Aug 16, 2013 10:13 AM EDT
Iams Food Recall: Eukanuba Products Possibly Contaminated with Salmonella Bacteria

Iams and Eukanuba dry foods for dogs and cats have been recalled due to possible contamination of salmonella bacteria.

The Procter & Gamble company issued a voluntary recall on Wednesday through the Food and Drug Administration's website, according to the CBS News. The recall is a precaution, and no instances of salmonella have been reported, according to ABC News. 

Products recalled include, Eukanuba dry dog foods, Iams dry dog foods and Iams dry cat foods. 

"Salmonella can affect animals eating the products and there is risk to humans from handling contaminated pet products, especially if they have not thoroughly washed their hands after having contact with the products or any surfaces exposed to these products," Proctor and Gamble said in a statement, according to ABC News.

According to Proctor and Gamble, stores have taken the bags of food off the shelves after discovering the potential salmonella contamination during routine testing. The recalled food amounted to approximately 0.1 percent of annual production.

The recalled pet foods were made during a 10-day window at one of Procter & Gamble's manufacturing sites. The recalled products all have expiration dates during November, 2014.

Salmonella is a bacteria that can cause an infection in both people and pets. According to the FDA, pets can get from eating the food, while humans who handle the food may contract the bacteria, as well.

Pets with salmonella may appear tired and/or have a fever, vomiting and bloody diarrhea. Some may show a decreased appetite. According to CBS News, some pets may be completely healthy but still able to spread the bacteria to other animals or people.

In dogs, it may also cause miscarriage or spontaneous abortion, according to PetMD. Salmonellosis in pets may result in loss of blood, non-intestinal infections and diarrhea. 

For people, the infection causes diarrhea, fever and/or abdominal cramps that typically resolves in about a week, accroding to CBSnews. But some people may be at higher risk for more severe illness and complications such as arterial infections, endocarditis, arthritis, muscle pain, eye irritation and urinary tract symptoms.

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 42,000 cases of salmonella are reported in the U.S. annually, but that number could be grossly underreported. 

A complete list of product types, lot codes and expiration dates can be found on the FDA's website. According to ABC News, Proctor and Gamble could not be reached for further comment.

People who purchased the products can contact toll-free hotline at 800-208-0172, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET, or via these pet food brands' websites.

 PREVIOUS POST
NEXT POST