Another raw pet food was found to be contaminated with a pathogenic bacteria this week, this time from a company called Go Raw, LLC, of Cottonwood Utah. Go Raw is recalling some of its Quest Beef Cat Food after the company was notified by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture when a sample the state collected tested positive for Salmonella.

However, the firm claims their tests did not show it was contaminated with Salmonella. But the company does admit in the recall notice that because Salmonella is not evenly distributed throughout pet food, that could explain why it could have been found on the sample that the Minnesota Department of Agriculture took.

Bottom line? If regulators find that a company’s product is contaminated, it has to be recalled. And really, that raw meat is contaminated with bacteria is not surprising considering that raw meat – whether intended for humans or pets – is usually just that: Contaminated. Nevertheless, because Salmonella is not allowed to be in pet food in any amount regardless of whether the company’s tests differ from the Department of Minnesota, Go Raw is required by law to recall it.

THE RECALLED CAT FOOD

Go Raw is recalling its 2lb. frozen bags of Quest Beef Cat Food because it may be contaminated with Salmonella. The affected products were nationally distributed through retail stores and are identified with the following UPC 6-91730-17101-8, Lot N128.

Consumers who have purchased 2lb. bags of Quest Beef Cat Food are urged to return them to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions should contact the company at 801-432-7478, Monday-Friday, 9:00 am to 4 pm MST.

WHY SHOULD YOU WORRY?

In the recall notice, Go Raw warns that “Salmonella can affect animals eating the products and there is a risk to humans from handling contaminated pet products, especially if they have not thoroughly washed their hands after having contact with the products or any surfaces exposed to these products.”

But on Go Raw’s website, the company has a different take on the risks of raw pet food. The company says that raw meat pet diets have bacteria in it, admitting, “Yes, it is true raw meats may contain bacteria, just as it does from the grocery store. However, your dog’s effective, highly acidic digestive system can easily deal with it.”

SALMONELLA ILLNESS IN PEOPLE

Here’s the problem: Healthy people infected with Salmonella can experience nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramping, and fever. And salmonellosis, the disease caused by Salmonella, can result in more serious ailments, according to the recall, including “arterial infections, endocarditis, arthritis, muscle pain, eye irritation, and urinary tract symptoms. Consumers exhibiting these signs after having contact with this product should contact their healthcare providers.”

SALMONELLOSIS IN CATS

Even though the company claims that dogs can handle Salmonella contaminated dog food, the company warns in its recall notice that cats with Salmonella infections “may be lethargic and have diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever, and vomiting. Some pets will have only decreased appetite, fever, and abdominal pain. Infected but otherwise healthy pets can be carriers and infect other animals or humans.” So, if your cat has consumed the recalled product and has any of these symptoms, you should take your cat to your veterinarian sooner rather than later.

SOURCE: Go Raw, LLC Recalls One Lot of Quest Beef Because of Possible Salmonella Health Risk