FDA Announces Dog Treat Recall Due to Salmonella Risk
Carolina Prime Pet, Inc. has recall 400 16-ounce bags of “Hollywood Feed Carolina Made Chicken Chips” dog treats due to potential Salmonella contamination.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) shared the information in a November 23 release. According to the release, Carolina Prime Pet, Inc. initiated the recall out of an abundance of caution after testing by a third-party laboratory identified Salmonella in a related, unreleased batch of the same product.
While no illnesses have been reported in connection with the recalled treats, the company initiated the recall as a precautionary measure to ensure consumer and pet safety as both pets and humans can become sick from exposure to Salmonella.
“No illnesses have been reported to date in connection with this problem,” the release reads. “The potential for contamination was noted after testing performed by a third-party laboratory identified contamination in a related yet commercially unreleased lot of the same product.”
The recalled product is specifically the “Hollywood Feed Carolina Made Chicken Chips” in 16-ounce, purple-and-black bags. Consumers can identify the affected product by checking the lot number and expiration date printed on the back of the bag. The only lot number associated with the recall is 20051324L2, and the expiration date is 11/13/25.
The recalled treats were distributed to Hollywood Feed stores in 19 states including, 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 available online through hollywoodfeed.com.
The FDA advises consumers who have purchased the affected product to stop using it immediately and discard the treats in a sealed container and place it in the trash.
For information on returning the product for a full refund or replacement, FDA also urges consumers to contact Carolina Prime Pet at treats@carolinaprimepet.com or by phone at 828-394-6460, Monday-Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM Eastern Standard Time (EST).
Salmonella is a bacterium that can cause illness in both animals and humans. Pets who have consumed the contaminated treats may exhibit symptoms including lethargy, diarrhea (which may be bloody), vomiting, fever, and decreased appetite. Infected pets can also become carriers and spread the bacteria to other animals or humans.
Humans can contract Salmonella through contact with contaminated dog treats or surfaces that have been exposed to the treats. This can happen if someone doesn’t wash their hands thoroughly after handling the treats or cleaning up after their pet.
Symptoms of Salmonella infection in humans can include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea (which may be bloody), abdominal cramping, and fever. While most healthy people recover within a week without treatment, some cases can be more severe and require hospitalization.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has reported a significant increase in pet food recalls in 2023. As of February to December 2023, there have been a total of 16 pet food-related recalls affecting a wide range of animals, including dogs, cats, equines, swine, birds and catfish.
The recalled products have included dry and raw food, as well as liquid probiotics, sold under various brands. Between January to May 2024, there were six pet food recalls which affected cattle, chickens and rabbits.
The most recent recall, announced in May, involved 315 44-pound bags of Pedigree Adult Complete Nutrition Grilled Steak & Vegetable Flavor Dry Dog Food, produced by Mars Petcare US.
This voluntary recall was initiated due to the presence of loose metal pieces in some bags, and affected products sold in Walmart stores in Arkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, and Texas.
“The potential presence of loose metal pieces in the bag could pose a health hazard to pets,” the FDA said according to Newsweek. “If you believe your pet has consumed the affected product, you should monitor for unusual behavior and contact a veterinarian in the event of any concerns.”
