Mount Pleasant, Texas – Mid America Pet Food has issued a recall for one lot of its Victor Super Premium Dog Food Hi-Pro Plus due to concerns of salmonella contamination. The recall applies to five-pound bags of the affected product, which were manufactured at the company’s facility in Mount Pleasant, Texas, and was initiated on September 3.
The Victor Super Premium Dog Food Hi-Pro Plus, known for its ingredients including “premium-quality beef, chicken, pork, and fish meals,” is the subject of the recall. The recall was initiated following the detection of salmonella during a random sample test conducted by the South Carolina Department of Agriculture. Thankfully, there have been no reports of human deaths or illnesses associated with this recall, as confirmed by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
The affected dog food was distributed through various retailers and distributors across the United States, including popular online platforms such as Amazon and Chewy.com.
It’s important to note that Mid America Pet Food is only recalling products with the lot code 1000016385 and a best-by date of April 30, 2024.
Understanding Salmonella
Salmonella is a type of bacteria that resides in the intestinal tracts of both humans and animals. Annually, it infects approximately 1.35 million people, leading to 26,500 hospitalizations and 420 deaths, as reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Common symptoms of salmonella in humans include diarrhea, fever, stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting, and headaches.
How Does Salmonella Spread?
Salmonella spreads to humans primarily through contact with contaminated food and drinking water. It can also be transmitted via contact with infected animals and their feces, according to the CDC.
Can Pets Contract Salmonella?
Yes, pets can indeed be infected by salmonella and may act as carriers of the bacteria, potentially spreading it to humans. In some cases, infected animals may remain asymptomatic and show no signs of illness. However, severe cases can lead to symptoms such as bloody diarrhea, dehydration, vomiting, decreased appetite, lethargy, and fever in pets, as noted by PetMD.
Pet owners are urged to exercise caution when handling pet food and ensure proper hygiene to reduce the risk of salmonella transmission between pets and humans.
