Feeder mice recalled after 900 Salmonella cases in UK

In the United Kingdom, Monkfield Nutrition has recalled all batches of frozen feeder mice products for feeding reptiles because Salmonella has been found in the products, according to the UK’s Food Standards Agency (FSA). Since a human salmonellosis outbreak was first reported in 2015, there have been almost 900 cases of illness.

“In September this year, FSS and the FSA introduced new requirements for shops to provide a leaflet warning about the risks of salmonella and how to keep customers safe when buying and feeding frozen mice to their reptiles,” a Food Standards Scotland (FSS) spokesperson said in a press release. “However, the outbreak continues and a full withdrawal and recall of the specific batches of frozen mice is necessary. The withdrawal and recall does not affect rats from the same supplier, however investigations are continuing, should concerns about the safety of rats be identified, advice will be updated.”

Food Standards Scotland issued further instructions to reptile owners, following an outbreak of human salmonellosis linked to frozen mice used to feed snakes and other animals and birds.

FSS, along with the Food Standards Agency, Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, the Animal and Plant Health Agency, the UK Health Security Agency, Public Health Wales and Public Health Scotland, are advising animal keepers not to feed their pets specific batches of frozen mice.  

This outbreak of Salmonella has been linked to specific frozen mice products and as a result, a product recall information notice detailing affected products has been issued by FSS and FSA. The recall does not affect rats from the same supplier, however investigations are ongoing. Should concerns about the safety of rats be identified, our advice will be updated accordingly.

FSS and FSA are instructing reptile owners and others who have a supply of the affected frozen mice to return them to the place of purchase so they can be carefully disposed of.

List of recalled feeder mice