Mars Petcare US, Inc. Recalls Dry Dog Food

FDA News


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 25, 2007

Media Inquiries:
Michael Herndon, 301-827-6242
Consumer Inquiries:
888-INFO-FDA



Mars Petcare US, Inc. Recalls Dry Dog Food


The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is alerting consumers that Mars
Petcare US, Inc. has recalled two dry dog food products because of the
potential contamination with Salmonella Schwarzengrund.

The Mars Petcare US, based in Franklin, Tenn. is voluntarily recalling
five-pound bags of Krasdale Gravy dry dog food sold in Connecticut,
Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania, and 50-pound bags
of Red Flannel Large Breed Adult Formula dry food sold in Pennsylvania.

The FDA conducted tests on 10 samples, representing seven product brands
from the company. Each sample (same size and brand of product) consisted
of 15 subsamples, for a total of 150 subsamples. Tests of the 150
subsamples revealed two positive samples; one from the Krasdale Gravy
dry food and another from Red Flannel Large Breed Adult Formula dry
food.

Salmonella can potentially be transferred to people handling pet food,
especially if they have not thoroughly washed their hands after having
contact with the product or any surfaces exposed to the product. To
date, there have been 64 cases of illness in humans related to
Salmonella Schwarzengrund reported to the U.S. Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention (CDC); however, none of the reported cases have
been directly linked to the recalled product that was tested. The FDA is
working with local and state officials, and with officials at the CDC in
the investigation.

Here is identification information on the recalled products:

Product: Krasdale Gravy dry dog food
Size: Five-pound bag
UPC Code: 7513062596
Best By Date: July 16, 2008 & July 17, 2008
Best By Date Location: Back of bag
Distribution: Stores in Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New
York, and Pennsylvania

Product: Red Flannel Large Breed Adult Formula dry dog food
Size: 50-pound bag
UPC Code: 4286900062
Best By Date: July 12, 2008
Best By Date Location: Back of bag
Distribution: Stores in Reedsland and Richlandtown, Pa.

Salmonella is an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal
infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with
weakened immune systems. Healthy persons infected with Salmonella often
experience fever, diarrhea (which may be bloody), nausea, vomiting and
abdominal pain. In rare circumstances, infection with Salmonella can
result in the organism getting into the bloodstream and producing more
severe illnesses such as arterial infections (i.e., infected aneurysms),
endocarditis and arthritis.

Pets with Salmonella infections may be lethargic and have diarrhea or
bloody diarrhea, fever, and vomiting. Some pets will have only decreased
appetite, fever and abdominal pain. Well animals can be carriers and
infect other animals or humans. If your pet has consumed the recalled
product and has these symptoms, please contact your veterinarian.

Consumers with questions about the recalled product should call Mars
Petcare US, Inc. at 866-298-8332.

For more information:
Safe Handling Tips for Pet Foods and Treats