Blue Buffalo Company announced on Wednesday, Nov. 25 that it voluntarily recalled a batch of dog treats due to possible Salmonella contamination.
The product, called the Cub Size Wilderness Wild Chews Bone, is a smoked, chewable big bone that aims to satisfy dogs' most primal instincts. The "100 percent natural" product is said to promotes healthy teeth and gums and is claimed to be cleaned and sealed for safety.
Routine tests performed at the production site, however, revealed that production lot of the products contains Salmonella.
The initial distribution date of the chews is November 19, 2015. The product was delivered in PetSmart outlets across nine U.S. states including California, Michigan, Montana, Oregon, Washington, Kansas, Minnesota, Nevada and Utah.
The product comes in shrink-wrapped plastic packages, which is printed with "exp 110417," signifying its expiration date of November 4, 2017. A sticker containing the UPC code of 840243110087 can also be seen attached to the plastic wrap.
So far, no cases of illness have been reported in both humans and pets. No other Blue Buffalo products have been affected as well.
"Consumers should look at the UPC Code and expiration date on the product package to determine if it is subject to the voluntary recall," Blue Buffalo advised in a press statement.
In the event that customers discover having purchased a product subjected for the voluntary recall, they are instructed to dispose the products or bring it back to the store where they bought it to get a full refund.
Dogs may be are at risk for Salmonella poisoning upon consuming the product. Pet owners may also be affected through handling. Thus, it is highly advised to wash hands vigorously after having contact with the product or any possible contaminated surfaces.
In humans, Salmonella infection can cause nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, fever, diarrhea or bloody stools. People should them monitor themselves for such clinical manifestations to identify a contamination case.
Although rare, Salmonella may also result in more severe conditions such as infections in the arteries, eye problems, arthritis, urinary tract disturbances and inflammation of the inner layer of the heart (endocarditis).
For pets, Salmonella may cause poor appetite, abdominal pain, fever, bloody diarrhea, diarrhea, lethargy and vomiting. Infected pets may also spread the bacteria to humans and other pets. Pet owners are then urged to seek veterinary consult for their pets if such symptoms occur.
