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Hartz Recalls Rawhide Chips After Possible Salmonella Contamination

4,850 two-pound bags recalled

October 23, 2008

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The Hartz Mountain Corporation is recalling one lot of its chicken-basted rawhide chips because of possible Salmonella contamination.

The New Jersey-based company said the recall is limited to 4,850-two pound bags of rawhide chips with lot code JC23282 and UPC number 3270096463.

"While the normal testing that Hartz conducts through an independent outside laboratory did not detect the presence of Salmonella in any Hartz rawhide products, sample testing conducted by another laboratory did indicate the presence of the bacteria in a single bag of the Chicken-Basted Rawhide Chips," the company said in a written statement. "Hartz is aggressively investigating the difference in test results and the potential source of the problem."

Salmonella can cause serious infections in dogs. People can also become infected through cross-contamination by handling the rawhide chips—and children, the aged, and those with compromised immune systems are especially vulnerable.

Symptoms of Salmonella poisoning in people include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramping and fever. On rare occasions, Salmonella can cause serious illnesses such as arterial infections, arthritis, muscle pain, eye irritation, and urinary tract symptoms.

Pets with Salmonella infections may show such symptoms as lethargy, have diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever, and vomiting. Some pets may have decreased appetite, fever and abdominal pain.

Hartz said it has not received any reports of illnesses in pets or humans linked to this product, but is still taking steps to remove the rawhide chips from all retail stores and distribution centers.

Pet owners who have any of the recalled products should immediately throw them away, the company said. If their pets have eaten the recalled products--and show any signs of illnesses--consumers should immediately contact their veterinarians.

For more information about the recall, pet owners can contact Hartz at 1-800-275-1414.

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