Merrick Pet Care Recalls Doggie Wishbone
FDA Aug 8th, 2011
Merrick Pet Care, Inc. of Amarillo, Texas is recalling a
single lot of its Doggie Wishbone pet treat (ITEM # 29050, UPC #
2280829050, Lot 11031 Best By 30 Jan 2013) because they have the
potential to be contaminated with Salmonella. Merrick Pet Care
has made the decision to recall the Doggie Wishbone pet treats in the
abundance of caution. 248 cases of this lot were manufactured and
shipped to distributors in 10 states. Those distributors have been
notified. Only one lot of Doggie Wishbone is affected by this recall.
No additional Merrick Pet Care products are involved in this recall. No
other Merrick brand products are involved.
Salmonella can
affect animals and there is risk to humans from handling contaminated
pet products. People handling the treats can become infected with Salmonella,
especially if they have not thoroughly washed their hands after having
contact with the chews or any surfaces exposed to these products.
Consumers should dispose of these products in a safe manner by securing
them in a covered trash receptacle.
Healthy people infected with Salmonella should
monitor themselves for some or all of the following symptoms: nausea,
vomiting, diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramping and fever.
Rarely, Salmonella can result in more serious ailments,
including arterial infections, endocarditis, arthritis, muscle pain, eye
irritation, and urinary tract symptoms. Consumers exhibiting these
signs after having contact with this product should contact their
healthcare providers immediately.
Pets with Salmonella infections
may be lethargic and have diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever, and
vomiting. Some pets will have only decreased appetite, fever and
abdominal pain. Infected but otherwise healthy pets can be carriers and
infect other animals or humans. If your pet has consumed the recalled
product and has these symptoms, please contact your veterinarian
immediately.
The Doggie Wishbone was shipped to
distributors and retailers throughout the US. These individuals have
been notified and have activated their recall procedures.
No
illnesses have been reported to date and there have been no consumer
complaints for this product. This issue was identified through routine
sampling by the Food and Drug Administration.
At Merrick Pet Care,
the safety and efficacy of our products are our top priority. We
apologize for any inconvenience due to this recall. Consumers who have
purchased the Doggie Wishbone with the lot code 11031 are urged to
return the unused portion to the place of purchase for a full refund.
Consumers with questions may contact the company at 1-800-664-7387 M-F
8:00am – 5:00pm CST.