Household Tips

This is an odd one… But, the Pennsylvania Department of Public Health has issued a public advisory on handling pet food safely. According to them, 21 cases of salmonella in Pennsylvania have been linked to pet food handling!

Here’s what bothers me: Shouldn’t the food I buy for Fido and Fifi (or at my house Pooka and Izzy) be salmonella-free to begin with? I don’t want to feed my pets that stuff!

Nonetheless, here is the list of safety tips. It makes my friend Judy look very smart — she cooks for her pets every day!

Buying Tips

– Purchase products (canned or bagged) with no visible signs of damage to the packaging, such as dents, tears, discolorations, etc.

Preparation Tips

– Preferably, people should feed their pet in areas other than the kitchen.
– Begin with clean hands. Wash your hands for 20 seconds with hot water and soap before and after handling pet food and treats.
– Wash pet food bowls, dishes and scooping utensils with soap and hot water after each use. The bowl or utensils used for pet food should not be washed in the kitchen sink. In households where there is no alternative, the sink area should be adequately sanitized after these items have been cleaned and removed.
– Do not use the pet’s feeding bowl as a scooping utensil — use a clean, dedicated scoop, spoon or cup instead.
– Dispose of old or spoiled pet food products in a safe manner (example: in a securely tied plastic bag in a covered trash receptacle.)

Storage Tips

– Pet food should not be handled or stored in areas where food for humans is prepared. If this does happen, it increases the potential for cross-contamination from the pet food to foods being served to people.
– Promptly refrigerate or discard unused, leftover wet pet food (cans, pouches, etc.). Refrigerating foods quickly prevents the growth of most harmful bacteria. Refrigerators should be set at 40 degrees F. The accuracy of the setting should be checked occasionally with a refrigerator thermometer.
– Dry pet food and pet treats should be stored in a cool, dry place under 80 degrees F.
– If possible, store dry pet food in its original bag inside a clean, dedicated plastic container with a lid, keeping the top of the bag folded closed.
– Keep pets away from food storage and preparation areas.
– Keep pets away from garbage and household trash.

pet food, dog food, salmonella