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

Pet owners are being urged to exercise extreme caution after food safety authorities discovered dangerous bacteria in certain animal feed products. Experts found that up to one third of some items harbour harmful pathogens such as Salmonella, Campylobacter and E.coli.

The Food Standards Agency has identified the contamination risk specifically within raw pet food products. Officials have cautioned that it’s not always apparent which items contain uncooked ingredients, as numerous dried pet treats and chews are also manufactured from raw meat.

In its alert, the agency states: « Raw pet food is pet food that is made up of unprocessed or uncooked meat, offal and raw bone. 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 food comes from animal by-products that were initially intended for human use but have since been reclassified for pet food only. Even with the greatest care, the risk of cross-contamination is much higher with raw pet food compared to other pet food.

« This is because raw pet food may contain bacteria that would normally be killed during cooking. This means there’s a risk that harmful bacteria, including those resistant to antibiotics (known as antimicrobial resistance or AMR), could be spread through contact with the pet food or your pet. In some cases, pets could also pick up infection and pass them to their owners, sometimes without showing any symptoms themselves. »

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

Rick Mumford, the FSA’s Interim Chief Scientific Advisor, cautions:  » Good hygiene practices and safe handling can help reduce the risks to you and your family. Follow the same hygiene principles you would when preparing food for the humans in your life; washing hands thoroughly with soap and water, cleaning all surfaces, and storing and defrosting pet food and treats away from human food. »

The FSA carried out a survey on 380 raw dog and cat food products purchased from retail outlets and online between March 2023 and February 2024. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) conducted laboratory testing on these items. When problems were detected, the FSA collaborated with local authorities to address them.

These findings are being released to remind pet owners of the importance of sticking to basic hygiene practices when storing, defrosting, handling and preparing these products as this can minimise the risk of illness to themselves and their families. The survey discovered that:

• 35% contained harmful bacteria, including Salmonella, Campylobacter and E. coli that can cause illness in people
• 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 a higher risk of severe illness and should exercise extra caution when handling, storing and preparing raw pet food. Pet owners who are worried about the risks to their pets should consult their vet about suitable feeding options.

Salmonella, Campylobacter, and E.coli can lead to diarrhoea, fever, and abdominal cramps. The bacteria is transmitted through contaminated, undercooked food (poultry, raw meat, unpasteurised milk) and poor hygiene.

The regulations governing pet food safety standards are strict. The FSA has confirmed it is collaborating with local authorities to ensure feed businesses understand their obligations regarding pet food safety, whilst also strengthening guidance for pet owners on the proper handling of raw pet food. More comprehensive information about safely managing raw pet food is available on the FSA’s dedicated raw pet food guidance page.