VANCOUVER – Bags of dry cat food have been recalled across Canada amid concerns about salmonella contamination which could cause disease in pets – and possibly their owners.
Health Canada said anyone who has the affected bags of Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Diets Green Pea and Chicken Formula should stop feeding their cats “immediately” and contact the company for a full refund.
“Symptoms of salmonella infection in cats can include vomiting, diarrhea, decreased appetite, fever or excessive salivation,” the agency said in a recall warning on Thursday. “If your pet has consumed the recalled product and has these symptoms, please contact your veterinarian.”
As of June 2, the company had received no health reports nationwide.
Health Canada noted that some infected cats may not appear sick, but still have the potential to “spread infection to other animals and people in the household”.
There is also a chance that Salmonella bacteria could spread to cat owners if they touch the food – or a surface the food has been on – and fail to wash their hands.
Symptoms of salmonella infection in humans include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and fever. In rare severe cases, “arterial infections, endocarditis, arthritis, muscle pain, eye irritation, and urinary tract symptoms,” Health Canada said.
The recall applies to the following two products:
- Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Diets Green Pea and Chicken Formula 5 lb. Bag, UPC 2363300233, lot number 1008080 N811202-20, best before date March 10, 2022
- Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Diets Formula with Green Peas and Chicken 10 lb. Bag, UPC 2363300235, lot number 1008080 N811202-20, best before date March 10, 2022
The bags are blue-green with dark blue accents and have the product code and the best before date printed on the back of the packaging.
Health Canada said the affected products were sold from February 2021 to April 2021 and 378 were purchased across the country.
Customers can obtain more information by calling Natural Balance Pet Foods at 1-833-558-0908 or contacting the company through their website.
