By Lisa Wade McCormick
ConsumerAffairs.com
June 23, 2010
A salmonella scare has prompted an Ohio company to recall some of its vitamins for dogs.
United Pet Group of Cincinnati is pulling all unexpired lots of its Pro-Pet Adult Daily vitamin supplement tablets for dogs because of the possible contamination.
The company took this action out of an abundance of caution after one lot of the product tested positive for salmonella, a bacterium that can cause food poisoning.
The recalled vitamins -- sold in retail stores nationwide -- come in 100-count white plastic bottles with a light blue label and have a UPC of 26851-01800. All bottles with expiration dates on or before 06/13 are included in this action.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) said salmonella can affect pets and humans who handle products contaminated with the bacterium.
Pets with salmonella infections may become lethargic and have diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever, and vomiting, the FDA said. Some pets will only experience decreased appetite, fever and abdominal pain.
Infected -- but otherwise healthy pets -- can still spread the bacterium to other animals or humans, according to the FDA. Consumers with pets that consumed the recalled vitamins and have these symptoms should contact their veterinarians.
The FDA warned that people who handle dry pet food or treats tainted with salmonella can also become infected. The risk is greater for those who have not thoroughly washed their hands after having contact with the contaminated products or any surfaces exposed to them.
Symptoms of salmonella poisoning in humans include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramping, and fever. In rare cases, salmonella can cause arterial infections, arthritis, and other serious health problems, the FDA said. Anyone who experiences these symptoms after handling a salmonella-tainted pet product should contact their physician.
United Pet Group said consumers should immediately stop giving their dogs the recalled vitamins. For more information about this action, pet owners can contact the company at 1-800-645-5154, extension 3.
