In a previous post we wrote about a recall of several types of dog food, sold in multiple states including Pennsylvania, made by Diamond Pet Foods. The reason cited for the recall was the potential for salmonella contamination. In addition to sickening dogs who might consume the defective product, as we mentioned in the previous post, there is a possibility that humans who come into contact with the contaminated product could become ill as well.

This past week, a story broke revealing that a lawsuit had been filed in federal court against the pet food company. The lawsuit alleges that an 8-week-old baby became ill after coming into contact with the tainted food. Also named as a defendant in the lawsuit is the retailer from which the product was purchased, Costco.

The baby was hospitalized after sustaining a fever, diarrhea and disinterest in eating. It was while the baby was in the hospital that a stool sample confirmed the diagnosis.

Though the dog food that was in the house to feed the family's two dogs at the time the child became ill did not test positive for salmonella, this does not rule out previous bags of the dog food as the source. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the excrement of dogs, that have consumed food contaminated with salmonella, can contain the germs for up to six weeks after they are infected.

Fortunately, the baby appears to be recovering. Because of his young age however, it is important that his organs be monitored for damage.

This lawsuit appears to be the first one filed so far as a result of the recall of Diamond Pet Food. Time will tell if more are to come.

Source: msnbc, "8-week-old baby sickened by dry dog food, lawsuit claims," JoNel Aleccia, May 30, 2012