Biological Hazards
Biological Hazards
Biological contaminants cover a broad range of contaminants including both bacterial and viral pathogens. Under the Animal Feed Contaminants program, biological contaminants that are routinely monitored and detected include Salmonella spp., L. monocytogenes, and pathogenic E. coli. These bacterial pathogens may present a hazard to animal health by consumption of the animal food and to human health by consumption of animal-derived human food or by exposure to a contaminated animal food that can cause human disease.
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Salmonella
Listeria monocytogenes (L. monocytogenes)
Pathogenic E. coli
Salmonella
Salmonella is a bacterium responsible for salmonellosis in humans and animals. Salmonella can infect animals through consumption and/or humans by handling of contaminated animal food and/or infected animals and their feces.
Animal food can become contaminated with Salmonella through the inclusion of Salmonella-contaminated raw materials (ingredient-related), Salmonella-contaminated manufacturing environment (facility-related) and inadequately process to kill the Salmonella (process-related). Meat and poultry ingredients, including rendered ingredients, have been sources of Salmonella contamination.
Listeria monocytogenes (L. monocytogenes)
L. monocytogenes is a bacterium responsible for listeriosis in humans and animals. L. monocytogenes is unique in that it is a psychrophile, meaning it is capable of growing at refrigeration temperatures. L. monocytogenes can tolerate both acidic and salty conditions, both high and low temperatures, and fairly low moisture content. It can persist in processing facilities for years. L. monocytogenes can be introduced through a variety of foods including raw meat, vegetables, refrigerated foods (including fruits and vegetables), smoked and raw seafood, and unpasteurized dairy products.
Pathogenic E. coli
Pathogenic E. coli is a bacterium associated with foodborne illness in humans and animals.
Guidance
- CPG 690.800-Salmonella in Food for Animals
- CVM GFI #80 Evaluation the Utility of Anti-Salmonella Chemical Food Additives
Assignments/Reports
- June 03, 2015 CVM Issues Assignment to Collect Official Samples of Raw Foods for Dogs or Cats in Interstate Commerce in the United States and Analyze them for Salmonella, Listeria monocytogenes, Escherichia coli O157:H7 and Non O157:H7 Shiga Toxin-Producing Escherichia coli (STEC)
- January 29, 2014 CVM Issues Assignment to Collect and Analyze Samples of Milk Replacer Products for Salmonella
- December 16, 2013 CVM Issues Assignment to Collect and Analyze Samples of Pet Foods, Pet Treats, and Pet Nutritional Supplements for Salmonella
- March 22, 2013 CVM Issues Field Assignment to Collect and Analyze Samples of Pet Foods, Pet Treats, and Pet Nutritional Supplements in Interstate Commerce in the United States for Salmonella
- March 19, 2013 CVM Issues Field Assignment to Collect and Analyze Commercial Milk Replacer Products for Salmonella
- March 27, 2012 Assignment to Collect Samples of Poultry Feed (Layers, Broilers and Turkeys) and Analyze Them for Salmonella
- October 24, 2011 FY 2012 Nationwide Assignment to Collect and Analyze Samples of Pet Foods, Pet Treats, and Supplements for Pets from Interstate Commerce in the United States for Salmonella
- October 21, 2010 FY 2011 Nationwide Assignment to Collect and Analyze Samples of Direct-Human-Contact Feed from Interstate Commerce in the United States for Salmonella