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FDA Advises Pet Owners Not to Give Their Dogs Any Pig Ear Treats

Earlier this month, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced they were investigating a link between pig ear treats for dogs and an outbreak of Salmonella infections in humans who had handled the treats.

Four weeks later, the FDA and CDC have made another alarming announcement: They are recommending that pet owners do not give their dogs any pig ear treats and that stores should stop selling them.

In early July, 45 cases of human infection linked to exposure to pig ear treats tainted with Salmonella enterica had been reported in a handful of states. As of today, that number has jumped to 127 cases in 33 states. Twenty-six of those people had to be hospitalized.

Although the FDA has not yet recalled any brands, two companies have voluntarily recalled their pig ear products. Pet Supplies Plus announced on July 3 that it is voluntarily recalling bulk pig ear products supplied to all of its stores by several different vendors. On July 26, Lennox Intl Inc announced that it is voluntarily recalling its Natural Pig ears products that were shipped to distributors and retail stores across the country from May 1 to July 3, 2019.

The FDA said in today’s announcement that it’s working with impacted firms to remove pig ear treats from the marketplace and to identify places where they may have been distributed. Some of the pig ear treats associated with the human Salmonella infections have been traced to sources in Argentina and Brazil.

Salmonella Infections Can Be Deadly

In most cases, Salmonella infections will clear up on their own, but as those 26 people can tell you, you might end up in a hospital. In the worst cases, it can spread from the intestines to the bloodstream and other body parts. Salmonella infections can be deadly for very young and very old people, as well as for people with weakened immune systems.

The most common signs of a Salmonella infection in humans are diarrhea, nausea, fever and abdominal cramps. If you’re giving your dog pig ear treats and are experiencing any of these symptoms, be sure to see your doctor.

Dogs can also get Salmonella infections. The symptoms are the same as those for humans, but infected dogs may have no symptoms at all. The problem is that dogs can easily pass the infection along to humans. “Once Salmonella gets established in the pet’s gastrointestinal tract, the animal can shed the bacteria, and the contamination will continue to spread,” the FDA notes. See your veterinarian if your dog shows the symptoms of a Salmonella infection.

If you think you or your dog has been sickened by a pig ears treat or any other pet product, you can report it on the FDA’s Safety Reporting Portal.

Photo: U.S. Food and Drug Administration

Pig Ear Treats Could Be Causing Human Salmonella Infections

JULY 31, 2019 UPDATE: The FDA and CDC announced today they are advising pet owners not to give their dogs any pig ear treats, and for stores to stop selling them.

Years ago, I gave my dog Larry pig ear treats to munch on because I heard they were safe for pets. But the stench and the fact that they were actual pig ears were a big turn-off for me, so I soon found a better alternative: odorless, nearly indestructible Kong toys (affiliate link).

Now there’s another reason why you might want to think twice before giving your dog pig ear treats. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced today that it’s investigating a link between these treats and Salmonella infections in humans.

Forty-five human cases of Salmonella enterica serotype have been reported in several states, according to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which is working with the FDA on the investigation. Twelve people had to be hospitalized. Many of the people who got sick had been exposed to pig ear treats.

Samples of pig ears taken from bulk bins in retail stores by the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development tested positive for several strains of Salmonella, the FDA reports, although not for Salmonella enterica serotype. Still, the test results are pretty alarming.

Salmonella infections can be deadly for very young and very old people, as well as people with weakened immune systems. In most cases, the infection will clear up on its own, but as those 12 people can tell you, you might end up in a hospital. In the worst cases, it can spread from the intestines to the bloodstream and other body parts.

The most common signs of a Salmonella infection are diarrhea, nausea, fever and abdominal cramps. If you’re giving your dog pig ear treats and are experiencing any of these symptoms, be sure to see your doctor.

If you still want to give your dog pig ear treats, the FDA warns that you should be sure to pick up the ears when your dog’s not chewing them, keep them away from small children, clean all areas that came into contact with them, wash your hands after touching them, and don’t let your dog lick anyone or any surfaces in your home. (Good luck with that.)

The FDA is not yet recalling any brand of pig ear treats. Two years ago, four brands were recalled due to possible Salmonella contamination.

If you think you or your dog has been sickened by a pig ears treat or any other pet product, you can report it on the FDA’s Safety Reporting Portal.

Photo: Karen/Flickr

RECALL ALERT: Four Pig Ears Brands Due to Possible Salmonella Contamination

EuroCan Manufacturing announced that it’s voluntarily recalling one lot of pig ears sold under four different brand names — Barnsdale Farms, Barnsdale Farms Select, HoundsTooth and Mac’s Choice — because they may be contaminated with Salmonella.

The recalled pig ears were distributed throughout the United States and Canada, according to the announcement.

Routine testing revealed the presence of Salmonella in the products. EuroCan Manufacturing, based in Ontario, Canada, has suspended distribution of the product while it and the FDA investigate the source of the problem.

No illnesses have been reported to date. Salmonella can affect animals as well as people who handle the contaminated products. The symptoms for both people and animals include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramping and fever. Contact your doctor or veterinarian if you or your dog are experiencing any of these symptoms after handling or eating the recalled pig’s ears.

The following products are included in this voluntary recall:

Barnsdale Farms, Barnsdale FarmsSelect, HoundsTooth and Mac’s Choice Pig’s Ears

Shrink-wrapped six-pack, 12-pack and 25-pack bags
Lot 84

If you purchased the recalled pig ears, return them to the place of purchase for a refund. For more information about the recall, call 888-290-7606 Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern Time.

Photos via FDA

RECALL ALERT: Smallbatchdog Duckbatch Sliders

One lot of frozen Smallbatchdog Duckback Sliders has been voluntarily recalled because it may be contaminated with Salmonella and Listeria monocytogenes.

Smallbatch Pets Inc., which is based in Richmond, Calif., announced the recall March 26. The 80 cases in the affected lot were sold from Feb. 23 to March 10, 2016 in retail pet food stores in California, Colorado, Oregon and Washington.

“As the raw food market has grown and matured, so has the scrutiny and testing for pathogens,” the company wrote on its website. “Starting immediately, we will ramp up testing on our raw materials, finished products and processing environment in an effort to produce an even better and safer smallbatch pet food product. We will continue to adopt interventions and technologies to prevent the possibility of pathogens being found in our products. We will continue to source only the highest quality ingredients available to us like we have always done.”

Salmonella can affect animals as well as people who handle the contaminated food. The symptoms for both people and animals include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramping and fever.

Listeria monocytogenes can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. The symptoms for both people and dogs include high fever, stiffness, nausea and diarrhea.

If you or your dog have any of these symptoms after touching or eating the recalled products, see a doctor or veterinarian. No pet or consumer illnesses from this product have yet been reported.

The following products, all sold in 3-pound bags, are included in the recall.

Smallbatchdog Duckback Sliders

Lot # CO27
Best By Date: 01/27/17 (located on the back of the bag, below the seal)
UPC: 713757339001

If you purchased this product, dispose of it by following the Simple Handling Tips on the package. For a full refund, contact the store where you purchased it or Smallbatch Inc.

For more information about this recall, call 888-507-2712 Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. PDT, or email info@smallbatchpets.com.

Photo via Instagram

RECALL ALERT: Vital Essentials Frozen Chicken Patties for Dogs

One lot of Vital Essentials Frozen Chicken Patties for Dogs has been voluntarily recalled by the Carnivore Meat Company because it may be contaminated with Salmonella.

The Carnivore Meat Company, based in Green Bay, Wisc., announced today it was notified by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) that a sample of the product tested positive for Salmonella.

Salmonella can affect animals as well as people who handle the contaminated food. The symptoms for both people and animals include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramping and fever.

The recalled product was distributed in California, Florida, Georgia, Rhode Island, Texas and Washington.

The following lot is included in the recall. The lot number and best by date are located on the back of the package.

Vital Essentials Frozen Chicken Patties for Dogs
Net wt: 6 lbs.
Lot Number: 11475
Best By Date: 20161108 (11/08/16)
UPC: 33211 00807

If you purchased this product, call 920-370-6542 Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. CST for further assistance. If the package has been opened, dispose of the food by securing it in a covered trash receptacle.

“The company is fully committed to maintaining the highest quality standards in the pet food industry and ensuring the health and safety of pets,” Carnivore Meat Company stated in its announcement.

In July 2015, the company voluntarily recalled two batches of Vital Essentials Frozen Beef Tripe Patties and Frozen Beef Tripe Nibblets because they may have been contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.

Photo: VitalEssentialsRaw.com