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Wild Kitty Cat Food issues recall due to contamination
| Article published on Wednesday, Feb. 21, 2007 |
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ARUNDEL, MAINE - Wild Kitty Cat Food Inc. of Arundel, Maine, alerted consumers that it the firm is voluntarily recalling several varieties of Wild Kitty Cat Food.
The varieties include All Natural, Frozen Cat Food – Raw Chicken with Clam Recipe, Net Wt. 3.5 oz (100g) and Net Wt. 16 oz (453.6g); Raw Duck with Clam Recipe, Net Wt. 3.5 oz (100g) and Net Wt. 16 oz (453.6g); and Raw Tuna with Conch Recipe 3.5 oz (100g) all lot codes. The recall was prompted because the food may be contaminated with Salmonella. People handling these pet foods can become infected with Salmonella, especially if they have not thoroughly washed their hands after having contact with any of these pet foods or any surfaces exposed to these products.
Salmonella is an organism which can cause serious infections in small children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Healthy people may only suffer short-term symptoms, such as high fever, severe headache, vomiting, nausea, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. Long term complications can include arthritis.
The firm has received no reports of illness associated with the product.
The firm and FDA are investigating this matter to determine the source of this problem, and will take any additional steps necessary to protect the public health.
Consumers who have these pet foods should not feed them to their pets, but should instead dispose of them in a safe manner (e.g., in a securely covered trash receptacle). Anyone who is experiencing the symptoms of Salmonella infection after having handled one of these pet products should seek medical attention, and report their use of the product and illness to the nearest FDA office.
People should thoroughly wash their hands after handling any of these pet foods – especially those made from raw animal protein such as meat or fish -- to help prevent infection. People may risk bacterial infection not only by handling pet foods, but by contact with pets or surfaces exposed to these foods, so it is important that they thoroughly wash their hands with hot water and soap.
Since elderly people, young children, and people with weakened immune systems are particularly at risk from exposure they should avoid handling these products.
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Article published on Wednesday, Feb. 21, 2007
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