Health dept. issues recall warning for pet food due to potential Salmonella contamination

The Hawai‘i State Department of Health Food and Drug Branch is alerting residents to a voluntary recall by Mid America Pet Food for products distributed to retailers in the state, including Sam’s Club, Tractor Supply Co., and Del’s Feed and Farm Supply.

The products are being recalled because they may be contaminated with Salmonella. Brands recalled by Mid America Pet Food include Victor Super Premium Dog Foods, Wayne Feeds Dog Food, Eagle Mountain Pet Food, and some Member’s Mark varieties with best-by-dates before Oct. 31.

Salmonella can affect animals eating contaminated products, and there is a risk to humans, especially if they have not thoroughly washed their hands after handling contaminated products.

Healthy people infected with Salmonella should monitor themselves for the following symptoms: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramping, and/or fever. Salmonella may result in more serious but rare ailments such as arterial infections, endocarditis, arthritis, muscle pain, eye irritation, and urinary tract symptoms. Children, the elderly, and individuals with compromised immune symptoms may be at greater risk of Salmonella infection. Please contact your healthcare provider immediately if you are exhibiting symptoms after having contact with the recalled product.

Pets with Salmonella infections may be lethargic and have diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever, and/or vomiting. Some pets may only exhibit decreased appetite, fever, and abdominal pain. Infected but otherwise healthy pets can be carriers and infect other animals or humans. If your pet has consumed the recalled product and has these symptoms, please contact your veterinarian.

The Food and Drug Branch advises consumers to immediately seal and discard any recalled product on hand and do not feed the recalled product to pets or any other animals. Wash and sanitize all pet food bowls, cups, serving utensils, and storage containers. Please ensure that you wash and sanitize your hands after handling recalled food or any utensils that come in contact with recalled food. Per the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, as of Nov. 1, seven people have reported Salmonella infections nationally.