How to Handle Recalled Pet Food

Since March 2007, a handful of pet food recalls have been issued in the United States and elsewhere. The first recall involved tainted and potentially deadly grains that were imported from China. A more recent pet food recall was the Pedigree recall affecting California and Nevada, issued in August 2008 due to possible salmonella contamination. This voluntary recall, issued by Pedigree manufacturer Mars Petcare U.S., was expanded on September 12, 2008, to include the nationwide supply of Pedigree dry food and over 12 other brands of dry cat and dog food that were manufactured at Mars Petcare's Everson, Pennsylvania. These recalls are leaving pet owners wondering how they can tell if their pet's food has been recalled. And, if the pet food is recalled, many pet owners are left asking what they should to with the food and how they can prevent illness in pets and family members.

Things You'll Need

• Information on pet food recalls (issued by the manufacturer)
• Heavy-duty trash bags
• Bleach
• Anti-bacterial soap
• Spray bottle
• Paper towels
• Running water access
• Internet connection
• Telephone access
• Original pet food bag (preferred)

Instructions

1. Begin by checking the manufacturer's website for your brand of dog or cat food. The August and September 2008 recalls involved only dog and cat foods manufactured at Mars Petcare U.S.'s Everson, Pennsylvania plant. In this case, the company's website has information on how to determine if a particular bag of food has been recalled by checking the code beneath the "Best If Used By" date and the UPC code. As is commonly the case when a pet food is recalled, the UPC codes for the affected bags are listed on the website, along with the specific flavors and pet food varieties that are involved in the recall. Certain regions are also sometimes noted in the recall information, since a contaminated batch of pet food may be sent to one region, while clean, safe food is sent to another region. The company website is usually the best place to find information when a pet food recall is issued. Calling the company directly is another way to obtain specific information on what pet foods have been recalled.

2. Many pet owners opt to store their pet's food inside a plastic, air-tight container to ensure freshness. For this reason, many pet owners will no longer have the pet food bag on-hand. In these cases, it's basically impossible to confirm with any certainty whether the pet food has been recalled. In these cases, it's recommended that pet owners play it safe and assume that the food has been recalled.

3. Pour the recalled pet food into a heavy-duty trash bags (doubled bagged for extra protection). If a pet owner decides to throw away the contaminated food instead of returning it for a refund, place the bagged food in a covered trash can that is not accessible to neighborhood animals.

4. Return the contaminated pet food to the store where it was originally purchased for a refund or a new bag of food. A receipt is not required when returning recalled pet food. But just in case the store employee is not aware of the recall, pet owners should print out a copy of the recall information and bring it along.

5. Once the recalled pet food has been returned, the next step involves cleaning any items that may have come in contact with the recalled pet food. Begin by mixing one part bleach with four parts water and place the mixture inside a spray bottle. An anti-bacterial cleaner can be substituted for the mixture of bleach and water.

6. Use the water and bleach solution to spritz all items that have come in contact with the food: dog food bowls, plastic place mats that are kept beneath the pet bowls, the plastic container used to store the pet food. Use paper towels to wipe down these items after spraying the solution. Do not use a towel or sponge, as these can harbor and spread salmonella and other bacteria that can cause illness.

7. Use anti-bacterial soap to thoroughly wash all items that were disinfected in step six. This will help to ensure that all contaminants are removed. Rinse the items thoroughly.

8. Wash your hands with an anti-bacterial soap after contacting the contaminated pet food or any items that have come in direct contact with the food.

9. If a pet ingested the recalled food, that animal must be very closely monitored for signs of illness. In the case of the Mars Petcare recall issued in August and September of 2008, salmonella is the involved illness that may be associated with the recalled pet food.

Tips & Warnings

• If the store where the recalled pet food was purchased refuses to provide an exchange or refund without the original bag and/or receipt, contact the manufacturer. The manufacturer will usually send out a refund or coupon for a replacement bag of food.

• If your pet begins vomiting or experiencing diarrhea or refuses to eat his/her food, visit the pet food manufacturer's website or call the pet food company to determine if a recall has been issued for that particular food.

• If a pet requires veterinary care as a result of tainted pet food, obtain a letter from your veterinarian stating that the contaminated pet food was to blame for the illness. Send the letter and an itemized receipt to the pet food manufacturer. In many cases where a pet requires medical attention due to a product, medication or commercial pet food, the manufacturer will often cover some or all of the associated costs.

• Monitor your pet closely for any signs of illness if a pet's food happens to be recalled. If symptoms, like vomiting, diarrhea, poor appetite, fever or any other abnormalities are present, make arrangements for a visit to the veterinarian's office as soon as possible.

• If a pet refuses to eat his/her food one day, do not force the issue. In many cases involving contaminated pet food, owners report that their pets were refusing to eat the tainted pet food.