Natural Balance Pet Foods initiates nationwide recall of cat food because of Salmonella concerns

Natural Balance Pet Foods Inc. is recalling certain cat food products because of possible Salmonella contamination, which can be dangerous to pets and people who handle the food. 

The issue was found by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture during a routine state surveillance sample.

Surfaces not thoroughly washed after having contact with the recalled products or any surfaces exposed to these products are at risk of cross-contamination.

The recalled products were distributed nationwide in the United States, both by retail and online distribution. 

Salmonella can infect cats by eating a product contaminated with Salmonella bacteria. Symptoms of Salmonella infection in cats may include vomiting, diarrhea, decreased appetite, fever or excessive salivation. The company suggests that if your pet has consumed the recalled product and has any of these symptoms to contact your veterinarian. Some cats may not appear sick but can spread infection to other animals and humans in the household.

Salmonella can spread to humans from handling contaminated pet products, especially if they have not washed their hands after having contact with their cat’s foods, surfaces or cats that have been in contact with the contaminated product.

The following information can be found on the back panel of each 5 LB and 10 LB bag.

Recalled products:

If pet owners have the recalled products in their possession, they should stop feeding it to their cats and dispose of it immediately or return it to their retailer for a refund.

As of the posting of this recall, no customer complaints or illnesses have been reported.

About Salmonella infections in humans
Food contaminated with Salmonella bacteria does not usually look, smell, or taste spoiled. Anyone can become sick with a Salmonella infection. Infants, children, seniors  and people with weakened immune systems are at higher risk of serious illness because their immune systems are fragile, according to the CDC.

Anyone who has come in contact with any of the recalled products and developed symptoms of Salmonella infection should seek medical attention. Sick people should tell their doctors about the possible exposure to Salmonella bacteria because special tests are necessary to diagnose salmonellosis. Salmonella infection symptoms can mimic other illnesses, frequently leading to misdiagnosis.

Symptoms of Salmonella infection can include diarrhea, abdominal cramps and fever within 12 to 72 hours after eating contaminated food. Otherwise, healthy adults are usually sick for four to seven days. In some cases, however, diarrhea may be so severe that patients require hospitalization.

Older adults, children, pregnant women and people with weakened immune systems, such as cancer patients, are more likely to develop severe illness and serious, sometimes life-threatening conditions.

Some people get infected without getting sick or showing any symptoms. However, they may still spread the infections to others.

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