P00-12 FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Print Media: 301-827-6242 May 23, 2000 (Revised May 26, 2000) Consumer Inquiries:888-INFO-FDA
The Food and Drug Administration announced today that Treat Makers, L.L.C., a manufacturer of natural pet treats, is voluntarily recalling Medalist brand pig ear pet treats, lot numbers 07600EXU3 and 08300EXU1, due to possible contamination with Salmonella. Pet owners can become ill by touching their mouth or food without washing their hands after handling the pet treats. Salmonella is an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in small children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Healthy people may only suffer short-term symptoms, such as high fever, severe headache, vomiting, nausea, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. Long term complications can include arthritis. Although Salmonella can pose a health risk for pets under certain conditions, our primary concern with this recall is protecting human health.
The Medalist brand pig ears are packaged in 25-count plastic bags. The lot number can be found on a white sticker on the back of the bag.
While testing conducted by Costco, Issaquah, WA, a distributor of the pet treats, found some Salmonella-positive samples, testing conducted by Treat Makers, L.L.C. showed no trace of Salmonella. No illnesses have been reported as a result of handling these pet treats.
The pig ears were distributed through Costco stores located in 11 states: Washington, Oregon, California, Arizona, New Mexico, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, Idaho, Hawaii and Montana. Consumers who have purchased the pig ears can return them to their Costco store for a refund. Customers with questions about the recall should call Treat Makers at (888) 250-7369.
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Hypertext updated by clb 2000-MAY-26.