The recall came after reports from consumers of contaminated food were confirmed by the company’s own “taste” tests, in which nine cats died.

Given that the "tricorder" of Star Trek lore is still a scientific fantasy, pathogen detection alone will not eliminate the potential for contaminated food reaching the consumer.

Cholera is an acute intestinal infection caused by contaminated food or water. It causes watery diarrhea that can lead to severe dehydration and kill within hours if left untreated.