Central Aquatics of Franklin, Wisconsin is recalling 96 cases of Aqueon Betta Food (item number 100106051 sold in a .95 oz jar) because it has the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. No illnesses have been reported to-date.
The Aqueon Betta Food, that is the subject of this recall, was distributed to Georgia, Illinois, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania via distribution centers.
The Aqueon Betta Food, as referenced above and the subject of this recall, is sold only in a 0.95 oz plastic jar with the expiration dates of EX04JUN22 and EX05JUN22, item number 100106051, UPC Code 0 15905 06051 6, and manufacturing dates of 06/04/2019 and 06/05, 2019 (see pictures for easier identification).
Central Aquatics has appropriate testing protocols and followed all such internal testing protocols. However, the outside independent laboratory contracted to conduct and read Salmonella testing mistakenly indicated the two lots of the recalled product were negative for Salmonella, when in fact it was found to be positive for Salmonella. Central Aquatics immediately initiated steps to recall the subject product upon notification of the error by the independent laboratory.
Effects of Salmonella on humans and fish
Salmonella can affect animals eating the products and there is risk to humans from handling contaminated pet products, especially if they have not thoroughly washed their hands after having contact with the products or any surfaces exposed to these products.
Healthy people infected with Salmonella should monitor themselves for some or all 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.
Fish with Salmonella infections are not well documented and fish carrying salmonella typically do not show any signs of disease.
