Diamond Pet Foods has announced an expanded voluntary recall of some brands of dry dog and cat food because of a possible salmonella contamination. Reports are that 14 people have been reported sick as a result in nine states. Five people were hospitalized from handling the food as reported by the Centers for Disease Control to the Associated Press. The recalled foods were produced in a plant in Glaston, S.C. facility between December 9, 2011 and April 7, 2012.
The Diamond Pet Foods-and companies that co-manufacture their food with Diamond- recall includes many brands of food, including Chicken Soup for the Pet Lover’s Soul, Country Value, Diamond, Diamond Naturals, Premium Edge, Professional, Natural Balance, 4Health, Taste of the Wild, Apex, Kirkland Signature/Kirkland Signature Nature’s Domain, Wellness Complete Health, Solid Gold, and Canidae.
According to Cornell University, salmonella poisoning in humans can cause nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain/colic or cramps and diarrhea. People may experience moderate fevers and chills. The elderly and young, those with decreased gastric acidity, those with altered gastrointestinal bacteria, those who are immunosuppressed HIV patients, and those whose bowel movements are decreased are at higher risk.
All CountryMax Stores were alerted of the recall as of Friday, May 4 and immediately pulled affected product from their shelves. Consumers who may have purchased recalled food are welcome and encouraged to bring back any recalled bags of food to any CountryMax location. “We want consumers and their pets to be safe.” Stated Bob Lehman, a pet food Buyer for CountryMax Stores. “We are an official collection point for the recall, so we will take back any product in the recall, even if it was not purchased from us. We also have some supply of these brands that were produced in a different plant, and we have several alternative brands to keep your dog or cat fed.”
