Hartz Recalls 75,000 Dog Treat Bags

Hartz has become the latest pet product company to join the list of companies recalling products due to possible salmonella contamination.

In July United Pet Group recalled over 50 Pro-Pet and Excel branded products for dogs and cats, and in August Iams & Eukanuba recalled multiple brands of dry food and Merrick recalled dog treats – all due to possible salmonella contamination. Now, the Hartz Mountain Corporation is voluntarily recalling one lot of Hartz Naturals Real Beef Treats for Dogs due to concerns that one or more bags within the lot may have been potentially contaminated with Salmonella.

The affected lot includes 74,700 8-oz bags of Hartz Naturals Real Beef Treats for Dogs, lot code BZ0969101E, UPC number 32700-11519, which were imported by Hartz from a Brazilian supplier. The product was then distributed to a number of stores across the United States. The Brazilian supplier, Bertin, did not detect salmonella in routine tests before shipment but a routine sample test conducted by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) did indicate the presence of salmonella. In response, Hartz has voluntarily recalled the entire lot, and say they are "aggressively investigating the problem".

Hartz said in a statement that they have not received any reports of ill health in animals or humans as a result of coming into contact with this product, but that they are taking immediate steps to remove the product from all retail stores and distribution streams. Customers who have purchased the affected lot can contact Hartz at 1-800-275-1414 for information on obtaining a refund.

Salmonella can cause serious infections in dogs, and, if there is cross-contamination caused by handling of the dry food, in people as well. Pets with Salmonella infections may be lethargic and have diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever, and vomiting. Some pets will have only decreased appetite, fever and abdominal pain. Animals can be carriers with no visible symptoms and can potentially infect other animals of humans. If your pet has consumed the recalled product and has these symptoms you should contact your veterinarian.

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