On the morning of January 12, 2009, Clifford Tousignant, a Korean War veteran with 3 purple hearts drew his last breath. Just weeks earlier Shirley Almer, twice a cancer survivor passed away. Her family spent their Christmas in mourning.
The killer was in the peanut butter.
Nine people died and hundreds more were sickened by Salmonella contamination in this outbreak alone.
Federal prosecutors have filed criminal charges against individuals at the now defunct Peanut Corporation of America, and rightfully so. Inspectors found rat feces in the product, filthy conditions throughout the facility and proof that they deliberately shipped salmonella contaminated food for public consumption.
Pet foods have also been notorious for Salmonella recalls over the past several years, however they don’t make the news even though many humans have been sickened from handling them. Hundreds of labels have been affected.
On February 13, 2013 the FDA sent a scathing letter to the owner of Kasel Industries demanding that they initiate an immediate recall their products, some being sold in Costco, Target and Petco. Their investigation had revealed rodent and cockroach infestation, faulty equipment and unsanitary practices.
What you can do:
- Avoid all pet foods (or treats) that have ingredients from China.
- Google the name of your pet food, then add the word “recall.” Do the search a second time with the word “ratings” or “reviews” High rated pet foods have a lower incidence of recalls and are better for your pet’s health.
- Avoid pet foods manufactured by facilities that have been notorious for poor conditions such as Kasel Industries and Diamond Pet Foods.
- · Take your pet to the vet if he shows signs of toxicity such as unresolved diarrhea, lethargy and vomiting.