Breeder's Choice recalls pet food for possible Salmonella contamination

A single batch of Breeder's Choice AvoDerm Natural Lamb Meal & Brown Rice Adult Dog Formula possibly contaminated with Salmonella was recalled by Breeder’s Choice Pet Food Sept. 11. The affected product--in 26-pound bags--can be identified by product code/SKU/Material number 1000065074, UPC Code 0 5290702043 8 and was sold in California, Georgia, Illinois, Nevada, Virginia and Washington. The bags will be printed with “best before” dates of Aug. 28, 2013, Aug. 29, 2013 and Aug. 30, 2013.

The Federal Drug Administration (FDA) warns that Salmonella can affect animals that consume the product and also pose a risk to people who handle contaminated food. Anyone who handles the food should wash hands and clean surfaces the food touched. People exposed to Salmonella should watch for nausea, vomiting, diarrhea (including bloody diarrhea), abdominal cramping and fever. Affected pets may act lethargic and experience diarrhea (including bloody diarrhea), fever and vomiting. Some pets will have only decreased appetite, fever and abdominal pain.

“Infected but otherwise healthy pets can be carriers and infect other animals or humans,” the FDA release states. “If your pet has consumed the recalled product and has these symptoms, please contact your veterinarian.”

No human or pet illnesses had been reported as of Sept. 12. No other Breeder’s Choice Pet Food products are affected by the recall. For more information or questions regarding the recall, Breeder’s Choice Customer Service representatives and company veterinarians are available at (866) 500-6286. More information can also be found at the Breeder’s Choice Pet Food website avoderm.com.