Dog Food Recalled Over Possible Salmonella Contamination

Real Pet Food Company has recalled Billy+Margot Wild Kangaroo and Superfoods Recipe dog food, sold in 4-pound bags, because of possible Salmonella contamination.

On Tuesday, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced Phoenix-based company Real Pet Food voluntarily recalled the 4lb bags of Billy+Margot Wild Kangaroo and Superfoods Recipe dog food due to possible Salmonella contamination. The recalled product has the lot code V 07 Feb 2022.

Retailers have been asked to remove the product from their shelves immediately and dispose of them properly, while customers who have purchased them should stop feeding them to their dogs. They are also advised to properly wash their hands after handling the product and to sanitize any possibly affected area.

The possible contamination was discovered during a routine sampling by state officials. The company has since stopped the production and distribution of the product. The FDA and the company are conducting an investigation.

Only the Billy+Margot Wild Kangaroo and Superfoods Recipe dog food in 4lb bags are affected. Other Billy+ Margot products as well as those sold outside the U.S. are not recalled.

Customers can contact the company from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. EDT at 1-800-467-5494 if they have any questions or to ask for a refund.

In a statement posted on the FDA website, the company said no illnesses linked to the products have been reported to date. But pets experiencing Salmonella symptoms such as lethargy, diarrhea, decreased activity level, fever, abdominal pain and vomiting after consuming the products must be taken to a veterinarian.

Although Salmonella infections in dogs and cats are considered uncommon, they may still get infected and even act as spreaders of the bacteria.

"Infected but otherwise healthy pets can be carriers and infect other animals or humans," the FDA safety alert states.

For instance, a pet infected with Salmonella may shed the bacteria in their waste and then spread it to other people and animals.

In humans, symptoms of the infection include bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramps, fever, nausea and vomiting. People who exhibit these symptoms after coming into contact with the recalled product must contact their healthcare provider.