We know that raw meat and eggs can carry salmonella. We know to check our refrigerators when we hear the news of a recall and we know the symptoms of salmonella when we start feeling ill.

But when Buddy the Golden Retriever gets salmonella poisoning, how will he tell you? How would you know?

Nearly one in 10 samples of pet food test positive for salmonella.

In 2007 the FDA began periodic testing assignments on pet food and animal feed; this year’s test, the “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,” will try to identify strains of salmonella found in pet food, its prevalence in dry food and also ways of removing contaminated food from the stream of commerce.

Stephanie Yao, press officer for the FDA, said that 9.8 percent of pet food sampled between 2007 and 2009 tested positive for salmonella; that’s nearly one in 10. Pet treats tested positive for salmonella 4.8 percent of the time. There is no summary data available for 2010 or 2011 yet.

Siobhan Delancey, team leader for food, veterinary and cosmetic products in the FDA’s Office of Public Affairs, said that those percentages are one reason for this year’s tests.

“It’s only by doing these surveillance programs over time that we can really get an idea of what is ‘common’ and then see the best way to prevent it,” said Delancey.

Retailers like Petsmart, Petco, Costco and others provided samples to the FDA for testing this year. Calls and emails to Petco for comment were not returned by deadline.

Contrary to what other media outlets reported earlier in the week, the FDA does not, nor does it have plans to, regularly test for salmonella in pet food. In fact, pet food manufacturers aren’t required to do so either. There is no requirement that pet food products have pre-market approval by the FDA.

“While pet food manufacturers are not specifically required to test for Salmonella, they still are responsible for producing a pet food that doesn’t contain disease-causing bacteria,” said Delancey.

She added that the findings of this “surveillance” program will help “inform our strategy going forward,” possibly moving into compliance, but that isn’t for certain.

Results from the study should help the FDA pinpoint how to help pets and also humans who can contract salmonella from pet food.

Yao said there were previous reports of salmonella from pet treats associated with human illness, “In 2007 the Center for Disease Control showed an association between human illness and pet food from a specific pet food line.”

The FDA isn’t aware of any consumer discontent over foodborne illnesses in pet food. To report a problem with pet food, visit their safety reporting portal and feel free to use the FDA’s tips on preventing foodborne illnesses associated with pet food and pet treats.

What are your thoughts? Should the FDA enforce regular testing in pet food?