FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Friday, July 1, 2011

CONTACT:
Margaret Hart, Communications Coordinator
651.201.6131, Margaret.hart@state.mn.us

MDA issues consumer advisory for Purina One Vibrant Maturity 7+ Adult
Premium Dry Cat Food

ST. PAUL, Minn. – The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) is alerting consumers to avoid feeding or handling the lot identified below of Purina One Vibrant Maturity 7+ Adult Premium Dry Cat Food which was manufactured in November, 2010 by Nestlé Purina PetCare Company (NPPC), of St. Louis, Missouri. State agriculture department product sampling determined one bag of the finished product to be contaminated with Salmonella bacteria. The company is cooperating with MDA, and is investigating the matter.

This advisory is limited to product bearing the following lot code information:

*"Best By" Date and Production Code is found on the back or bottom of the bag.

There are no reports of human or animal illnesses associated with consumption of this product. Consumers are asked to discard the product if they have any at home.

For further information, please call NPPC toll-free at 1-800-982-6559.

Salmonella can affect animals eating the product and there is a risk to humans from handling contaminated products. People handling contaminated dry pet food can become infected with Salmonella, especially if they have not thoroughly washed their hands after having contact with surfaces exposed to this product.

Pets with Salmonella infections may exhibit decreased appetite, fever and abdominal pain. If left untreated, pets may be lethargic and have diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever and vomiting. Infected but otherwise healthy pets can be carriers and infect other animals or humans. If your pet has consumed this product and has these symptoms, please contact your veterinarian.

Human symptoms of salmonellosis include diarrhea, abdominal pain and cramps and fever. Symptoms usually begin within 12 to 72 hours after exposure, but can begin up to a week after exposure. Salmonella infections usually resolve in 5-7 days, but approximately 20 percent of cases require hospitalization. In rare cases, Salmonella infection can lead to death, particularly in the elderly or those with weakened immune systems. Anyone who has become ill after eating this product should see their health care provider.

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