Mount Pleasant, Texas – Mid America Pet Food has broadened its voluntary recall initiated on October 30, 2023, to include more pet food products manufactured at its Mount Pleasant facility. This expansion is due to the potential contamination of these products with Salmonella. The recall now encompasses products with Best By Dates prior to 10/31/24. Salmonella poses a health risk to both pets consuming the contaminated food and humans handling it, particularly if proper handwashing is not practiced after contact with the products or any surfaces they have touched.
Salmonella infection in humans can manifest through symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea (possibly bloody), abdominal cramps, and fever. In rare instances, it can lead to more severe conditions including arterial infections, endocarditis, arthritis, muscle pain, eye irritation, and urinary tract issues. Individuals experiencing these symptoms after contact with the recalled pet food should seek medical advice immediately. Children, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems are at a higher risk of severe illness from Salmonella.
In pets, Salmonella infection may present as lethargy, diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever, and vomiting. Some pets might only show reduced appetite, fever, and abdominal discomfort. Even seemingly healthy pets can be carriers of Salmonella and spread the infection to other animals or humans. If your pet has consumed the recalled food and exhibits these symptoms, it is crucial to contact your veterinarian without delay.
The voluntary recall affects several brands produced at the Mount Pleasant plant, including Victor Super Premium Dog Foods, Wayne Feeds Dog Food, Eagle Mountain Pet Food, and certain Member’s Mark varieties, all with Best By Dates before 10/31/24. These recalled products have been distributed nationwide through distributors and retailers across the United States. A comprehensive list of the affected products can be found in this Dog and Cat Foods Lists.
The Best By Date is printed on the middle top section of the back of each bag. This expanded recall follows positive Salmonella findings in some product batches through both company and South Carolina Department of Agriculture random and targeted sampling of finished products.
As of November 1, 2023, there have been seven reported cases of Salmonella infection in humans linked to this pet food.
Retailers and distributors are instructed to immediately remove all recalled products from their shelves and inventory and ensure their destruction. These products should not be sold or donated.
Consumers are urged not to feed the recalled pet food to their pets or any other animals. The food should be destroyed in a manner that prevents access by children, pets, and wildlife. It is also essential to thoroughly wash and sanitize pet food bowls, scoops, and storage containers. Always wash and sanitize hands after handling recalled food or any utensils that have come into contact with it.
For further information, consumers can contact Mid America Pet Food Consumer Affairs at 1-888-428-7544, available from 8 AM to 11 PM Eastern Standard Time (EST) seven days a week.
This voluntary recall is being conducted in collaboration with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. For additional details, refer to the FDA and CDC Advisory.
Recalled Pet Food Brands and Products
The Mid America Pet Food recall includes a range of dry dog and cat food products under the following brand names:
- Victor Super Premium Dog Foods
- Wayne Feeds Dog Food
- Eagle Mountain Pet Food
- Member’s Mark (select varieties)
It is critical to check the Best By Date on your pet food bags. Only products with Best By Dates before 10/31/24 manufactured at the Mount Pleasant facility are included in this recall.
Understanding the Risks of Salmonella
Salmonella is a bacterium that can cause illness in both humans and animals. Pets, especially dogs and cats, can contract Salmonella through contaminated food and can then spread it to humans, even if the pets themselves appear healthy.
Symptoms of Salmonella in Pets:
- Lethargy
- Diarrhea (may be bloody)
- Fever
- Vomiting
- Decreased appetite
- Abdominal pain
Symptoms of Salmonella in Humans:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea (may be bloody)
- Abdominal cramping
- Fever
Immediate Actions for Pet Owners and Retailers
For Pet Owners:
- STOP FEEDING any recalled pet food to your pets.
- CHECK your pet food bags for the brand, product name, and Best By Date.
- DISPOSE of the recalled food safely, preventing access by children, pets, and wildlife.
- SANITIZE food bowls, scoops, and storage containers thoroughly.
- WASH YOUR HANDS meticulously after handling the food or related items.
- MONITOR your pets for Salmonella symptoms and contact your veterinarian if needed.
For Retailers and Distributors:
- REMOVE all recalled products from inventory and shelves immediately.
- DO NOT SELL OR DONATE the recalled products.
- DESTROY the recalled products properly.
- INFORM customers about the recall.
Contact Information
For any questions or concerns regarding this recall, please contact Mid America Pet Food Consumer Affairs:
- Phone: 1-888-428-7544
- Hours: 8 AM to 11 PM Eastern Standard Time (EST), 7 days a week
For more information on Salmonella and pet food safety, please refer to the FDA and CDC advisory: FDA and CDC Investigate Cases of Salmonella Linked to Pet Food Made by Mid America Pet Food; Multiple Brands Recalled.