In light of a possible health risk, Mid America Pet Food of Mount Pleasant, Texas, has announced an expansion of its voluntary recall issued on October 30, 2023. The recall now includes additional pet food products that were manufactured before October 31, 2024, at the company's Mount Pleasant facility. The reason behind the recall is the potential contamination of these products with Salmonella, a bacteria known for its harmful effects on both animals and humans.

Salmonella can pose a threat to animals that consume the contaminated pet food, and there is also a risk of infection to humans who handle the affected products without proper hand hygiene practices. Individuals who come into contact with the products or surfaces exposed to them are advised to thoroughly wash their hands to mitigate the risk of infection.

Symptoms of Salmonella infection in humans may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramping, and fever. In rare cases, more severe ailments such as arterial infections, endocarditis, arthritis, muscle pain, eye irritation, and urinary tract symptoms can also occur. If consumers experience any of these signs after handling the recalled pet food, it is recommended that they seek medical attention. Individuals with compromised immune systems, children, and the elderly may be more susceptible to Salmonella infection.

Pets infected with Salmonella may exhibit symptoms such as lethargy, diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever, and vomiting. Some pets may show decreased appetite, fever, and abdominal pain. Even if pets appear healthy, they can still carry the infection and spread it to other animals or humans. If a pet has consumed the recalled product and displays any of these symptoms, it is advised to seek veterinary care.

Various pet food brands produced at Mid America Pet Food's Mount Pleasant facility are included in the voluntary recall. These brands include Victor Super Premium Dog Foods, Wayne Feeds Dog Food, Eagle Mountain Pet Food, and certain varieties of Member's Mark with Best By Dates before October 31, 2024. The affected products were distributed to retailers and distributors across the United States.

The recall is being issued as a result of some product lots testing positive for Salmonella during random and targeted sampling of finished goods. Both the company and the South Carolina Department of Agriculture have conducted these tests.

As of November 1, 2023, there have been seven reported cases of Salmonella infections. Retailers and distributors are urged to remove all affected products from their inventory and shelves immediately and ensure their proper destruction. These recalled products should not be sold or donated.

Pet owners are strongly advised not to feed their animals the recalled products or any other animals. The food should be disposed of in a manner that prevents access by children, pets, or wildlife. Additionally, pet food bowls, cups, and storage containers should be washed and sanitized thoroughly. It is crucial to practice hand hygiene by washing and sanitizing hands after handling the recalled pet food or any utensils that have come into contact with it.

For further information, concerned consumers can contact Mid America Pet Food Consumer Affairs at 1-888-428-7544 between 8 AM and 11 PM Eastern Standard Time (EST), seven days a week.