Midwestern Pet Foods issues voluntary recall due to potential Salmonella contamination

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Just 3 months after issuing a major international recall prompted by the risk of aflatoxin poisoning associated with some of its pet food brands, Midwestern Pet Foods, Inc, has announced another recall—this time due to potential Salmonella contamination. On March 26, the Indiana-based manufacturer announced a voluntary recall of specific expiration dates of several dog and cat foods, including more than 10 brands and 140 lot codes, following routine sampling by the company in which it was discovered that some products may contain the bacteria.

Potentially affected products have been distributed to retail stores nationwide and online. These products can be identified using the “M” identifier in the date code, indicating that they were manufactured at the company’s Monmouth, Illinois facility. The lot code information is located on the back of the packaging with the following format: “EXP AUG/02/22/M1/L#.”

An example of where the lot code is located and what it looks like on the product. (Photo courtesy of Midwestern Pet Foods, Inc)

Salmonella can affect animals eating the contaminated product as well as humans who handle the products, especially if they have not thoroughly washed their hands after making contact with these products. To date, no human or pet illnesses related to the recalled products have been reported.

The recall list includes products from the following lines:

• CanineX
• Earthborn Holistic
• Meridian
• Pro Pac
• Pro Pac Ultimates
• Sportmix
• Sportmix Wholesomes
• Sportstrail
• Unrefined
• Venture
• Wholesomes

To view the full list of recalled products, go here.

Pets infected with Salmonella may be lethargic and have diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever, and vomiting. According to the FDA, some pets will exhibit a decreased appetite, fever, and abdominal pain. Infected but otherwise healthy pets can become vectors of transmission to other animals or humans.

The FDA advises pet owners to immediately cease feeding their pets the recalled products and to reach out to their veterinarian if their pet is exhibiting any of the above signs. All recalled pet foods should be destroyed in a way that children, pets, and wildlife cannot access them. Pet food bowls, cups and storage containers should be washed and sanitized.

Healthy people infected with Salmonella should monitor themselves for the following symptoms: vomiting, diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramping, and fever. Furthermore, Salmonella can cause serious health concerns, including arterial infections, endocarditis, arthritis, muscle pain, eye irritation, and urinary tract symptoms. The FDA advises consumers who experience any of the above clinical signs to contact their health care provider.

Retailers should not sell or donate the affected products and should contact the manufacturer for further steps. If possible, retailers should contact consumers who have purchased the recalled products. Midwestern Pet Foods Consumer Affairs can be reached at 800-474-4163, ext 455, from 8 AM to 5 PM CDT, Monday through Friday, or by email at info@midwesternpetfoods.com.