Many Americans don’t wash their hands after feeding or playing with their dogs and cats. They aren’t aware of the risk of contracting a foodborne illness from those activities. Results from a recent Purdue University study showed 78 percent of people were not aware of recent pet food recalls or outbreaks associated with foodborne pathogens in those foods.
They don’t really consider that they could get sick or that a foodborne pathogen could be transferred from their pet to themselves.” – Yaohua “Betty” Feng
One-quarter of people do not consider dry pet foods and treats as potential sources of these pathogens, according to the study.
Source: Pet Product News, August 24, 2020. Link. Results from the survey show the potential for foodborne risks from pet food origins:
- 93 percent of pet owners cuddle their pets
- 70 percent allow the pet to lick them
- 63 percent sleep with their pets
- 61 percent kiss their pets
- Only 31 percent wash their hands after playing with their pets
- 42 percent do not wash their hands after feeding their pets
- 8 percent reported eating pet food and treats themselves
INSIGHTS: Education, education, education. Note this study did not include references to pet food dishes or water bowls which also need routine washing and sanitizing.