Mars Petcare has announced a recall of numerous brands of pet food manufactured at its Everson, PA manufacturing plant, because the product may be contaminated with the foodborne pathogen Salmonella Schwarzengrund.  The recall affects pet foods manufactured at the Everson plant from February 18 through July 29, 2008.

While cats and dogs can become infected after consuming contaminated food, humans also run the risk of becoming infected with Salmonella after handling the food, or while caring for and cleaning up after a sick pet. Surfaces, objects, and utensils in the home, that come into contact with the pet food, can become cross contaminated, acting as yet another potential source for human infection. 

Foodpoisoning.com would like to remind our readers to always wash your hands (with both soap and water) after handling pet food or your pet’s eating and drinking bowls.  Please see Pet Food Handling Tips for more suggestions.

Symptoms of Salmonella food poisoning in humans may include diarrhea (sometimes bloody), abdominal cramps, nausea, vomiting, fever, chills, headache, muscle pain, and joint pain. Symptoms usually appear within 12-72 hours after the ingestion of contaminated food.  The elderly, infants, and those with impaired immune systems are more likely to suffer severe illness. Please see Salmonella Food Poisoning Symptoms for more information.

Mars Petcare provides the following information regarding Salmonella infection in pets:

Pets with Salmonella infections may be lethargic and have diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever, and vomiting. Some pets will have only decreased appetite, fever and abdominal pain.  Animals can be carriers with no visible symptoms and can potentially infect other animals or humans. If your pet has consumed the recalled product and has these symptoms, please contact your veterinarian.

For a complete listing of pet foods affected by the Mars Petcare Recall, please see FDA Recalls.

Located in New Brunswick, NJ, The Law Firm of Eric Weinberg currently represents individuals who have been sickened in Salmonella food poisoning outbreaks nationwide. If you have a question concerning your legal rights, please call us toll free at 1-877-934-6274, or see Free Legal Case Evaluation.

For information concerning recent food poisoning outbreaks, please see Salmonella IHOP, E. coli Illinois Lettuce, Vermont E. coli Lawyer, and E. coli Michigan Lettuce.