Salmonella, Campylobacter and E.coli bacteria found in pet food

Pet owners are being asked to be extremely careful after food safety officials discovered dangerous bacteria in some animal food products. Experts have found that up to a third of some items harbor harmful pathogens such as Salmonella, Campylobacter and E.coli.

The Food Standards Agency has specifically identified the risk of contamination in raw pet food products. Officials cautioned that because many dried pet foods and chews are also made from raw meat, it’s not always obvious which foods contain uncooked ingredients.

In its warning, the agency states: “Raw pet food is pet food that consists of unprocessed or uncooked meat, offal, and raw bones. It may not always be obvious that products, including dried pet treats and chews, contain raw meat.”

The guidance continues: “The meat in raw pet foods comes from animal byproducts that were originally intended for human use but were later reclassified as pet food only. Even with the greatest care, the risk of cross-contamination with raw pet foods is much higher than with other pet foods.”

“This is because raw pet food can contain bacteria that would normally be killed during cooking. This means there is a risk of harmful bacteria, including those that are resistant to antibiotics (known as antimicrobial resistance, or AMR), spreading through contact with pet food or your pet. In some cases, pets can also pick up the infection and pass it on to their owners, sometimes without showing any symptoms themselves.”

A significant number of pet owners prefer raw pet food. However, this research highlights the potential health hazards these products can pose to both humans and animals. Mirror.

Rick Mumford, the FSA’s Interim Chief Scientific Adviser, warns: “Good hygiene practices and safe handling can help reduce risks to you and your family. Follow the same hygiene principles as you do when preparing food for the people in your life; wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water, clean all surfaces, and store and thaw pet food and treats away from human food.”

The FSA conducted a survey of 380 raw dog and cat food products purchased from retail outlets and online between March 2023 and February 2024. The United Kingdom Health Safety Agency (UKHSA) has carried out laboratory tests on these products. When problems were identified, FSA cooperated with local authorities to resolve them.

These findings are being published to remind pet owners of the importance of adhering to basic hygiene practices when storing, defrosting, transporting and preparing these products; because this can minimize the risk of disease for themselves and their families. The survey revealed:

• 35% contained harmful bacteria, including Salmonella, Campylobacter and E. coli, which can cause illness in humans.
• 29% failed to meet UK legal safety standards

The FSA advises that young children, pregnant women, the elderly and those with compromised immune systems are at higher risk of serious illness and should take extra care when handling, storing and preparing raw pet food. Pet owners concerned about the risks to their pets should consult their veterinarian about appropriate feeding options.

Salmonella, Campylobacter and E.coli can cause diarrhea, fever and abdominal cramps. The bacteria are transmitted through contaminated, undercooked food (poultry, raw meat, unpasteurized milk) and poor hygiene.

Regulations governing pet food safety standards are strict. The FSA confirmed it is cooperating with local authorities to ensure feed businesses understand their obligations regarding pet food safety, while also strengthening guidance for pet owners on the correct handling of raw pet food. More comprehensive information on the safe management of raw pet food is available on the FSA’s dedicated page. raw pet food guidance page.