Salmonella fears trigger national pet food recall

Franklin, Tenn.

- Mars Petcare US issued a voluntary recall today for products manufactured at its Everson, Pa., facility. The pet food is being recalled because of potential contamination with Salmonella serotype Schwarzengrund, the company reports. This voluntary recall only affects the United States.

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Mars Petcare US issued a voluntary recall for products made at one of its Pennsylvania facilities due to concerns over Salmonella contamination.

The company stopped production at the Everson facility on July 29, 2008 when it was alerted of a possible link between dry pet food produced at the plant and two isolated cases of people infected with Salmonella Schwarzengrund.

"Even though no direct link between products produced at the Everson manufacturing plant and human or pet illness has been made, we are taking this precautionary action to protect pets and their owners," says Catherine Woteki, global director of Scientific Affairs, Mars, Inc. in a prepared statement. "We are continuing to work collaboratively with the FDA to determine the nature and source of Salmonella Schwarzengrund at the Everson facility, and are committed to making sure our consumers and customers have the information they need regarding our voluntary recall."

Since officials have not yet identified the source of the Salmonella Schwarzengrund, Mars Petcare US does not plan to resume production at the facility. The pet food produced at the Everson plant represents 2.7 percent of total PEDIGREE production, the company says.

Many of the brands involved in the recall are national brands produced at multiple facilities. A presstime, the company issued a chart for all products snared in the recall. Products can be returned to the place of purchase for a refund.

For a complete list of recalled productsand UPC numbers, click here.

Salmonella can cause serious infections in dogs and cats. 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," the company says.