Syracuse (WSYR-TV) - Pet food has been linked to an outbreak of salmonella. Nearly 80 people in 21 states became ill after feeding their cats and dogs dry food.
This is the first time pet food has been linked to human food poisoning.
It starts in the factory where, after dog or cat food is processed, it is sent to a room where the pellets are coated with flavoring. Because the room is moist, it's a perfect environment for salmonella to grow. The bacteria can then live on the food pellets for months.
The packaged food is then shipped to the grocery store where customers purchase it, bring it home, and feed it to pets. From there, the bacteria can get on the customer's hands and, potentially, into their body.
Salmonella is especially dangerous to young children and so they should be supervised when feeding the family pet.
Protecting your family from salmonella, however, is as simple as washing your hands thoroughly. Though ABC News Medical Advisor Dr. Richar Besser also recommends feeding pets in rooms other than the kitchen, where contamination is easier. Dr. Besser says he feeds his dog in the mud room.
