Recall of Elite Treats dog treats due to salmonella issues

FDA Recalls Dog Treats Due to Salmonella Risk

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced on Tuesday that it is issuing a recall for certain dog treat bags due to concerns about possible salmonella contamination.

Elite Treats, a Florida-based company, is recalling a specific lot of 6-ounce bags of its Chicken Chips for dogs. The lot number in question is 24045, and these treats expire in April 2027.

These dog treats were supplied to Florida Hardware, which then distributed them to feed stores across Alabama, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina.

Interestingly, the potential contamination was identified through tests carried out by a third-party lab, which revealed issues in a related lot that wasn’t available on the market yet. So far, no illnesses related to these snacks have been reported.

The FDA warned that salmonella can lead to various symptoms in pets consuming the product. Affected animals may become lethargic and experience diarrhea, including bloody diarrhea, fever, and vomiting. Some pets may also show signs of loss of appetite and abdominal pain. Pet owners should be vigilant—if their dog has eaten the recalled treats and shows any symptoms, a veterinarian should be consulted.

It’s important to note that infected pets may not always display symptoms while still being capable of passing the bacteria through their waste and saliva, potentially creating further risks for other pets and even humans in the household.

The FDA explained that people could come into contact with salmonella through handling contaminated products, interacting with pets that have consumed the treats, or touching surfaces that have been contaminated, such as bowls and countertops. The risk of human illness escalates if proper hygiene isn’t practiced after these interactions.

Salmonella can cause serious infections in humans. Those who are healthy need to monitor themselves for symptoms like nausea, diarrhea (and bloody diarrhea), abdominal pain, and fever. In rare instances, more severe conditions can arise from salmonella infections, such as arterial infections or arthritis.

The FDA emphasized that young individuals, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems are particularly vulnerable to such infections. Anyone showing symptoms after handling the recalled product or interacting with an affected pet should seek medical advice.

Consumers are strongly recommended to stop using the recalled treats and dispose of them safely so that they are out of reach of children, pets, and wildlife.

“Make sure to wash and disinfect pet food bowls, cups, and any storage containers,” tells the FDA recall warning. “And remember to wash your hands thoroughly after dealing with the recalled food or any surfaces that have touched it.”