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FDA: Pet Foods May Pose Human Health Risk

WASHINGTON — Amidst evidence that Salmonella-contaminated pet foods are making the humans who handle them sick, the Food and Drug Administration is working to remove foods serving as vehicles for transmitting pathogenic and antibiotic-resistant bacteria to humans, from the market.

The FDA is collecting for analysis dried pet food, pet treats and supplement for pets distributed by major chains such as Wal-Mart, Costco, Target and others.

"Certain vulnerable populations such as children, the elderly, and individuals with compromised immune systems, are particularly susceptible to Salmonella infection from such animal feeds," stated the FDA in a memorandum distributed last week. "For these reasons, CVM [Center for Veterinary Medicine] considers it prudent to keep Salmonella-contaminated pet foods, pet treats and supplements for pets out of interstate commerce."