The agency says the pathogen can be harmful, even deadly for pets. It can also pose a health threat to humans who handle the products.
The recall stretches across five brands -- CanineX, Earthborn, Sportmix, Meridian, and Pro Pac. The products were produced at a plant in Monmouth, Ill.
“Healthy people infected with Salmonella should monitor themselves for some or all of the following symptoms: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramping, and fever,” the company said in an announcement posted by the FDA. “Rarely, Salmonella can result in more serious ailments, including arterial infections, endocarditis, arthritis, muscle pain, eye irritation, and urinary tract symptoms. Consumers exhibiting these signs after having contact with this product should contact their healthcare providers.”
Another recall in January
In January, the FDA issued a safety advisory for certain lots of Sportmix products, saying high levels of aflatoxin, which is toxic to some animals, was believed to be the cause of death for 28 dogs. The company voluntarily recalled the product.
Weeks later, the FDA widened the recall of Sportmix after receiving additional reports that some pets had died after consuming it.
This time the company said it is erring on the side of caution in issuing the voluntary recall. The company said it issued the recall after routine sampling by company inspectors detected the salmonella. It said there had been no human or pet illnesses reported to date.
Symptoms
Salmonella is a foodborne pathogen that causes hundreds of cases of food poisoning among humans each year but is just as likely to affect animals. 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. Infected but otherwise healthy pets can be carriers and infect other animals or humans, the company said.
The current recall involves products sold online and at retail stores nationwide. The products have expiration dates ranging from April 2022 through September 2022.