Nestle Purina PetCare Company (NPPC) has issued a recall on a limited number of 3.5- and 7-pound bags of its Purina ONE Vibrant Maturity 7+ Dry Cat Food due to possible Salmonella contamination. The food comes from a single production run and was shipped to customers in 12 states in December 2010, according to Purina. "This is being done because some bags of the product have been found to be contaminated with Salmonella" a release issued by Purina states. The product was distributed to customers in California, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, North Dakota, Nebraska, Ohio and Wisconsin, who may have further distributed the product to other states. The company became aware of the contamination as a result of samples that had been collected in several retail stores. No additional Purina cat or dog products are involved in the voluntary recall, and no other Purina ONE brand products are involved, according to the company. Pets with Salmonella infections may exhibit decreased appetite, fever and abdominal pain. If left untreated, pets may be lethargic and have diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever and vomiting. Infected but otherwise healthy pets can be carriers and infect other animals or humans. If you pet has consumed the recalled product and has these symptoms, please contact your veterinarian. Salmonella can affect animals eating the product, and there is a risk to humans from handling contaminated products. People handling contaminated dry pet food can become infected with Salmonella, especially if they have not thoroughly washed their hands after having contact with surfaces exposed to this product. Purina advises healthy people infected with Salmonella to monitor themselves for the following symptoms: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramping and fever. Consumers exhibiting these signs after having contact with this product should contact their healthcare providers. For more information or to obtain a product refund call 1-800-982-6559 or visit Purina.com. Consumers who have purchased Purina ONE Vibrant Maturity 7+ Dry Cat Food products with these specific "Best By" date and production codes should discontinue feeding the product and discard it: Size "Best By" Code* Bag UPC Code 3.5 lb. MAY 2012 03341084 17800 01885 3.5 lb. MAY 2012 03351084 17800 01885 7 lb. MAY 2012 03341084 17800 01887 7 lb. MAY 2012 03351084 17800 01887 "Best By" Date and Production Code are found on the back or bottom of the bag.
