I posted this under the "dogs" section...but maybe I should have put this here instead???
Recall -- Firm Press Release
FDA posts press releases and other notices of recalls and market
withdrawals from the firms involved as a service to consumers, the media, and other interested parties. FDA does not endorse either the product or the company. This listserv covers mainly Class I (life-threatening) recalls. A complete listing of recalls can be found in the FDA Enforcement Report at:
http://www.fda.gov/opacom/Enforce.html
BJ's Wholesale Club Issues Recall of "Berkley & Jensen" Full-Cut Pig
Ears Dog Treats Because of Potential for Salmonella Contamination
Contact:
Stephanie LaCroix
508-651-6904
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -- Natick, MA -- March 9, 2007 -- BJ's
Wholesale Club, Inc. is recalling its 25-count packages of "Berkley & Jensen"
Full-Cut Pig Ears dog treats with no lot number and only the expiration
advisory "BEST IF USED BY 2009" (without referencing a specific month)
because they have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella, an
organism which can cause serious infections in dogs, and, if there is
cross contamination, young children, frail or elderly people, and others
with weakened immune systems.
Confirmatory testing is ongoing but until the testing is final,
consumers should immediately stop feeding the treats to their pets.
Salmonella can potentially be transferred to people handling these
dog treats, especially if they have not thoroughly washed their hands
after having contact with the product or any surfaces exposed to these
products. Healthy persons infected with Salmonella often experience fever,
diarrhea (which may be bloody), nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. In
rare circumstances, infection with Salmonella can result in the
organism getting into the bloodstream and producing more severe illnesses such
as arterial infections (i.e., infected aneurysms), endocarditis and
arthritis. Consumers exhibiting these signs after having contact with this
product should contact their healthcare providers.
Dogs that become ill from Salmonella generally will have a fever and
diarrhea that may contain blood or mucus. Affected animals may seem
more tired that usual, and may have vomiting. Some dogs do not have
diarrhea, but will have decreased appetite, fever and excess salivation. If
your dog has consumed the recalled product and is exhibiting these
signs, please contact your veterinarian.
The potential for contamination was noted after testing revealed the
potential presence of Salmonella in a 25-count package of "Berkley &
Jensen" Full-Cut Pig Ears dog treats.
There have been no confirmed illnesses to date. These products have
been removed from sale while the problem is being investigated.
BJ's members who purchased "Berkley & Jensen" Full-Cut Pig Ears dog
treats between January 1, 2006 through March 8, 2007 should discontinue
use of the product and may return the unused portion to any BJ's
Wholesale Club for a full refund. Consumers who have further questions may
contact BJ's toll free Member Care line at 1-800-BJS-CLUB.
