The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is cautioning pet owners not to feed their animals A+ Answers Straight Beef Formula for Dogs because one lot has tested positive for Salmonella. The lot in question is 2018 02/08 20 and was found in Nebraska.
Salmonella is a bacterium that affects both humans and animals alike. It can cause illness and death, and those who are very young, old, or have weak immune systems are especially vulnerable.
Salmonella Symptoms
If infected with Salmonella, your pet may not always display symptoms, but signs do include vomiting, diarrhea (which may be bloody), fever, loss of appetite, and decreased activity level. If you suspect any unusual behaviors or sense that your dog may have consumed this food, consult with your veterinarian immediately.
Even though your pet may not always demonstrate symptoms, he may still be infected and could pass the bacteria on to you. Symptoms in humans include diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps. If you believe to be experiencing these symptoms and could potentially have been exposed to the bacteria, contact your health care provider.
Since Salmonella gets established in the animals’ gastrointestinal tract, your pet can shed bacteria when they have bowel movements, and the contamination can continue to spread. Because of this, it is imperative to clean up after your dog — especially in yards or public places where other animals and people can be exposed to the bacteria.
Steps to Take
Lystin, LLC (also doing business as Answers Pet Food) is the brand owner of A+ Answers Straight Beef Formula for Dogs. The company stopped distributing the lot in question and is working with retailers and The Nebraska Department of Agriculture to remove the product from retail stores. A nationwide recall hasn’t been implemented.
If you happen to own product from this specific lot, make sure that you throw it away immediately in a secure container (so that wildlife can’t get into it). Then, clean and disinfect all bowls, utensils, food prep surfaces, pet bedding, toys, floors, or any other surfaces that the food may have made contact with.
Do you have a pet food product you have concerns about? The FDA encourages you to report complaints through the Safety Reporting Portal or by calling your state’s FDA Consumer Complaint Coordinators. Your veterinarian may also use the Vet-LIRN Network to test pets from a household with a person infected with Salmonella.
Read the manufacturer’s response here.