Merrick Pet Care Inc. of Amarillo, Texas, is recalling its Jr. Texas Taffy pet treat due to potential Salmonella contamination. The decision is “in the abundance of caution,” the company said. No illnesses have been reported to date, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, which sent out a media alert today. Specifically, the Jr. Texas Taffy pet treat recall includes Item #27077, UPC #02280827077 and all lots up to and including 10364. The treats were shipped to distributors and retailers throughout the United States. These individuals have been notified and have activated their recall procedures, according to the FDA. 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, according to the FDA. Infected but otherwise healthy pets can be carriers and infect other animals or humans. Pet owners are urged to contact their veterinarian if their pet has consumed the recalled product and have these symptoms. Salmonella can also be a risk to humans. People handling the treats can become infected with Salmonella, especially if they have not thoroughly washed their hands after having contact with the chews or any surfaces exposed to these products, according to the FDA. Consumers are urged to dispose of these products in a safe manner by securing them in a covered trash receptacle. Healthy people infected with Salmonella should monitor themselves for some or all of the following symptoms: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramping and fever, according to the FDA. Rarely, Salmonella can result in more serious ailments, including arterial infections, endocarditis, arthritis, muscle pain, eye irritation and urinary tract symptoms, the FDA noted. Consumers exhibiting these signs after having contact with this product are urged to contact their health care providers immediately. Consumers who have purchased the Jr. Texas Taffy can return the unused portion to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions can contact Merrick Pet Care at 800-664-7387, Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. CST. In related news, Manna Pro Products LLC of Chesterfield, Mo., is voluntarily recalling a single lot (1006) of Family Farm Complete 10 horse feed because it may contain monensin sodium (Rumensin). Initial testing indicated the presence of monensin sodium in this single lot. Follow up testing is currently underway, according to the FDA. Monensin sodium is a medication approved for use in some livestock and poultry species, but can be fatal to horses if fed at sufficiently high levels, the FDA noted. No illnesses or deaths have been reported, according to the FDA. The recall includes lot 1006, UPC 0 95668 90151 6, packaged in 40-pound bags. The lot number can be found on the tag, below the bar code. Additionally, the code “MADE 010611W” will be printed on the white strip sewn across the bottom of the bag. The feed was distributed Jan. 11, 2011 through Jan. 21, 2011 to retailers in California, Nevada and Oregon. Retailers receiving product from the lot in question have removed it from their stores, according to the FDA. Although no illnesses or deaths have been reported, customers who purchased Family Farm Complete Horse 10 from lot 1006 should stop feeding the product immediately “out of an abundance of caution,” according to the FDA. Manna Pro can be contact by calling 866-700-7882, Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. CST.
