Posted: November 6, 2009, 6 p.m. EST
Due to concerns of potential salmonella contamination, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is warning consumers not to use pig ears and beef hooves pet treats manufactured by Pet Carousel Inc. of Sanger, Calif.
Pet Carousel manufactures the products under several brand names. The affected pig ear products were packaged under the brand names Doggie Delight and Pet Carousel. The affected beef hooves were packaged under the brand names Choo Hooves, Dentley’s, Doggie Delight and Pet Carousel.
The products were distributed nationwide in both bulk and retail packaging for sale in pet food and retail chain stores. All size and all lots of the products are included in the FDA’s warning, issued on Nov. 5.
Petsmart voluntarily recalled its Dentley’s beef hooves on Nov. 4. The recalled products include Dentley’s Bulk Cattle Hoof and Dentley’s 10-Pack Beef Hooves.
The FDA’s warning comes after the agency conducted a routine testing in September of Pet Carousel’s pigs ears. The test results detected a positive reading for salmonella, thus prompting an investigation, according to the FDA. The FDA said it found salmonella present in not only the pig ears, but also beef hooves and in the manufacturing environment.
The FDA has not reported any illnesses associated with the pet treats. However, the agency is advising consumers not to handle the products or feed them to their pets as salmonella can affect both humans and animals.
People handling dry pet food or pet treats can become infected with salmonella, especially if they have not thoroughly washed their hands after having contact with the treats or any surfaces exposed to these products, according to the FDA. Consumers are advised to dispose of the pig ears and beef hooves by securing them in a covered trash receptacle.
Healthy people infected with salmonella may experience some or all of the following symptoms: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramping and fever. Consumers exhibiting these signs after having contact with the pet treats should contact their health care provider immediately.
Pets with salmonella infections may become lethargic and have diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever and vomiting. Some pets may only experience a decreased appetite, fever and abdominal pain. Infected but otherwise healthy pets can be carriers and infect other animals or humans. Pet owners are urged to contact their veterinarian immediately if their pet consumed any of the affected products or is experiencing any of the above symptoms.
The FDA planned to continue to investigate the matter to determine the source of the salmonella contamination and offer updates accordingly.
Consumers can report complaints about FDA-regulated pet food and pet treat products by calling the consumer complaint coordinator in their area. To locate the nearest consumer complaint coordinator, visit the FDA’s website. For information, call 1-888-INFO-FDA.