Two pet food companies issue recall of dog treats

Two pet food companies have recently recalled their dog treat products owing to potential Salmonella contamination. Contamination risk for both products was identified after a third party tested and identified contamination in a related, unreleased batch of the same product, according to the FDA.^1,2

“Salmonella can affect animals eating the product and there is risk to humans from handling contaminated products, especially if they have not thoroughly washed their hands after having contact with the products or any surfaces exposed to these products,” wrote the FDA in news releases announcing the recalls.^1,2

Hollywood Feed Carolina Made Chicken Chips. (Photo courtesy of Carolina Prime Pet, Inc. and FDA)

Hollywood Feed Carolina Made Chicken Chips

Carolina Prime Pet, Inc, based in Lenoir, North Carolina, is recalling 400 16-oz bags of their Hollywood Feed Carolina Made Chicken Chips dog treats. The product, packaged in a purple and black bag, contains the lot number 20051324L2 and has an expiration date of 11/13/25 printed on the back side of the bag. This lot number is the only one identified as potentially contaminated.¹

The recalled treats were distributed to Hollywood Feed stores in Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Texas. They were also sold through the online retailer www.hollywoodfeed.com.

The FDA advises anyone who has purchased this product to discontinue use. For information on returning the product or obtaining a refund or replacement, clients can contact Carolina Prime Pet at treats@carolinaprimepet.com or 828-394-6460 Monday-Friday 8:00AM-4:00PM EST.

According to the FDA, there have been no reported illnesses associated with this recalled product to date.

Gaines Family Farmstead Chicken Chips. (Photo courtesy of Gaines Pet Treats LLC and FDA)

Gaines Family Farmstead Chicken Chips

In a recent announcement, Gaines Pet Treats LLC, based in Birmingham, Alabama, issued a voluntary recall of 204 bags of their “Gaines Family Farmstead Chicken Chips.” The product comes in a 5-oz bag with lot number 20061124 and expiration date of 12/11/25 printed on its back side. Lot 20061124 is the only lot number that has been identified as potentially contaminated, according to the FDA.²

The product was sold in a number of small independent pet retailers in Alabama, Florida, and Georgia, as well as through online retailers. “No illnesses have been reported to date in connection with this problem and Gaines has made every effort possible to recover the potentially contaminated products,” wrote the federal agency in a news release.²

Consumers who have purchased the recalled dog treats should stop using the product, the FDA warned in the release. Gaines can be contacted at Recall@GainesFamilyFarmstead.com for refund or replacements.

Salmonella in pets and people

Symptoms of Salmonella in pets include^1,2:

• Lethargy
• Diarrhea, including bloody diarrhea
• Fever
• Vomiting
• Decreased appetite
• Fever
• Abdominal pain

Pets displaying these symptoms who have consumed one or both of the recalled products should be seen by a veterinarian, the FDA advises.^1,2 Pets may also appear healthy but be carriers of the disease, potentially infecting other humans and animals.

Humans infected with Salmonella may exhibit similar signs as animals, including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramping, and fever. In rare cases, Salmonella can lead to more severe health issues like arterial infections, endocarditis, arthritis, muscle pain, eye irritation, and urinary tract symptoms. Consumers experiencing these symptoms after handling the recalled products should consult their health care providers.

References

1. Carolina Prime Pet, Inc. recalls “Hollywood Feed Carolina Made Chicken Chips” because of possible Salmonella health risk. News release. United States Food and Drug Administration. November 23, 2024. Accessed November 26, 2024. https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/carolina-prime-pet-inc-recalls-hollywood-feed-carolina-made-chicken-chips-because-possible?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery
2. Gaines Pet Treats LLC voluntarily recalls “Gaines Family Farmstead Chicken Chips for Dogs” due to possible Salmonella contamination. News release. United States Food and Drug Administration. November 22, 2024. Accessed November 26, 2024. https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/gaines-pet-treats-llc-voluntarily-recalls-gaines-family-farmstead-chicken-chips-dogs-due-possible?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery