The FDA has issued an urgent alert regarding pet food products contaminated with both Salmonella and Listeria monocytogenes, two bacteria that pose significant health risks not only to pets but to humans who handle the affected products.

The contaminated pet food can cause serious illness in animals, with symptoms including lethargy, diarrhea (potentially bloody), fever, vomiting, decreased appetite, and abdominal pain. Pet owners should be vigilant for these warning signs and seek veterinary care immediately if their pets show any symptoms after consuming potentially affected products.

What makes this recall particularly concerning is the risk to human health. People can contract Salmonella or Listeria infections simply by handling contaminated pet food, touching surfaces that came in contact with the products, or interacting with pets that consumed the affected food. The elderly, young children, and those with compromised immune systems face the highest risk of severe complications.

Pet owners should check the FDA’s website for the complete list of recalled products and immediately discard any affected items in secure containers that cannot be accessed by animals or children. Thoroughly clean and disinfect all surfaces and containers that may have contacted the contaminated food.

This recall serves as an important reminder that pet food safety directly impacts human health. When it comes to protecting our families – both two-legged and four-legged members – staying informed about product recalls is essential.