The Hartz Mountain Corporation has issued a voluntary dog treat recall for Hartz Naturals RealBeef Treats. This latest pet food recall, issued September 3, 2010, affects 74,700 packages, which may be contaminated with salmonella.
Which Hartz Dog Treats are Recalled Due to Salmonella?
According to a September 3, 2010 press release issued by Hartz, the salmonella recall affects treats with the following characteristics:
- Name/Variety – Hartz Naturals Real Beef Treats (for dogs)
- Package Size – 8 oz.
- Lot Number – BZ0969101E
- UPC Code – 32700-11519
Notably, pet treat packages containing this lot number may be contaminated with salmonella. As of September 6, 2010, the recall was voluntary and Hartz is reportedly cooperating with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
According to Hartz, as part of routine quality monitoring, the recalled treats underwent testing for salmonella prior to leaving the manufacturing facility in Brazil. Those initial tests were negative, but testing performed by the FDA revealed that at least one package of Hartz dog treats tested positive for salmonella contamination.
"Hartz is aggressively investigating the source of the problem," the press release indicated.
What Should I Do If I Have Recalled Pet Treats?
If a pet owner discovers that he/she has purchased recalled Hartz pet treats, several measures are recommended.
Pet owners are advised to immediately stop using the recalled Hartz treats. Packages of potentially tainted Hartz treats can also be returned to the retailer and exchanged for a new package.
Customers can also contact Hartz for additional information or information on how to receive a refund. A special phone number has been established for customer inquiries concerning the Hartz salmonella recall: 800-275-1414.
If the dog treat packaging is no longer available, pet owners should assume the treats are contaminated. Hartz is reportedly spearheading efforts to ensure that the recalled treats are removed from store shelves.
Symptoms of Salmonella in Dogs, Cats and Other Pets
Owners of pets who may have been exposed to potentially contaminated treats will need to monitor their dog(s) for symptoms of salmonella. In a dog or cat, salmonella symptoms will include:
- Vomiting;
- Diarrhea (often, with blood present);
- Refusal to eat; and
- Fever.
Notably, as of September 6, 2010, there had been no salmonella cases had been reported in dogs who consumed recalled Hartz Naturals Real Beef Treats.
Humans can contract salmonella from an infected dog or cat. It's among the few illnesses that can be passed between species, so the entire household is at risk. Therefore, it's important to use extreme caution when handling recalled pet foods.
To prevent salmonella transmission to local wildlife and domestic pets that spend time outdoors, it's important to thoroughly seal the treats inside plastic bags or a sealable container (i.e. an old peanut butter jar.) Do not place recalled pet food or treats in an outdoor trash barrel that can be accessed by neighborhood animals; it's best to place it inside the trash container when it's already curbside, immediately prior to trash collection.
To contact Hartz with questions concerning this pet food recall, call 800-275-1414.
To learn more about salmonella symptoms in dogs and cats, read Salmonella in Cats and Dogs: A Bacteria That Causes Fever, Vomiting and Diarrhea.
Notably, pet owners will need to thoroughly disinfect pet food containers that may have come in contact with the recalled Hartz treats. To learn more, read How to Disinfect a Pet Food Container After a Dog Food Recall.
Sources:
Press Release, "The Hartz Mountain Corporation Recalls Hartz Naturals Real Beef Treats Because of Possible Salmonella Health Risk," issued September 3, 2010.
Mia Carter - Mia Carter - Journalist, Producer/Editor & Web Writer. Carter's work has appeared on CBS and CNN.com.
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