FDA Issues Pig Ear and Beef Hoof Health Warning
The FDA is warning consumers that production methods used by pet treat manufacturer Pet Carousel may result in cross-contamination of Salmonella within batches or lots, and is advising owners not to use or handle any products they have purchased. The warning is unusual in that it is not the result of any reported illnesses. In September, a routine FDA inspection of pig ears from the plant in question tested positive for Salmonella, and subsequent tests found positive results in the manufacturing environment.
Affected products have been distributed nationwide, both in retail packs to small stores and in bulk to large chains such as PetSmart. The affected pig ears are packaged under the brand names Doggie Delight and Pet Carousel, and the affected beef hooves are packaged under the brand names Choo Hooves, Dentley’s, Doggie Delight, and Pet Carousel. The FDA advises that the alert applies to all varieties and batches of these brand names.
It is possible to become infected with Salmonella simply by handling infected products, so the FDA advises that these products be exposed of in a covered trashcan without opening the package. Salmonella poisoning in humans can lead to vomiting, diarrhea, fever, abdominal cramping and even more severe ailments in rare cases. Symptoms are similar in infected pets, except that lethargy might be the first indication of infection. Since infected pets can suffer no symptoms but can still infect other pets and humans, the FDA has advised that you contact your veterinarian should your pet have eaten one of the affected products – even in the absence of symptoms.
PetSmart, which sells multiple varieties of the product in question, has asked customers to return their purchase for a full refund or exchange. The range of affected products sold by PetSmart includes some rope toys that contain elements manufactured by Pet Carousel.
