Salmonella and Listeria Contamination: Performance Dog Raw Pet Food
The FDA releases warning against Performance Dog Raw Pet Food due to Salmonella and Listeria Contamination.
On September 26, 2019 the FDA published a warning against Performance Dog frozen raw pet food for all dog owners. Several samples were taken and tested from Bravo Packaging, Inc., the processor for Performance Dog frozen raw pet food. Two of the samples returned positive for Salmonella and Listeria monocytogenes.
Of the two contaminated samples, only one has been distributed to stores, including Performance Dog raw pet food, lot code: 072219. Inspectors believe the contaminated product could have been distributed as long ago as mid-summer. Since this product is commonly stored frozen, it is likely that some consumers may still be in possession of it. The FDA states that if you have any Performance Dog food products purchased on or before July 22, 2019, they should be disposed of.
Certain Populations Need To Take Special Care to Avoid Potentially Contaminated Dog Food
While Salmonella and Listeria infection can cause illness in both humans and animals (often via zoonotic infection), they affect the young, old, pregnant, and other immuno-compromised groups the most. Symptoms of Salmonella infection include diarrhea, fever, and cramps. Listeriosis symptoms are often similar to those of the flu such as fever, stiffness, headache, and confusion. The FDA explains that animals do not always display symptoms even when infected with either of these bacteria.
People should be concerned about this contamination for the sake of their pets’ health as well as the rest of their household. The bacteria can be easily spread to humans through contact with the contaminated dog food or through animal feces. It is important if you have purchased Performance Dog frozen raw pet food to promptly dispose of it and practice careful hygiene to prevent the spread of Salmonella and Listeria.
A helpful pamphlet for pet food safety standards and tips can be found here.
https://www.cdc.gov/listeria/index.html
https://www.cdc.gov/salmonella/
