Major distributors such as PetSmart, PetCo, WalMart, Costco, Sam’s Club, and Target gave samples of the foods they stock to the FDA in October for their far reaching investigation into whether pet food is giving people Salmonella. The FDA is testing pet food samples for salmonella that pet owners could accidentally be exposed to after touching pet food. The FDA is testing food and treats for all domestic pets – including: cats, dogs, fish, rodents and reptiles. They are not testing the foods because people are eating them but rather that they are becoming unintentionally contaminated after handling the food and treats they give to their pets.
Salmonella can be transferred to people who touch pet food and then unintentionally touch their mouths. Symptoms usually appear 12 to 72 hours after contamination, and illness lasts four to seven days, according to the CDC. According to the CDC children are the most susceptible to salmonella poisoning and should never touch dog food without immediately washing their hands with soap and water.
FDA Investigates Dog Food for Salmonella: MyFoxPHOENIX.com
