RECALL: Dog Treats Sold in Indiana & Kentucky Pose Health Threat to Pets and People
North Carolina based Carolina Prime Pet, Inc. has issued a recall for dog treats that may be contaminated with salmonella - posing a risk to pets and humans.
Recalled Dog Treats Pose Health Threat to Pets and Humans
Not only can consuming the contaminated treats put dogs at risk of infection, but humans who handle the treats risk infection as well if they do not properly wash or sanitize their hands, or any hard surfaces that come in contact with the affected treats.
What Is Salmonella?
Salmonella is a harmful bacteria that can lead to severe infections, especially in young children, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems. Even healthy individuals may experience symptoms such as fever, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea (which can be bloody), and abdominal pain if exposed to Salmonella.
Salmonella Symptom Onset for Humans
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, symptoms can begin anywhere from six hours to six days after exposure to the bacteria and in rare cases, can spread to the bloodstream, causing more critical conditions like arterial infections, endocarditis, and arthritis.
Most people with Salmonella infection have diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps. Symptoms usually begin six hours to six days after infection and last four to seven days. However, some people do not develop symptoms for several weeks after infection and others experience symptoms for several weeks. Salmonella strains sometimes cause infection in urine, blood, bones, joints, or the nervous system (spinal fluid and brain), and can cause severe disease. - CDC
Salmonella Symptoms in Dogs and Other Pets
Dogs, and other pets infected with Salmonella may exhibit symptoms of lethargy, and may experience diarrhea or bloody stools, in addition to fever and vomiting. Other symptoms of Salmonella in pets include decreases appetite and abdominal pain. Additionally, pets that have been infected but are asymptomatic can transmit the bacteria to other animals and humans.
How is Salmonella Spread?
The Food and Drug Administration explains that there are a number of ways that salmonella can be spread including consuming undercooked food, improper food handling, and improper hand washing.
Salmonella are a group of bacteria that can cause gastrointestinal illness and fever called salmonellosis. Salmonella can be spread by food handlers who do not wash their hands and/or the surfaces and tools they use between food preparation steps, and when people eat raw or undercooked foods. Salmonella can also spread from animals to people. People who have direct contact with certain animals, including poultry and reptiles, can spread the bacteria from the animals to food if they do not practice proper hand washing hygiene before handling food. Pets can also spread the bacteria within the home environment if they eat food contaminated with Salmonella. - FDA
Recalled Dog Treat Specifics
The recall includes 16-ounce bags of "Hollywood Feed Carolina Made Chicken Chips" that were distributed to Hollywood Feed stores in multiple states including Indiana, Kentucky, Illinois, and Tennessee. They were also sold online through the feed store's website. They are packaged in a purple-and-black bag marked with lot number 20051324L2 and an expiration date of 11/13/25.
What To Do If You Have These Products
First, if your pet has consumed the recalled product and is exhibiting any of the symptoms detailed above, you should contact your veterinarian immediately. If you have these products in your home, do not feed them to your animals. You can also contact the company via email at treats@carolinaprimepet.com or by calling 828-394-6460 Monday through Friday between the hours of 8 am and 4 pm EST to learn more about returning the recalled products for a refund.
[SOURCE: FDA.gov]
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Gallery Credit: Kat Mykals