become ill from Salmonella and can also act as carriers, transmitting the bacteria to their human companions without showing any signs of illness. Beyond the current human illnesses linked to Victor Pet Food, the FDA has documented other instances where humans and/or animals have been affected by Salmonella-contaminated pet foods.

Once Salmonella colonizes in a pet’s gastrointestinal tract, the animal can shed the bacteria during bowel movements, facilitating further spread of contamination. Given that animals can shed bacteria during defecation, meticulous cleanup of feces in yards or public spaces is vital to prevent exposure to people and other animals, in addition to cleaning household items. The Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act mandates that all animal foods, similar to human foods, must be safe for consumption, produced under sanitary conditions, free from harmful substances, and accurately labeled. It is crucial to note that refrigeration or freezing does not eliminate Salmonella.

Reporting Pet and Human Illnesses

Pet owners who suspect their pets have become ill after consuming contaminated pet food should first consult their veterinarians. Veterinarians can arrange for pets to be tested for Salmonella through the Veterinary Laboratory Investigation and Response Network (Vet-LIRN Network) if the pet resides in a household with a person infected with Salmonella.

The FDA encourages consumers to report complaints regarding pet food products electronically via the Safety Reporting Portal or by contacting their state’s FDA Consumer Complaint Coordinators.

For individuals experiencing severe Salmonella symptoms, the CDC advises seeking medical attention from a healthcare provider. Diagnosis of Salmonella infection requires specific laboratory tests.