Diamond Pet Foods has again recalled batches of dry dog food that may be contaminated with Salmonella, this time to include its Diamond Naturals Small Breed Adult Dog Lamb & Rice Formula dry dog food manufactured on Aug. 26, 2011.
The earlier Diamond Pet Foods recalls involved various formulas manufactured after Dec. 9, 2011 at its production facility in Gaston, SC. This recall involves pet food produced in Meta, MO.
The company says no illnesses have been reported in connection with this latest recall, which presumably means no human or animal illnesses.
However, as of May 11, 15 people in nine states and one person in Canada have been reported sickened with an outbreak strain of Salmonella Infantis from contact with contaminated dog food or infected animals, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. As of May 16, the Food and Drug Administration had confirmed two dog illnesses related to the outbreak.
Last week the Calgary Herald in Alberta reported that two cats in a Montreal shelter died, and another was ill, after being fed Diamond Pet Foods products.
The outbreak investigation confirmed a link between some of the illnesses and samples of dry dog food, sold under various brand names, manufactured at Diamond Pet Foods’ Gaston, SC production plant.
The company’s latest recall is of 6 lb. and 18 lb. and sample bags of Diamond Naturals Small Breed Adult Dog Lamb & Rice Formula with a DSL0801 production code and best-before dates of 26-Aug-2012, 27-Sept- 2012 and 18-Oct- 2012.
The recalled product was distributed in Colorado, Illinois, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas and Wisconsin. Further distribution through other pet food channels, including on-line retailers, may have occurred.
For more information on this recall call toll-free at 1-866-918-8756, Monday through Sunday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. EST.
Pets with Salmonella infections may have decreased appetite, fever and abdominal pain. If left untreated, pets may be lethargic and have diarrhea, fever and vomiting. Infected but otherwise healthy pets can be carriers and infect other animals or humans. Diamond says that if your pet has consumed the recalled product and has these symptoms, you should contact your veterinarian.
Individuals handling dry pet food can become infected with Salmonella, especially if they have not thoroughly washed their hands after having contact with surfaces exposed to this product. People who believe they may have been exposed to Salmonella should monitor themselves for some or all of the following symptoms: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramping and fever.
Consumers can lodge complaints about FDA-regulated pet foods with area Consumer Complaint Coordinators or at http://www.fda.gov/petfoodcomplaints