Pet Food Recall Over Salmonella Risk to Animals and Humans

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has announced the voluntary recall of batches of a hamster and gerbil feed after an ingredient tested positive for salmonella.

Central Valley Ag Cooperative is voluntarily recalling several lGS Hamster/Gerbil + Turmeric bulk super sacks after testing detected the possible presence of salmonella. The products affected bear the lot code B0624179808 11399 OXBOW and have a best-by date of 2/6/2026.

Newsweek has contacted Central Valley Ag Cooperative for comment via email. The recall was initiated on February 26. According to the recall notice published by the FDA, 7,464 pounds of the hamster and gerbil feed is affected by the recall.

Anyone worried their pet may have been infected with salmonella as a result of the pet food affected should look out for the key symptoms associated with the pathogen.

These include lethargy, fever, vomiting, diarrhea and bloody diarrhea. A decreased appetite, abdominal pain or a general fever may also be indicators of potential infection.

It's important to note, however, that not every pet infected will exhibit symptoms. Even though, they still pose a potential risk as carriers capable of infecting others, such as fellow pets and their human handlers, through their saliva and feces.

Anyone concerned about the welfare of their pet in the wake of this recall should contact their veterinarian to address worries they might have.

Humans can also be infected with salmonella both through the handling of pet food carrying the pathogen and close contact with an infected pet.

The symptoms associated with a salmonella infection in humans are similar to those seen in pets. They include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramping and fever.

In some very rare cases, however, salmonella can result in more serious health problems. These include arterial infections, endocarditis, arthritis, muscle pain, eye irritation, and urinary tract symptoms.

In the event that someone begins to experience one or more of these conditions, the recommendation is that they seek urgent care from a healthcare provider.

Though the presence of salmonella in pet food poses a risk to humans, the simplest and most effective way to reduce the likelihood of becoming infected is through the thorough washing of hands after handling pet products.

The official CDC guidance recommends that infected pet food is disposed of in a "sealed trash bag" which is then placed in a sealed trash can that wildlife cannot get into.

It should be kept away from children and under no circumstances should recalled pet food be donated.

Any bowls, utensils or surfaces exposed to the food should also be thoroughly disinfected.