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FDA
Tips for Preventing Foodborne Illness
Associated with Pet Foods and Pet Treats |
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FDA is informing consumers of steps they can take to help prevent
foodborne illness, including Salmonella-related illness, when
handling pet foods and treats. Pet food and treats, like many other
types of foods, can be susceptible to harmful bacterial
contamination. During calendar year 2007, 15 pet products
have been recalled due to Salmonella contamination; however,
to date none of these products have been directly linked to human
illness.
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Salmonella in pet foods and
treats can cause serious infections in dogs and cats, and, if there
is cross contamination, in people too, especially children, the
aged, and people with compromised immune systems. Salmonella
in pet food and treats can potentially be transferred to people
ingesting or handling contaminated pet food and treats.
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| While
the FDA has stepped up its efforts to minimize the incidence of
foodborne illness associated with pet foods and treats, it’s
important that consumers be mindful of the potential risks. Pet
owners and consumers can reduce the likelihood of infection from
contaminated pet foods and treats by following some simple, safe
handling instructions. |
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Buying |
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- Purchase
products ( canned or bagged ) that are in good condition. No
visible signs of damage to the packaging such as dents, tears,
discolorations, etc.
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Preparation |
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- Wash your hands for 20 seconds with hot
water and soap before and after handling pet foods and treats.
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- Wash pet food bowls, dishes, and scooping
utensils with soap and hot water after each use.
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- Do not use the pet's feeding bowl as a
scooping utensil - use a clean, dedicated scoop or spoon.
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- Dispose of old or spoiled pet food products
in a safe manner, such as in a securely tied plastic bag in a
covered trash receptacle.
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Storage |
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- Refrigerate
promptly or discard any unused, left-over wet pet food (cans,
pouches, etc.). Refrigerating foods quickly keeps most harmful
bacteria from growing and multiplying. Refrigerators should be
set at 40 º F. The accuracy of
the setting should be checked occasionally with a refrigerator
thermometer.
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- Dry products should be stored in a cool,
dry place—under 80º F.
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- If possible, store dry pet food in its
original bag inside a clean, dedicated plastic container with a
lid, keeping the top of the bag folded closed.
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- Keep pets away from food storage and
preparation areas.
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- Keep pets away from garbage and household
trash.
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Raw Food Diets |
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FDA does not advocate a raw meat, poultry or seafood diet for pets,
but is stepping up its efforts to minimize the risk such foods pose
to animal and human health because we understand that some people
prefer to feed these types of diets to their pets. For the
protection of both you and your pet, the FDA recommends you follow
these instructions when handling or using raw meat, poultry or
seafood, for use in a pet’s diet: |
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- Keep raw meat and poultry products frozen
until ready to use.
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- Thaw in refrigerator or microwave.
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- Keep raw food diets separate from other
foods. Wash working surfaces, utensils (including cutting boards,
preparation and feeding bowls), hands, and any other items that
touch or contact raw meat, poultry or seafood with hot soapy
water.
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- Cover and refrigerate leftovers immediately
or discard safely.
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In Addition: |
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- For added protection, kitchen sanitizers
should be used on cutting boards and counter tops periodically. A
sanitizing solution can be made by mixing one teaspoon of chlorine
bleach to one quart of water.
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- If you use plastic or other non-porous
cutting boards, run them through the dishwasher after each use.
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For
additional information about safe food handling, please see
http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/qa-topfd.html. |
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For more information, including
recommendations to protect both you and your pet when using raw
meat,
poultry, or seafood in the animal's diet, see
http://www.fda.gov/cvm/foodbornetips.htm |
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Issued by:
FDA, Center for Veterinary Medicine,
Communications Staff, HFV-12
7519 Standish Place, Rockville, MD 20855
Telephone: 240-276-9300 FAX: 240-276-9115
Internet Web Site:
http://www.fda.gov/cvm |
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