Pet Supplies Plus has initiated a voluntary recall of its bulk pig ear products sold at all store locations. This action is a precautionary measure following investigations by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) into Salmonella contamination linked to pig ear pet treats. The recall is specifically for bulk pig ears supplied by multiple vendors and sold in open bins at Pet Supplies Plus stores. Prepackaged, branded pig ears are not affected by this recall.
This recall is being conducted due to the potential for Salmonella contamination in the bulk pig ears. Salmonella poses a health risk to both pets and humans. Pets consuming contaminated products can develop Salmonella infections, and humans are at risk when handling contaminated pet treats, particularly if they do not wash their hands thoroughly afterward.
Symptoms of Salmonella infection in humans can include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea (potentially bloody), abdominal cramps, and fever. In rare cases, Salmonella can lead to more serious conditions such as arterial infections, endocarditis, arthritis, muscle pain, eye irritation, and urinary tract issues. Individuals experiencing these symptoms after contact with bulk pig ears from Pet Supplies Plus should seek medical advice from their healthcare provider.
Pets infected with Salmonella may exhibit lethargy, diarrhea (possibly bloody), fever, and vomiting. Some pets might only show reduced appetite, fever, and abdominal pain. Even pets that appear healthy but are infected can be carriers and spread Salmonella to other animals or humans. If your pet has consumed recalled bulk pig ears from Pet Supplies Plus and is showing these signs, it is important to contact your veterinarian immediately.
The recalled bulk pig ears were sold at Pet Supplies Plus locations in the following states: 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. These products were available in open bins for customer purchase.
To date, public health investigations have noted 45 cases of Salmonella illness across 13 states. While these cases are under investigation by health authorities, there is no current confirmation that these illnesses are directly linked to pig ears purchased from Pet Supplies Plus.
Recent testing by the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development discovered Salmonella in bulk pig ear products at one Pet Supplies Plus store. In response, Pet Supplies Plus has proactively removed all bulk pig ears from shelves in all its stores and has stopped further shipments of the product from its distribution center. Pet Supplies Plus is cooperating fully with the FDA as they continue to investigate the source of the Salmonella related illnesses.
Consumers who have bought bulk pig ears from Pet Supplies Plus are urged to stop using them immediately and dispose of the product safely. For any further questions or concerns regarding this recall, Pet Supplies Plus encourages customers to contact their Neighbor Service team at 734-793-6564, available Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. EST (excluding holidays).
For media inquiries, please contact Kathryn Frakes at [email protected].
