Chagrin Falls, Ohio – October 28, 2008 – SPECIAL KITTY® Gourmet Blend dry cat food sold at 15 US Wal-Mart locations, made by Mars Pet Care was recalled yesterday due to potential contamination with Salmonella. Wal-Mart locations involved include stores located in Connecticut, Delaware, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, North Carolina, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Virginia, Vermont, and West Virginia. The tainted cat food is being voluntarily recalled following a positive test result indicating potential contamination with the highly contagious bacteria called Salmonella. The tainted cat food should not be sold or fed to cats. Cat owners should dispose of the contaminted food carefully. Wear gloves to avoid touching the food and dispose of it in a securely covered trash receptacle, then return the empty bag to the store where it was bought for a refund.
Salmonella is a contagious bacteria that can be life threatening. Signs in people and/or pets can include and or all of the following symptoms: lethargy, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramping and fever. In certain cases especially in immune compromised individuals, children and the elderly, Salmonella can result in infections involving the arteries, and or heart, arthritis, bone, joint and muscle pain, eye irritations, and urinary tract problems. Mars representatives are available to answer questions about the recall at 1-877-568-4463 or visit www.petcare.mars.com.
Recalled Cat Food Lots:
Product: SPECIAL KITTY® Gourmet Blend Dry Cat Food
Best If Used By Date: AUGUST 11, 2009
Production Lot Code: 50 XXXX X (Found on back of bag just after “Best If Used By” date. Consumers should look for “50” as the first two digits of the second line.)
UPC Code: UPC code numbers can be found directly underneath the bar code on the package. Please find recalled pet food UPC information below.
3.5 lb. SPECIAL KITTY® Gourmet Blend 81131 17546
7 lb. SPECIAL KITTY® Gourmet Blend 81131 17547
18 lb. SPECIAL KITTY® Gourmet Blend 81131 17548
Affected Stores: Wal-Mart locations in Connecticut, Delaware, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, North Carolina, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Virginia, Vermont, and West Virginia.
In an effort to prevent the transmission of Salmonella from pets to family members, the FDA recommends following appropriate pet food handling guidelines when feeding their pets.
Pet owners who have questions about the recall should call 1-877-568-4463 or visit www.petcare.mars.com.
