There is a lot you can do to help prevent foodborne illness such as salmonella-related illness and disease when handling your pet's food and treats. Pet foods, as with many other types of foods, can be susceptible to food poisoning and to harmful bacterial contamination if not handled properly.

Salmonella, if present in pet foods, can cause serious infections in cats and dogs. It can also cause problems for people too, especially children, older people and people with compromised immune systems. It can be transferred to people through handling or ingesting of contaminated pet foods. Pet owners are advised to make efforts to minimise the incidence of foodborne illnesses associated with pet foods. Below are some tips to help you reduce the likelihood of infection.

1. Purchasing Pet Foods and Treats:

When buying or purchasing pet food, buy products that are generally in good condition without any signs of damage to the food packaging used. Avoid those with dents and tears and anything that is expired.

2. Preparation of Pet Foods:

- Always wash your hands with hot water before and after handling pet food and treats.

- Don't use your pet's feeding bowl as a scooping utensil - instead, use a clean, dedicated spoon or scoop.

- Wash pet scooping utensils, dishes, food bowls with hot water and soap after each use.

- Get rid of old or spoiled pet food products in a safe and responsible manner.

3. Storage of Pet foods and treats

- Always Refrigerate fresh and frozen foods immediately after purchase and discard any unused, leftover wet pet food. The recommended refrigerator temperature is 40º F (4º C).

- Dry pet food products can be stored in a cool, dry place-under 80º F (27º C).

- Try to store dry pet food products in their original bags or packaging inside a clean, dedicated plastic container with a lid, and keep the top of the bag folded and closed always.

- Make sure that your pets are kept away from food storage and preparation areas.

- Also make sure that pets are kept away from garbage and household trash.

4. Raw Pet Food Diets

Raw pet foods and diets such as raw meat, poultry, or seafood diet for pets pose a high risk to animal and human health. You should take very special care when handling raw foods:

- Keep raw pet food products frozen until they are ready to use.

- Thaw in refrigerator or microwave.

- Keep raw food diets separate from other foods and

- Cover or refrigerate leftovers right away or discard safely.

For more information about healthy pet food and food safety click here