The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is warning consumers not to use pig ear and beef hoof pet treats manufactured by Pet Carousel Inc. of Sanger, Calif., because of potential salmonella contamination. The pig ear products were packaged under the brand names Doggie Delight and Pet Carousel. The beef hooves were packaged under the brand names Choo Hooves, Dentley’s, Doggie Delight and Pet Carousel. The products were distributed nationwide in bulk and retail packaging for sale in pet food and chain stores. All size and all lots of the products are included in the FDA’s warning, issued Nov. 5. Petsmart voluntarily recalled its Dentley’s beef hooves Nov. 4. The products include Dentley’s Bulk Cattle Hoof and Dentley’s 10-Pack Beef Hooves. Read the full story here. The FDA’s warning came after the agency did routine testing in September of Pet Carousel’s pig ears. The results detected a positive reading for salmonella, thus prompting an investigation, according to the FDA. The FDA said it found salmonella present in not only the pig ears, but in beef hooves and in the manufacturing environment. The FDA has not reported any illnesses associated with the pet treats. The agency is advising consumers not to handle the products or feed them to their pets as salmonella can affect both humans and animals. People handling dry pet food or pet treats can become infected with salmonella, especially if they have not thoroughly washed their hands after touching the treats or any surfaces exposed to the products, according to the FDA. Consumers are advised to dispose of the pig ears and beef hooves by securing them in a covered trash receptacle. The FDA will work to determine the source of the salmonella contamination and will offer updates. Consumers can report complaints about FDA-regulated pet food and pet treat products by calling the consumer complaint coordinator in their area. To locate the nearest consumer complaint coordinator, visit the FDA website. For more information, call 888-INFO-FDA. <HOME>
