With the recent announcements by the FDA and the CDC regarding an investigation into contaminated pig ear treats connecting to a multi-state Salmonella outbreak, Pet Supplies Plus has recalled its bulk pig ear product supplied to all locations by several different vendors. To date, 45 individuals in 13 states have been diagnosed with Salmonella related illness, however, none of these cases are confirmed to be a result of purchasing pig ears from Pet Supplies Plus.
Pre-packaged branded pig ears are not included in this voluntary recall. Bulk pig ears were stocked in open bins and were distributed to Pet Supplies Plus stores in these states: Alabama, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, West Virginia and Wisconsin.
Salmonella can affect animals eating the products and there is risk to humans from handling contaminated pet products, especially if they have not thoroughly washed their hands after having contact with the products or any surfaces exposed to these products.
Salmonella infection may result in some or all of the following symptoms in people: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramping and fever. Rarely, Salmonella can result in more serious ailments including arterial infections, endocarditis, arthritis, muscle pain, eye irritation, and urinary tract symptoms. Consumers exhibiting these signs after having contact with this product should contact their healthcare providers.
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.
A statement by Pet Supplies Plus read in part, “Testing by the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development revealed that aging bulk pig ear product in one of our stores tested positive for Salmonella. We have pulled bulk pig ear product from the shelves at all of our stores and have stopped shipping bulk pig ears from our Distribution Center. We are working with the FDA as they continue their investigation as to what caused the reported Salmonella related illnesses.”
Consumers who have purchased bulk pig ears should discontinue use of the product and discard it. Consumers with questions are welcome to contact the Pet Supplies Plus Neighbor Service team at 734-793- 6564, Monday thru Friday 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. EST (excluding holidays).
FDA encourages consumers to report complaints about pet food products electronically through the Safety Reporting Portal. This information helps FDA further protect human and animal health.
Read the full FDA Recall Alert HERE.
