Pet Supplies Plus, a leading retailer in pet supplies, has announced a voluntary recall of its bulk pig ear products. This action comes in response to recent investigations by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) into potential Salmonella contamination in pig ear pet treats. The recall emphasizes Pet Supplies Plus’s commitment to pet health and safety, ensuring that customers receive only the highest quality pet supplies.
The recall is specifically for bulk pig ears, which were supplied to Pet Supplies Plus stores by multiple vendors. Prepackaged, branded pig ears are not included in this voluntary recall. The concern arose after testing by the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development found Salmonella in bulk pig ear products at one Pet Supplies Plus location. Salmonella poses a risk to both pets and humans. Pets consuming contaminated treats can develop salmonellosis, and humans are at risk through handling contaminated products, especially if they don’t wash their hands thoroughly afterward.
Symptoms of Salmonella infection in humans can include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea (potentially bloody), abdominal cramps, and fever. In more severe cases, Salmonella can lead to arterial infections, endocarditis, arthritis, and other serious conditions. Pet owners experiencing these symptoms after contact with bulk pig ears from Pet Supplies Plus should seek medical advice immediately.
Pets infected with Salmonella may exhibit lethargy, diarrhea (or bloody diarrhea), fever, and vomiting. Some pets might only show reduced appetite, fever, and abdominal pain. Even seemingly healthy pets can be carriers and spread the bacteria to other animals and humans. If your pet has consumed recalled bulk pig ears and shows these symptoms, it’s crucial to contact your veterinarian promptly.
The recalled bulk pig ears were sold at Pet Supplies Plus stores across 33 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 within the stores. It is important to reiterate that pre-packaged branded pig ears are not part of this recall.
As of now, there have been 45 reported cases of Salmonella illness across 13 states. While these cases are under investigation, a direct link to pig ears purchased from Pet Supplies Plus has not been confirmed. However, Pet Supplies Plus is taking proactive steps to ensure customer safety by recalling the bulk pig ear product as a precautionary measure.
Pet Supplies Plus has already removed bulk pig ears from shelves in all its stores and stopped shipments from its distribution center. The company is fully cooperating with the FDA in its ongoing investigation to determine the source of the Salmonella contamination.
Consumers who have purchased bulk pig ears from Pet Supplies Plus should immediately stop using them and dispose of the product safely. For any questions or concerns regarding this recall, customers can contact the Pet Supplies Plus Neighbor Service team at 734-793-6564, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. EST (excluding holidays). Pet Supplies Plus is dedicated to providing safe and reliable pet supplies and is taking all necessary steps to address this issue and maintain the trust of its valued customers.
