Raw Meat Handling Instructions
Handling your pet’s raw meat is no different than preparing hamburger patties or
chicken on the grill for a family cookout. Common sense and good hygiene procedures
apply in all scenarios when touching raw meat.
You can help prevent infections by not giving harmful microorganisms a chance to
multiply or contaminate other foods. Follow these general instructions when preparing
your pet’s raw meal:
- Wash hands with soap and water before and after preparation. (Try putting some
hot soapy water in a washing bowl before handling raw meat, this way you can dip
hands straight into the water to wash before and as you continue with preparation).
When finished, spray down counters, utensils, cutting boards, used dog bowels or
any other objects touched in the process with diluted bleach and water.
- Keep raw meats and poultry separate from other foods and don't allow their juices
to drip on other foods.
FDA Tips for Preventing Foodborne Illness Associated with Pet Food and Pet Treats
FDA is informing consumers of steps they can take to help prevent foodborne illness,
including Salmonella-related illness, when handling pet foods and treats. Pet food
and treats, like many other types of foods, can be susceptible to harmful bacterial
contamination. During calendar year 2007, 15 pet products have been recalled due
to Salmonella contamination; however, to date none of these products have been directly
linked to human illness.
Salmonella in pet foods and treats can cause serious infections in dogs and cats,
and, if there is cross contamination, in people too, especially children, the aged,
and people with compromised immune systems. Salmonella in pet food and treats can
potentially be transferred to people ingesting or handling contaminated pet food
and treats.
While the FDA has stepped up its efforts to minimize the incidence of foodborne
illness associated with pet foods and treats, it’s important that consumers be mindful
of the potential risks. Pet owners and consumers can reduce the likelihood of infection
from contaminated pet foods and treats by following some simple, safe handling instructions.
Buying Tips for Pet Food
- Purchase products (canned or bagged) that are in good condition. No visible signs
of damage to the packaging such as dents, tears, discolorations, etc.
Preparation Tips for Pet Food
- Begin with clean hands. Wash your hands for 20 seconds with hot water and soap
before and after handling pet foods and treats.
- Wash pet food bowls, dishes and scooping utensils with soap and hot water after
each use.
- Do not use the pet’s feeding bowl as a scooping utensil – use a clean, dedicated
scoop, spoon or cup instead.
- Dispose of old or spoiled pet food products in a safe manner (example: in a securely
tied plastic bag in a covered trash receptacle).
Storage Tips for Pet Food
- Refrigerate promptly or discard any unused, left-over wet pet food (cans, pouches,
etc.). Refrigerating foods quickly keeps most harmful bacteria from growing and
multiplying. Refrigerators should be set at 40 º F. The accuracy of the setting
should be checked occasionally with a refrigerator thermometer.
- Dry products should be stored in a cool, dry place--under 80º F.
- If possible, store dry pet food in its original bag inside a clean, dedicated
plastic container with a lid, keeping the top of the bag folded closed.
- Keep pets away from food storage and preparation areas.
- Keep pets away from garbage and household trash.