Pet Food Recall Over Salmonella Risk to Animals and People

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

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

Newsweek has reached out to the 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 hamster and gerbil feed are affected by the recall.

Anyone who is concerned that their pet may have become infected with salmonella as a result of eating an affected pet should be aware of the main symptoms associated with the pathogen.

These include lethargy, fever, vomiting, diarrhea and bloody diarrhea. Decreased appetite, stomach pain or general fever can also be indicators of potential infection.

It is important to note, however, that not all infected pets will show symptoms. Even so, 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 their pet’s welfare following this recall should contact their veterinarian to address any concerns they may have.

Humans can also become infected with salmonella both by handling pet food that carries the pathogen and close contact with an infected pet.

Symptoms associated with salmonella infection in humans are similar to those seen in pets. These include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, stomach cramping and fever.

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

If a person begins to experience one or more of these conditions, the recommendation is that they seek immediate care from a health care provider.

Although the presence of salmonella in pet food poses a risk to humans, the simplest and most effective way to reduce the likelihood of infection is by washing hands thoroughly after handling pet products.

Official CDC guidance recommends that contaminated pet food be disposed of in a “sealed trash bag” that is then placed in a sealed trash can that is inaccessible to wildlife.

It should be kept out of reach of children and under no circumstances should it be remembered that pet food has been given.

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