Raw Pet Food Danger: Bacteria Found in Popular Products

An urgent warning has been issued by food safety experts concerning raw pet food products, a significant portion of which have been found to contain dangerous bacteria. These contaminants include Salmonella, Campylobacter, and E.coli, with up to a third of tested products showing evidence of their presence. The Food Standards Agency (FSA) highlighted that the risk of cross-contamination is considerably higher with raw pet food compared to processed alternatives, as these bacteria might not be eliminated without proper cooking.

The FSA's survey, conducted between March 2023 and February 2024, examined 380 raw dog and cat food products. Laboratory testing confirmed the presence of harmful bacteria, including strains resistant to antibiotics. This situation necessitates heightened vigilance, especially for vulnerable groups such as young children, pregnant women, the elderly, and individuals with weakened immune systems, who are at greater risk of severe illness.

To combat these risks, the FSA strongly advises pet owners to adopt rigorous hygiene practices. These include thorough hand washing after handling pet food, cleaning all surfaces, and ensuring proper storage and defrosting away from human food. The FSA is collaborating with local authorities to reinforce responsibilities among feed businesses and to further educate pet owners on safe handling protocols, thereby reducing the potential spread of infection to pets and humans.