Posted: December 11, 2009, 5 a.m. EST
On Dec. 9, Pet Carousel Inc. of Sanger, Calif., issued a nationwide recall of its pig ears and beef hoof dog treats due to concerns of potential salmonella contamination.
Pet Carousel manufactured the products under several brand names. The affected pig ear products were packaged under the brand names Doggie Delight, Pork Tasteez, and Pet Carousel. All sizes and all lots of these pig ear products, purchased on or after Aug. 16, are being recalled.
Item numbers include:
- 18100-P bulk
- 18016-P 10-pack, red mesh bag
- 18120-P 20-pack, red mesh bag
The affected beef hooves were packaged under the brand names Choo Hooves, Dentley’s, Doggie Delight and Pet Carousel. Beef hoof products in all varieties, purchased on or after Sept. 16, are included in the recall.
Item numbers include:
- 1506-K 5-pound bulk
- 1507-K 10-pound bulk
- 1520-K 20-pound bulk
- 12125-T 10-pack vinyl bag
- 12110-T 10-pack, vinyl bag
- 12111-T 10-pack, vinyl bag
- 12122-T 10-pound bulk
- 1503-K 3-pack, vinyl bag
- 1510-K 10-pack, vinyl bag
- 1405-S 5-pound bulk
- 1408-S 10-pack, vinyl bag
- 1410-S 10-pound bulk
- 1420-S 20-pound bulk
- 90058-H Cheese/& Bacon Stuffed Hoof, bulk
- 90056-H Peanut Butter Stuffed Hoof, bulk
- 7005-R Rope Toy With Hooves
Consumers who have purchased any of the above products are advised to cease using the product and return it to the place of purchase. Consumers with questions can call Pet Carousel at 800-231-3572.
The recall comes about a month after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration warned consumers not to use Pet Carousel’s pig ears and beef hooves, because the products may be contaminated with salmonella.
At that time, the FDA said it had conducted a routine testing of Pet Carousel’s pig ears in September that turned up a positive reading for salmonella. The positive reading prompted an investigation in which the FDA said it found salmonella present in not only the pig ears, but also the beef hooves and in the manufacturing environment.
Prior to the FDA’s warning, Petsmart had issued a voluntary recall of its Dentley’s beef hoof products. It later expanded the recall to include additional Pet Carousel products.
People handling dry dog food and/or dog 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.
Healthy people infected with salmonella may experience some or all of the following symptoms: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramping and fever.
Although rare, salmonella can result in more serious ailments including arterial infections, endocarditis (inflammation of the lining of the heart), arthritis, muscle pain, eye irritation and urinary tract symptoms. Consumers exhibiting these signs after having contact with the dog treats should contact their healthcare provider immediately.
Dogs 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 dogs consumed any of the affected products or are experiencing any of the above symptoms.