Mars Petcare US on Monday issued a voluntary recall of a limited number of bags of Special Kitty Gourmet Blend dry cat food sold at Wal-Mart stores in 15 states because of potential Salmonella contamination. The pet food is being recalled after a positive test result indicating a potential contamination with Salmonella, the company said. The Wal-Mart locations are in Connecticut, Delaware, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, North Carolina, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Virginia, Vermont and West Virginia. This product should not be purchased or fed to pets, according to the company. Pet owners are urged to dispose of the product in a securely covered trash bin, and return empty bags to the store where purchased for a refund. No complaints of illness have been reported, according to the company. Salmonella can cause serious infections in dogs and cats, and, if there is cross contamination caused by handling of the pet food, in people as well, especially children, elders and people with weak immune systems. Healthy people potentially infected with Salmonella should watch for some or all of the following symptoms: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramping and fever. On rare occasions, Salmonella can result in more serious ailments, including arterial infections, endocarditis, arthritis, muscle pain, eye irritation and urinary tract symptoms. People displaying these signs after having contact with this product should call their healthcare providers. Pets with Salmonella infections may be lethargic and have diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever and vomiting. Some pets will have only decreased appetite, fever and abdominal pain. Animals can be carriers with no visible symptoms and potentially infect other animals or humans. If a pet has consumed the recalled product and shows these symptoms, pet owners are advised to contact a veterinarian. Pet owners who have questions about the recall may call 877-568-4463 or visit the Mars Petcare US website. Recalled Pet Food Product: Special Kitty gourmet blend dry cat food Best If Used By Date: AUG 11 09 Best If Used By Date Location: Back of bag Production Lot Code: 50 XXXX X (Found on back of bag just after “Best If Used By” date. Consumers should look for “50” as the first two digits of the second line.) UPC Code: UPC code numbers can be found directly underneath the bar code on the package. Please find recalled pet food UPC information below. 3.5 lb. Special Kitty gourmet blend 81131 17546 7 lb. Special Kitty gourmet blend 81131 17547 18 lb. Special Kitty gourmet blend 81131 17548 <HOME>
