As posted on The Dog Food Advisor today:

Natural Balance Pet Foods, Inc., of Pacoima, CA, has announced a voluntary recall of their Natural Balance Sweet Potato & Chicken Dry Dog Food due to the possibility of contamination with Salmonella bacteria.

The recall applies to products with the “Best By” date of June 17, 2011 and sold in 5-pound and 28-pound bags.

Complete details regarding this recall are available within the actual FDA News Release dated June 18, 2010.

In a heartfelt letter announcing the recall, company president Joey Herrick provides a factual explanation for the voluntary action.

Dog food recalls involving Salmonella contamination are potentially serious matters… for both humans and pets. People who handle dry food can easily become infected with the bacteria.

According to the FDA…

Healthy people infected with Salmonella should monitor themselves for some or all of the following symptoms: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramping and fever. Rarely, Salmonella can result in more serious ailments including arterial infections, endocarditis, arthritis, muscle pain, eye irritation and urinary tract symptoms. Consumers exhibiting these signs after having contact with this product should contact their healthcare providers.

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. Infected but otherwise healthy pets can be carriers and infect other animals or humans. If your pet has consumed the recalled product and has these symptoms, please contact your veterinarian.

So, take precautions… and be sure to tell everyone you know.

You can report complaints about FDA-regulated pet food products by calling the consumer complaint coordinator in your area.