A New Jersey company that produces pig ear dog treats says it is conducting a product recall due to contamination and that consumers should immediately stop feeding the treats to their dogs.
Petrapport Inc. announced March 23 that the dog treats may be contaminated with salmonella, an organism that can cause serious infections in dogs as well as young children, frail or elderly people and others with weakened immune systems.
Petrapport says it imported the dog treats from a Chilean company from August to December 2006. Testing showed salmonella contamination in samples and the company said it decided to voluntarily recall the dog treats.
The dog treats were sold by BJ’s Wholesale Club in its 25-count packages of Berkley & Jensen Full-Cut Pig Ears dog treats with no lot number and only the expiration advisories “BEST IF USED BY 2009” – without referencing a specific month – as well as “BEST IF USED BY SEPTEMBER 2009,” “BEST IF USED BY OCTOBER 2009,” “BEST IF USED BY NOVEMBER 2009” and "BEST IF USED BY DECEMBER 2009.”
Included within the voluntary dog treat recall were the following pig ear treats, with item numbers and lot numbers, sold in bulk by other retailers under the Petrapport brand:
- 8915 Bulk Low Fat Pig Ears, Lots 101808 & 102108;
- 8772P Two-Pack Bulk Pig Ears, Lot 101707;
- 8770P 12-Pack Bulk Pig Ears, Lot 101707;
- 8774P 24-Pack Bulk Pig Ears, Lot 101907;
- 7416 1-lb. Bulk Pig Ear Strips, Lot 101907;
- 425 24-oz. Bulk Pig Ear Strips, Lot 5039.
In early March, BJ’s Wholesale Club also issued its own recall of Berkley & Jensen brand full-cut pig ear dog treats due to possible salmonella contamination.
Dogs that become ill from salmonella generally will have a fever and diarrhea that may contain blood or mucus. Affected animals may seem more tired that usual, and may suffer vomiting; however, no confirmed illnesses have been reported.
Consumers should discontinue use of the products and may return the unused portion to the place of purchase for a full refund.
For information on the dog treat recall, contact Petrapport at (800) 447-3872 ext. 110.