Published: November 06, 2009 11:59 am      

FDA issues alert on Pet Carousel treats for possible Salmonella contamination

Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tommy Irvin is notifying consumers of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration health alert warning against using Pig Ears and Beef Hooves pet treats manufactured by Pet Carousel under several brand names 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.

Earlier, PetSmart had recalled two of the Pet Carousel products purchased between Oct. 2, 2009 and Nov. 3, 2009.

The FDA alert includes pig ear products packaged under the brand names Doggie Delight and Pet Carousel. The affected beef hooves products were packaged under the brand names Choo Hooves, Dentley’s, Doggie Delight and Pet Carousel. All sizes and lots of these products made by Pet Carousel are included in the alert.

During an inspection of Pet Carousel manufacturing facilities, FDA found Salmonella in pig ears, beef hooves and the 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.

The FDA health alert advises consumers not to handle or feed the treats to their pets and to dispose of them in a safe manner by securing them in a covered trash receptacle.

Consumers with health concerns should contact a health care provider immediately. Those with health concerns about their pets should contact a veterinarian immediately.

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

www.fda.gov/Safety/ReportaProblem/ConsumerComplaintCoordinators/default.htm