PETCO stores nationwide are immediately pulling five SKUs of cow hooves treats, sold under the PETCO brand, from all of its shelves following a health alert issued by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. The alert warns consumers not to use pig ears and beef hooves pet treats manufactured by Pet Carousel because the products may be contaminated with Salmonella.
According to the FDA statement, no illnesses associated with these products have been reported, but consumers in possession of these products are advised not to handle them or feed them to their pets.
The health and wellbeing of our customers’ pets is our topmost priority, so we’re immediately pulling any beef hooves product that originated at the Pet Carousel facility. Below is a list of the five SKUs we’re removing from shelves:
49743 – PETC-1 OZ BULK CHOO HOOVE
69957 – PETC-1LB NATRL 10PK CHOO HOOVE
447064 – PETC-1LB SMOKE 10PK CHOO HOOVE
706655 – PETC-2Z STUFFED CHOO HOOVES
706671 – PETC-2Z PB STUFFED CHOO HOOVES
Pet Carousel manufactures a number of pet treat products distributed nationwide in both bulk and retail packaging for sale in pet food and retail chain stores. While Pet Carousel does manufacture beef hooves for PETCO, it does NOT supply our company with pig ear treats, so if you’ve purchased pig ear treats at PETCO, they are not affected by this recall.
We’ve cancelled any further deliveries or shipments of the recalled products to our stores and blocked the sales of all five SKUs at cash registers in all stores and online at PETCO.com. If you believe you are in possession of any of the affected products, we advise you not to handle or feed them to your pets and welcome you to bring them back to your local PETCO store for a full refund or exchange.
PETCO does carry an 8-piece bone/body variety pack of treats that includes one cow hoof that is produced by another manufacturer and is NOT affected by this recall. That unaffected SKU is:
1229397 – PETC-10.9 OZ 8PC VARIETY PACK
http://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/ ... 189400.htm
FDA NEWS RELEASE
For Immediate Release: Nov. 5, 2009
Media Inquiries: Rita Chappelle, 301-796-4672, rita.chappelle@fda.hhs.gov
Consumer Inquiries: 888-INFO-FDA
FDA Health Alert for Certain Pet Treats Made by Pet Carousel
Products may be contaminated with Salmonella
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is issuing this health alert to warn consumers not to use Pig Ears and Beef Hooves pet treats manufactured by Pet Carousel because the products may be contaminated with Salmonella. The products were distributed nationwide in both bulk and retail packaging for sale in pet food and retail chain stores. Pet Carousel is based in Sanger, Calif.
The products were manufactured under conditions that facilitate cross-contamination within batches or lots. Although no illnesses associated with these products have been reported, the FDA is advising consumers in possession of these products to not handle or feed them to their pets.
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. All sizes and all lots of these products made by Pet Carousel are included in this alert.
During September 2009, the FDA conducted routine testing of pig ears made by Pet Carousel. The test results detected a positive reading for Salmonella. This prompted an FDA inspection of Pet Carousel’s manufacturing facilities. During the inspection, the agency collected additional pet treat samples. Further analysis found Salmonella present in beef hooves, pig ears and in the manufacturing environment.
Salmonella can affect both humans and animals. People handling dry pet food and/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. Consumers should dispose of these products in a safe manner 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. 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 this product 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. If your pet has consumed any of the affected products or is experiencing any of these symptoms, contact your veterinarian immediately.
The FDA will continue to investigate this matter to determine the source of the Salmonella contamination and offer updates as appropriate.
Consumers can report complaints about FDA-regulated pet food and pet treat products by calling the consumer complaint coordinator in their area. You can locate the nearest consumer complaint coordinator at:
http://www.fda.gov/Safety/ReportaProble ... efault.htm