A company in Utah recalls frozen bags of Quest beef cat food over fears that it may be contaminated with salmonella. Quest beef cat food is sold all across America.
The United States Food and Drug Administration stated that salmonella can affect the animals eating the contaminated products, and there is a risk to humans getting affected too due to the handling of the contaminated pet products. This is true, especially if the humans who handled the contaminated products did not thoroughly wash their hands after having contact with the product or the surfaces that are exposed to the contaminated product.
The contaminated products were distributed nationwide through retail stores, and they are identified with UPC 6-91730-17101-8, Lot N128. So far, no illnesses have been reported.
A sample that was collected tested positive for salmonella, prompting the emergency recall. The firm was notified by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture when the sample that was collected tested positive for salmonella. The firm did conduct its own test, which resulted in a negative result.
Symptoms of salmonella infections in pets include diarrhea, being lethargic, vomiting, fever, decreased appetite, and abdominal pain. Pets can infect other animals, and they can infect humans too, the FDA warns. The recall is by Go Raw, LLC, of Cottonwood, Utah.
The customers who purchased the affected cat food are encouraged to return the products for a refund, or they can dispose of them for safety.
Human health can also be at risk
Along with having diarrhea, humans who are infected with salmonella can also suffer from high fever and pain and cramping in the stomach area. Most people who get salmonella are now well and should rest for four to seven days.
Salmonella infection treatment
Salmonella infection can be detected by testing a sample of your stool. However, there are those who have recovered from their symptoms by the time that the test results return.
If your doctor suspects that you have salmonella infection, he or she may suggest testing a sample of your blood. Since salmonella infection can be dehydrating, the treatment focuses on replacing the fluids and electrolytes. Severe cases may need fluids delivered directly into a vein and hospitalization.
Your doctor may recommend medications like loperamide. It can help relieve cramping, but they also prolong diarrhea associated with salmonella infection.
Your doctor may also recommend antibiotics. If your doctor suspects that salmonella bacteria have entered your bloodstream, or if you have a severe case or a compromised immune system, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics to kill the bacteria.
Other causes of salmonella
There are a lot of possible sources of salmonella infection. The bacteria can contaminate meat like beef and veal, pork, and poultry. Water can also be contaminated. The way that you cook your meals can also be a source of your infection. Contaminated meat with salmonella can make you sick, especially if it is not cooked properly.
How to prevent salmonella
The best way to prevent salmonella infection is by washing your hands thoroughly. If you go to the bathroom or if you handle a contaminated product, but you did not wash your hands well, you might contract a salmonella infection.
