FDA Links Contaminated Pet Treats to Human Illness

FDA Salmonella

On June 9th, 2015, the FDA released a report discussing the relationship between bacteria contaminated pet food and treats, pet illness, and human illness. The report is divided into four parts: the goals of the study, the parameters of the study, the results of the study thus far, and a list of precautions pet owners can take in light of the findings.

The Goal

Led by the FDA and the Veterinary Laboratory Investigation and Response Network (Vet-LIRN), the goal of the study, in the words of Vet-LIRN's Director and lead research biologist Renate Reimschuessel, V.M.D, Ph.D:

"Ultimately, we're hoping to learn ways FDA can help minimize the incidence of food-borne illness associated with pet foods and treats."

The Parameters of the Study

Over the past 2 year, eleven of Vet-LIRN's 34 labs focused on the issue of food-borne salmonella infections in cats and dogs. The lab portion of the study consisted of establishing a test group of 100 dogs and cats displaying signs of salmonella, testing the stool of those dogs and cats, and comparing the results of those test to those performed on the stool samples of the control group, which consisted of a 100 dogs and cats who were not showing signs of salmonella. This lab portion of the study was supplemented with a detailed owner survey covering topics ranging from pet diet to recent health.

The Results of the Study (So Far)

While the FDA hopes to release a full report by 2016, they have released some of the preliminary findings. Among the more interesting details to be released is the fact that of the 2,965 pets that were tested, fewer than 100 actually tested positive for salmonella bacteria. Even more interesting was that fact that of those animals that tested positive, nearly half showed little to no signs of being infected.

In addition to these facts, the study also established that pets who tested positive for Salmonella were more likely to have eaten raw pet food or to have been on a raw food diet. 

Precautions Pet Owners Can Take

Hand Washing

In light of the results of the study thus far, the FDA has provided pet owners with a list of simple, but effective guidelines for reducing the risk of pet food-borne illness among their families and their pets.

  • Avoid purchasing pet food in damaged packaging
  • Feed pets in a place that can be sanitized or cleaned easily
  • Wash your hands after preparing your pet's food
  • Consider having designated pet food utensils
  • Store pet food at the proper temperature
  • Store pet food in well sealed containers

So...what are our takeaways?

From what the study has found so far it seems clear that there are links between contaminated pet food and human incidents of bacteria related illness. That being said, pet food-borne illness is easily preventable. Ensuring that your family (four-legged members, included) stay happy and healthy can be as simple as having safe food storage habits and establishing a little extra kitchen cleanliness.

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  • "Many pet foods contain corn as the main ingredient. Dogs and cats are not “cornivores’….they are carnivores!"
  • "If I can’t eat the food, I won’t give it to my pets either."
  • "Our pets are the only ones in our family who give us unconditional love."
  • "The animals are our children. They deserve the same quality food as our two-legged children."
  • "Your pets are members of the family so treat them like members of the family."
  • "I can help your pets live longer, healthier lives."
  • "Feed your pets what your grandfather fed his pets."
  • "Would you eat what you are feeding your pet? No? Then don’t feed it."
  • "Cats are obligate carnivores, not herbivores."
  • "Animals are my children."
  • "You have never in your life been to a doctor or veterinarian who taught you how to prevent disease (or who taught you about nutrition.)"
  • "Developed with Passion by a practicing veterinarian."
  • "If your human children died at 25 instead of 75 that would get your attention as to what is going on with pets."
  • "I am abolishing disease in my practice."
  • "1 out of 5 children in the average American family walks on all fours."
  • "Tell your pet every day that you love them."
  • "You can communicate with your pet, just listen."
  • "Would you feed your other children pet food?"
  • "Think about which members of your family give you unconditional love. Then treat them the same."
  • "We don’t make pet food, we make food for pets"
  • "Give them a “mouse-full”"
  • "Read the ingredients, would you eat that?"
  • "Does your pet deserve any less?"
  • "Where else do you get unconditional love?"
  • "Who is always happy to see you?"
  • "Who never complains about their day?"
  • "Give back to your pets the unconditional love that they give you."
  • "I put unconditional love into my food, my products, my patients, my practice."
  • "These blessed creatures are giving you unconditional love. Feeding them healthy, pure organic food is not much to ask in return."
  • "Let an animal in your heart and experience unconditional love."
  • "Unconditional love is when you love with all that you have."
  • "Unconditional love is giving without taking."
  • "Unconditional love is above all the gift of one’s self."
  • "Unconditional love is above all the gift of life."
  • "Unconditional love is the deepest essence of life."
  • "Unconditional love is always available for the asking."
  • "There is nothing more exhilarating than animal love."
  • "We all need to ask ourselves, “What are we giving to the world?”"
  • "Pursue your passion. I did."
  • "I make pet food the way Mother Nature intended."
  • "You were told your whole life not to feed your pet off the table. That turned out to be a lie to help sell pet food."

- Doc -