Posted: Thursday, August 14, 2008, 5:54 p.m., EDT

Because of potential Salmonella contamination, Mars Petcare U.S. of Nashville, Tenn., is voluntarily recalling 100 20-pound bags of Pedigree Complete Nutrition Small Crunchy Bites sold in Albertsons stores in Southern California and Las Vegas.

It is also voluntarily recalling a limited number of 52-pound bags of Pedigree Complete Nutrition Small Crunchy Bites sold in Costco stores in Northern California and Nevada. Costco has notified all of its customers in these areas directly.

Last week, a component that should have been on hold  because of positive testing results was inadvertently shipped to the company’s Tracy, Calif., facility and used in the production of a limited number of bags with best-by dates of 7/2009.

Although the finished product tested negative  for Salmonella and there have been no reports of illness or injury resulting from consumption or handling of the recalled product, the company said it is taking  an  “abundance of caution”  in issuing the voluntary recall.

Mars Petcare also said it is cooperating with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

Pet owners are advised to dispose of the product in a safe manner, such as a securely covered trash receptacle, and return the empty bag to the store where purchased for a full refund.

Recalled Pet Food Information: 20-pound bag

Product: Pedigree Complete Nutrition Small Crunchy Bites

Size: 20-pound bags

UPC Code: 23100 14719

Lot Code: 830BFCAT02

Best Buy Date: 7/2009

Best Buy Date Location: Back of bag

Affected Stores: Albertsons locations in Southern California and Las Vegas

Recalled Pet Food Information: 52-pound bag

Product: Pedigree Complete Nutrition Small Crunchy Bites

Size: 52-pound bags

UPC Code: 23100 05110

Lot Code: 831BFCAT02 and 830DFCAT02

Best Buy Date: 7/2009

Best Buy Date Location: Back of bag

Affected Stores: Costco stores in Northern California and Nevada

Pets with Salmonella infections may be lethargic and have diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever and vomiting. Some pets will have only decreased appetite, fever and abdominal pain. Animals can be carriers with no visible symptoms and potentially infect other animals or humans.

Call a veterinarian if a pet has consumed the recalled product and has these symptoms.

Click here for a list of safe pet food handling tips by the FDA.

Click here for more information on the recall or call 877-568-4463. <HOME>