Raw cat food product recalled nationally due to possible salmonella contamination
![ilkerendercat.jpg](http://www.annarbor.com/assets_c/2011/05/ilkerendercat-thumb-275x183-79275.jpg)
Does your cat eat a raw diet? Check your packaging.
flickr photo courtesy of ilkerender
You might remember that just last week, I talked about the popularity and desirable aspects of feeding raw, and judging from the enthusiastic interaction with our readers by way of comments and the accompanying poll, there is great interest in the practice of feeding dogs and cats a raw, fresh diet that includes raw beef (including green tripe), chicken, turkey, buffalo and fish.
If you're one of those who feeds your felines a raw diet from Primal, you'll want to check the package that it came in.
Primal has initiated a voluntary recall of its Feline Chicken & Salmon Formula with a "Best By" date code of 043112-17 because this product may be contaminated with salmonella. Click here for the company's statement.
As you know from keeping up to date on all of the pet food and treat recalls here on AnnArbor.com, salmonella is the most common reason for recalls and both pets and humans are susceptible. It can affect raw and kibble-based diets alike, and for that reason, the precautions with each are the same.
There are more than 2,000 strains of salmonella. Very young and very old pets are most susceptible to the bacteria and suffer the effects most profoundly. The most common symptoms associated with salmonella are vomiting, diarrhea and fever. Companion animals presenting with symptoms are treated with IV fluids and antibiotics.
Read about past recalls here.
The affected product is limited to the Primal Pet Foods Feline Chicken & Salmon Formula packaged in the following forms:
• 4-pound Chicken & Salmon Nuggets (UPC# 8 95135 00025 0) with a "Best By" date code of 043112-17
The “Best By” date code is located on the front of the package on the right side of the label.
The product involved in the recall was distributed throughout the United States in retail stores. No deaths or illnesses have been reported.
Pet owners who bought the product can contact Primal Pet Foods at 866-566-4652, Monday-Friday between 8 a.m.-4 p.m. PST to get information on how to get a refund or replacement from the point of purchase.
It's always a smart idea to save the packaging and receipt from any pet food products that you purchase, as it can safeguard your pets health. The packaging will help identify UPC codes, lot numbers and specific product, and you could be that first consumer — along with your veterinarian — that helps to identify a possible risk from pet food or treats.
Click here to view the FDA's press release.
Lorrie Shaw is lead pets blogger for AnnArbor.com, where she writes on all aspects of pet care and culture, and is and owner of Professional Pet Sitting. Shoot her an email, contact her at 734-904-7279 or follow her adventures on Twitter.
Comments
Peter Jameson
Wed, Jun 1, 2011 : 4:47 a.m.
I wouldn't want my cute little pussycat to get an infection!