Salmonella fears spur major recall of pet treats

(HealthDay)— Boots & Barkley, Colorado Naturals and Nature's Deli are among the many pet treat brands being recalled by an American company due to possible salmonella contamination, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration said Thursday.

Kasel Associates Industries Inc. is recalling all pet treats it manufactured between April 20 and Sept. 19, 2012. The company has issued three previous recall notices for specific products produced during this time period.

The action comes after the Colorado Department of Agriculture tested a sample of a Kasel pet treat product from a store and found it to be positive for salmonella. A follow-up FDA inspection at the company found that all of the finished pet treat product samples and 48 out of 87 environmental samples from the manufacturing facility tested positive for salmonella.

More than 10 different types of salmonella were found in the company's treats and the production plant, indicating multiple sources of contamination, the FDA said in an agency news release.

The pet treats made by Kasel are sold at various retailers, including Target, Petco, Sam's Club and Costco. Most of the products have a two-year shelf life.

There have not been any reports of human illness associated with the pet treats, but there have been complaints of illnesses in dogs who ate the treats, according to the agency.

Both people and animals can contract salmonella from handling or eating contaminated products. After handling dry pet treats, people should thoroughly wash their hands as well as any surfaces touched by the products, the FDA said.

Consumers who have the recalled products, or who are unsure of the manufacturing date of their pet treats, should dispose of them safely by placing them in a securely lidded garbage can.

The recall is not related to the FDA's ongoing investigation of jerky pet treats made in China.

Symptoms of salmonella infection in pets include lethargy, diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever, vomiting, decreased appetite and abdominal pain. Pets who have eaten the recalled treats and are experiencing any of these symptoms should be taken to a veterinarian, the FDA advised.

The agency also noted that infected, but otherwise healthy pets, can be carriers and infect other animals or people.

Symptoms of salmonella infection in people can include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramps and fever. People who develop these symptoms after handling the recalled pet treats should see their doctor, the FDA said.