Salmonella Outbreak Linked to Dry Dog Food – 2023

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has warned consumers of multiple salmonella-related recalls linked to dry pet food.¹ Salmonella infection is one of the most common forms of foodborne illness, affecting over 200 million individuals per year worldwide.² In 2023, multiple brands have had salmonella-related recalls.³ Recently, a voluntary recall was issued by Mid America Pet Food, on its dry dog food, including brands such as Mid America Pet Food, Victor brand Hi-Pro Plus dog food, and Victor brand Super Premium Dog Food, Select Beef Meal & Brown Rice Formula.^4,5,6 Currently, this outbreak has impacted consumers across seven different states with seven hospitalizations related to the outbreak with those affected being primarily infants.

Individuals infected with salmonella may experience diarrhea, fever, and/or stomach cramps within the first 6 hours to 6 days of infection. Symptoms of salmonella infection will typically subside within four to seven days, however, infants, the elderly, and immunocompromised individuals may experience more severe symptoms over a longer period, often requiring medical treatment and/or hospitalization.¹ Oftentimes, animals will not experience any symptoms related to salmonella infection, but they may still shed and spread the bacteria through bodily fluids such as saliva or feces. However, like humans, immunocompromised animals (puppies, kittens, animals with preexisting health issues, etc.) may be affected more severely by the infection and could experience symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea (may contain blood), fever, loss of appetite, and/or decreased activity levels.¹

Amidst concerns of a foodborne illness, all traces of the infection must be sanitized and disinfected to prevent further contamination. Pet parents may take a few steps to ensure proper sanitization of the home. If any recalled pet food remains in the home, it should be disposed of in a sealed trash bag and placed in a sealed trashcan—this ensures that wildlife may not consume the contaminated food. All surfaces in the contaminated area of the home should be properly cleaned and sanitized including but not limited to countertops, floors, pet bowls, measuring cups, etc.

An individual should contact their healthcare provider if they or their child have had any of these symptoms:

• Coincidence of diarrhea and fever greater than 102°F
• Diarrhea for three consecutive days without improvement
• Bloody stool
• Ongoing vomiting that prevents liquid retention
• Signs of dehydration, such as:
  • Infrequent urination
  • Dry mouth or throat
  • Dizziness

An individual should contact a veterinary care provider if their pet has any of these symptoms after consumption of recalled pet food:

• Ongoing vomiting
• Diarrhea (may contain blood)
• Fever greater than 103°F
• Loss of appetite
• Decreased activity level

More information about issued recalls and withdrawals can be found here.

References

1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2023, November 9). Salmonella outbreak linked to Dry Dog Food. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/salmonella/kiambu-11-23/index.html
2. Chlebicz, A., & Śliżewska, K. (2018). Campylobacteriosis, Salmonellosis, Yersiniosis, and Listeriosis as Zoonotic Foodborne Diseases: A Review. International journal of environmental research and public health, 15(5), 863. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph15050863
3. https://www.fda.gov/animal-veterinary/safety-health/recalls-withdrawals
4. (2023a, September 4). Mid America Pet Food issues voluntary recall due to possible Salmonella Health Risk. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/mid-america-pet-food-issues-voluntary-recall-due-possible-salmonella-health-risk
5. (2023b, October 30). Mid America Pet Food Issues Voluntary Recall of victor beef meal & rice dog food due to possible Salmonella Health Risk. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/mid-america-pet-food-issues-voluntary-recall-victor-beef-meal-rice-dog-food-due-possible-salmonella
6. (2023c, November 9). Mid America Pet Food expands voluntary recall to include additional dog and cat food products due to possible Salmonella Health Risk. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/mid-america-pet-food-expands-voluntary-recall-include-additional-dog-and-cat-food-products-due

 

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About the Author

Ada-Miette Thomas received both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in food science with an emphasis on nutrition. Ada-Miette conducted research with a focus on human nutrition and studied the effects of carbohydrate sources on markers of Metabolic Syndrome in adults.