The US Food and Drug Administration reported Wednesday that Pet Carousel, a manufacturer of premium pet treats, has issued a recall of all Pig Ears and all varieties of Beef Hoof pet treats because the products may be contaminated with Salmonella bacteria.  The products, which had been distributed nationwide in bulk and retail packaging for sale in pet food and chain stores, were recalled after FDA testing returned positive results for Salmonella.  All sizes and all lots of the products are included in the FDA’s warning.

Although the recall involves only pet treats, humans, too, can be affected.  People handling the recalled pet food are particularly vulnerable, especially if they do not follow proper hand-washing methods. However, Salmonella can also be transferred directly between one carrying entity (animal or human) to another, non-infected entity.

Symptoms of Salmonella in humans include diarrhea, abdominal cramps, fever, nausea, and/or vomiting.  In mild cases diarrhea may be non-bloody, occur several times per day, and not be very voluminous; in severe cases it may be frequent, bloody and/or mucoid, and of high volume.

Pets with Salmonella infections may experience fever, vomiting, and diarrhea (sometimes bloody). Some pets only display a decreased appetite or abdominal pain. Still others could show no signs at all; however, these pets can still be carriers and infect other humans and animals.  

The recalled pig ear products were packaged under the brand names Doggie Delight, Pork Tasteez and Pet Carousel.

The beef hoof products recalled include those labeled under the names Doggie Delight, Pet Carousel, Choo Hooves, and Dentley’s. 

Pig Ears and Beef Hooves were recalled from Pet Smart stores in November.  See also FDA Issues Warning On Beef Hooves & Pig Ears.