TruPet quietly announced a recall of its freeze-dried Boost Me Mighty Meaty Beef Booster raw dog food topper because the product has the “potential” to be contaminated with Salmonella. Some consumers were notified in an email from the company about the recall, but others appear not to have received such information.

The affected product can be identified by the lot number #2019053113815. This is the second such recall by the company this year. In February, the company withdrew another one of its raw dog products, again, for Salmonella contamination.

To date, no information appears on their website about the recall.

THE HEALTH RISK OF SALMONELLA

In the recall notice, TruPet trivializes the risks of Salmonella, saying “with raw meat, there’s always a risk for meat to be contaminated with Salmonella, even with human meat – it’s part of the process.”

I, however, prefer that consumers know what the risks are before deciding it is one they are willing to take.

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.

The most common type of salmonellosis infection is the carrier state, in which infected animals carry the pathogen for a variable period without showing any clinical signs. Clinical disease is characterized by two major syndromes: systemic septicemia (also termed as typhoid) and enteritis. Other less common clinical presentations include abortion, arthritis, respiratory disease, necrosis of extremities, and meningitis.

Pets 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. If your pet has consumed the recalled product and has these symptoms, please contact your veterinarian.

Healthy people infected with Salmonella should monitor themselves for some or all of the following symptoms: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramping and fever. Rarely, Salmonella can result in more serious ailments, 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.

WHAT CONSUMERS SHOULD DO

Consumers who have purchased Treat Me Crunchy Beef Delight are urged to return the effected product to the place of purchase for a refund. Consumers with questions may call the company at 800-476-8808 or contact them online for additional information

WHAT TO DO IF YOU A PROBLEM

If you believe your pet has become ill from consuming a pet food, please provide the FDA with valuable information by reporting it electronically through their Safety Reporting Portal or call your local FDA Consumer Complaint Coordinator.

If you and your veterinarian think a pet food or treat is the source of a problem – save it – because your state agricultural or veterinary diagnostic lab may want to do testing. If you need more help, find out how to report a pet food complaint to the FDA.

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