Production stopped at the manufacturing plant in July so the source of multi-drug resistant Salmonella schwarzengrund could be found. Mars announced a voluntary recall of all products made at the Everson facility between Feb. 8 and July 29.

Up until now the source of the salmonella has not been found, which is the reason Mars will not resume production at the Everson plant. Mars did not release any further information about the closing. All 53 workers will lose their jobs and be out by mid December.

The products involved in the voluntary recall are national brands produced in Everson and at other plants. "For example, Pedigree is manufactured in numerous facilities throughout the country, and Everson represents a very small portion of the manufacturing base -- 2.7% of total Pedigree production," the company reported.

Salmonella can cause serious infections in dogs and cats, and, if there is cross contamination from handling pet food, people may become infected. Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea or bloody diarrhoea, abdominal cramping and fever.

Related website:
Mars Petcare   

Related folder:
Dossier AllAbout Petfood   

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