Salmonella fear leads to recall of dog food

FRANKLIN, Tenn. – Some bags of Krasdale Gravy dry dog food sold in Massachusetts and other states may be contaminated with salmonella, which could affect both pets and their owners, Mars Petcare U.S. Inc. announced Tuesday. The company is recalling the product and asking pet owners who purchased it to throw it away and bring the bags in for a refund.

The new recall applies to 5-pound bags of dog food sold in Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania with the UPC code 7513062596 and a “best by” date of July 16, 2008, or July 17, 2008, according to a news release from the company.

Salmonella can cause serious infections in dogs and cats. Pets with the infections could be lethargic and have diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever, abdominal cramps and vomiting.

Even healthy animals with the infection can pass it to other animals or humans, who could experience the same symptoms. Salmonella is especially dangerous to children, older adults and people with compromised immune systems.

Food and Drub Administration officials detected salmonella in a sample of the product during a recent review, prompting the voluntary recall from the company.

Two spokeswomen for the company did not immediately return phone calls.