Pet Supplies Plus is advising consumers it is recalling bulk pig ear product supplied to all locations by several different vendors due to the potential of Salmonella contamination. Salmonella can affect animals eating the products and there is risk to humans from handling contaminated pet products, especially if they have not thoroughly washed their hands after having contact with the products or any surfaces exposed to these products.
Individuals infected with Salmonella should monitor for some, or all, of the following symptoms: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramping and fever. Rarely, Salmonella can result in more serious ailments, including arterial infections, endocarditis, arthritis, muscle pain, eye irritation, and urinary tract symptoms. Consumers exhibiting these signs after having contact with this product should contact their healthcare providers.
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. Infected but otherwise healthy pets can be carriers and infect other animals or humans. If your pet has consumed the recalled product and has these symptoms, please contact your veterinarian.
Bulk pig ears were distributed to Pet Supplies Plus stores in AL, AR, CA, CO, CT, DE, FL, GA, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, MA, MD, MI, MN, MO, NC, NE, NH, NJ, NY, OH, OK, PA, RI, SC, TN, TX, VA, WI and WV. Bulk pig ears were stocked in open bins. Prepackaged branded pig ears are not included in this voluntary recall.
To date, 45 individuals in 13 states have been diagnosed with Salmonella related illness. However, none of these cases are confirmed to be a result of purchasing pig ears from Pet Supplies Plus.
Testing by the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development revealed that aging bulk pig ear product in one of our stores tested positive for Salmonella. We have pulled bulk pig ear product from the shelves at all of our stores and have stopped shipping bulk pig ears from our Distribution Center. We are working with the FDA as they continue their investigation as to what caused the reported Salmonella related illnesses.
Consumers who have purchased bulk pig ears should discontinue use of the product and discard it. Consumers who have further questions are welcome to contact our Neighbor Service team at 734-793-6564 between Monday and Friday 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. EST (excluding holidays).
The FDA notice for this recall: https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/pet-supplies-plus-issues-consumer-advisory-bulk-pig-ear-product-fda-investigating-contaminated-pig
Sharon
July 12, 2019 at 2:36 pm
Shame, shame, shame on the FDA and shame on the manufacturers of substandard dog food. I cook for my dogs because I don’t trust the manufacturers, but I say the FDA has a responsibility to pet owners that they’re not living up to. Shame on all of them.
Maureen
August 25, 2021 at 3:06 am
I feel like many sectors of the US government have sold out to corporate interests and the interests of citizens (and their beloved pets) are an after thought. Or not thought of at all when the focus is on greed & profit. We must get money out of politics and government. It all leads to corruption and lack of oversight or relaxed regulations. And our pets are paying the price with their health and lives. It’s wonderful that some people do care and are trying hard to do the right things for pets and their human consumers.
I just found the movie. I’m subscribing to the newsletters and report to protect my dogs and cat. I need to be better informed because there was a lot that I didn’t know. One of the pet stores I frequent is on your list for my state!! I go there because I felt it’s a wonderful shop that carries quality pet supplies. The ladies that work there are always friendly and knowledgeable. Glad to see my feeling was right.