A Texas company is recalling a single lot — 248 cases — of its

Doggie Wishbone pet treats because they may be contaminated with

Salmonella.

Merrick Pet Care of Amarillo said

the problem was identified through routine sampling by the Food and Drug

Administration. The 248 cases in the recalled lot were shipped to

distributors in 10 states.

In an FDA news release late

Monday, the company did not name the states but said distributors and

retailers “have been notified and have activated their recall

procedures.”

No illnesses have been reported.

The

recalled treats — described as “all natural beef tendons” on various

websites, are marked ITEM # 29050, UPC # 2280829050, Lot 11031, with a

“Best By” date of 30 Jan 2013.  No other Merrick Pet Care products or

brands are involved in the recall.  

There is

risk to humans from handling contaminated pet products. People handling

the dog chews can become infected with Salmonella, especially if they

have not thoroughly washed their hands after having contact with the or

any surfaces exposed to these products. Consumers should dispose of

these products by securing them in a covered trash receptacle.

Pets

with Salmonella infections may be lethargic and have diarrhea or bloody

diarrhea, fever, and vomiting. Some pets will have only 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 the recalled product and has these symptoms, please contact

your veterinarian immediately.

Consumers who

purchased the Doggie Wishbone with the lot code 11031 are urged to

return the unused portion to the place of purchase for a full refund.

Consumers with questions may contact the company at 1-800-664-7387 from 8

a.m. to 5 p.m. CST Monday through Friday.