By Lisa Wade McCormick
ConsumerAffairs.com
December 10, 2009
A California pet company today recalled all its pig ears and beef hoof treats because of possible salmonella contamination.
Pet Carousel of Sanger, California announced the action after tests by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) revealed the products contained salmonella, a bacterium that can infect humans and animals and cause serious health problems.
The action also comes on the heels of a warning the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued in November about the products.
At that time, the FDA said routine testing of the products detected salmonella. The agency also said the products were made "under conditions that facilitate cross-contamination within batches or lots."
Agency officials said they had not received any reports of illnesses linked to the pet treats, but warned consumers not to handle them or give them to their animals.
The company recalled all pig ear treats -- packaged under the brand names Doggie Delight, Pork Tasteez and Pet Carousel -- with the following item numbers:
• 18100-P Bulk
• 18016-P 10-pk red mesh bag
• 18120-P 20-pk red mesh bag
The company also recalled all varieties of its beef hooves -- packaged under the brand names Choo Hooves, Dentley's, Doggie Delight, and Pet Carousel -- with the following item numbers:• 1506-K 5 lb. bulk
• 1507-K 10 lb. bulk
• 1520-K 20 lb. bulk
• 12125-T 10-pk vinyl bag
• 12110-T 10-pk, vinyl bag
• 12111-T 10-pk, vinyl bag
• 12122-T 10 lb., bulk
• 1503-K 3-pk, vinyl bag
• 1510-K 10-pk ,vinyl bag
• 1405-S 5 lb., bulk
• 1408-S 10-pk, vinyl bag
• 1410-S 10 lb., bulk
• 1420-S 20 lb., bulk
• 90058-H Cheese/& Bacon Stuffed Hoof, bulk
• 90056-H Peanut Butter Stuffed Hoof, bulk
• 17005-R Rope toy with Hooves.
Pet Carousel said all sizes and lots of the pork ears purchased on or after August 16, 2009, and all beef hoof products in all varieties purchased on or after September 6, 2009, are included in the recall.
The company said it has notified its consignees and requested they return the recalled products and remove them from store shelves.
"Out of an abundance of caution and concern for public safety, Pet Carousel is issuing this press release to inform consumers of potential risks and to ensure that all affected product has either been returned or otherwise removed from use," the company said.
Salmonella can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramping and fever in humans, the FDA. In rare cases, it can cause more serious health problems, including arterial infections, inflammation of the lining of the heart, arthritis, muscle pain, eye irritation, and urinary tract symptoms.
In pets, salmonella can cause lethargy, diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever and vomiting, the FDA said. Some pets may only experience a decreased appetite, fever and abdominal pain.
The FDA also warned that pets can be carriers of salmonella and infect humans. Pet owners handling dry food or treats tainted with the bacterium can also become infected.
The FDA said consumers should thoroughly wash their hands after touching these potentially tainted treats, and also any surfaces exposed to the products.
Humans or pets who exhibit signs of illnesses after handling or eating these recalled products should seek medical attention, the FDA said.
Consumers with any of the recalled products should immediately stop feeding them to their animals and return them to the store for a refund, Pet Carousel said. For more information, consumers can contact the company at 800-231-3572.
