Mars Petcare U.S. has announced a voluntary recall of dry pet food products made at its Everson, Pa., facility because of possible salmonella contamination that could sicken both pets and their owners, according to media reports Monday. [File Photo]

Mars Petcare U.S. has announced a voluntary recall of dry pet food products made at its Everson, Pa., facility because of possible salmonella contamination that could sicken both pets and their owners, according to media reports Monday.

The recalled products were made between Feb. 18 and July 29, it said in a statement.

"Even though no direct link between products produced at the Everson plant and human or pet illness has been made, we are taking this precautionary action to protect pets and their owners," it said.

The recall, according to media reports, has reached 31 states and various brands, which include items under the names Country Acres, Retriever, Doggy Bag, Members Mark, Natural, Ol' Roy, Special Kitty, Paws & Claws, Pedigree, Wegman's, Pet Pride, PMI Nutrition and Red Flannel.

However, Mars did not say which ones or how much food is involved.

The company stopped its production at its facility on July 29 when it was alerted of a possible link between dry pet food produced there and two isolated cases of people infected with Salmonella Schwarzengrund, according to its statement.

Health officials said salmonella can cause serious infections in dogs and cats, and, if there is cross contamination caused by handling of the pet food, in people as well, especially children, the elderly and those with compromised immune systems.

(Xinhua News Agency September 16, 2008)