Nestle Purina ONE Cat Food Recalled for Salmonella Contamination, Serious Complaints Reported

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Nestlé Purina PetCare Company have announced a recall of Purina ONE cat food due to contamination with Salmonella.

**Another Purina Recall?**

The recalled product, Purina ONE Vibrant Maturity 7+ Dry Cat Food, was distributed to customers in several states, including California, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, North Dakota, Nebraska, Ohio, and Wisconsin. These customers may have further distributed the product to other states.

Consumers can identify the affected bags of pet food by the following information provided by the FDA and Nestlé Purina PetCare Company:

– The recall affects bags with a “Best by” date of May 2012.
– The recall includes:
– 3.5-pound bags with production codes 03341084 and 03351084 and UPC codes 17800 01885.
– 7-pound bags with production codes 03341084 and 03351084 and UPC codes 17800 01887.

**Health Risks Associated with Salmonella**

Salmonella poses a significant health risk to both pets and their human caregivers. Cats that consume the contaminated food may exhibit symptoms such as decreased appetite, fever, and abdominal pain. Pets may also become lethargic and experience diarrhea (including bloody diarrhea), fever, and vomiting if not treated. Additionally, pets that do not show symptoms can still carry the bacteria and infect other animals and humans.

Humans can contract Salmonella if they do not thoroughly wash their hands after handling the contaminated pet food or surfaces that have come into contact with it. Symptoms of Salmonella poisoning in humans can include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramping, and fever. In rare cases, more severe health issues can arise, including arterial infections, endocarditis, arthritis, muscle pain, eye irritation, and urinary tract symptoms.

**Getting Help**

Consumers are urged to stop using the contaminated cat food and to seek medical attention if they or their pets exhibit signs of foodborne illness. For more information or to obtain a refund for the recalled Purina ONE Vibrant Maturity 7+ Dry Cat Food, consumers can call Nestlé Purina PetCare Company’s toll-free hotline (800-982-6559) or visit their website at www.purina.com.

**Ongoing Issues with Purina**

Due to numerous serious complaints about Purina brand foods on Consumer Affairs, consumers may want to reconsider trusting this brand altogether. Reports from individuals across the country indicate that their pets have become seriously ill, which they believe is a direct result of feeding them Purina brand pet food.