As of May 11, 2012, the CDC had received reports of 16 Salmonella cases associated with exposure to pet food among U.S. residents and 1 report of a Salmonella case tied to pet food exposure in Canada. At least 5 people who were exposed to either the dog food or dogs that had eaten the food, were hospitalized after becoming ill with Salmonella infections.
According to the CDC, routine tests by the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development first detected Salmonella in an unopened bag of Diamond Pet Foods Naturals Lamb Meal & Rice dry dog food on April 2. Diamond Pet Foods recalled certain batches of its Naturals Lamb Meal & rice dry dog food on April 6, 2012. A second recall was announced on April 26. this time, the recall was of Chicken Soup for the Pet Lover's Soul Adult Light Formula dry dog food. By April 30, Diamond Pet Food had announced another recall, for Diamond Puppy Formula dry dog food. And the dog food recalls continued. For a full list of dog foods recalled, visit the eFoodAlert website, which is continually updated with pet food recall information.
- People who think they might have become ill after contact with dry pet food or with an animal that has eaten dry pet food should consult their health care providers. Infants, older adults, and persons with impaired immune systems are more likely than others to develop severe illness.
- People who think their animal might have become ill after eating dry pet food should consult their veterinary-care providers.