BJ's Wholesale Club Issues Recall of "Berkley & Jensen"
Full-Cut Pig Ears Dog Treats Because of Potential for Salmonella
Contamination
Contact:
Stephanie LaCroix
508-651-6904
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -- Natick, MA -- March 9, 2007 -- BJ's
Wholesale Club, Inc. is recalling its 25-count packages of "Berkley & Jensen" Full-Cut
Pig Ears dog treats with no lot number and only the expiration advisory "BEST
IF USED BY 2009" (without referencing a specific month) because they
have the potential to be contaminated with
Salmonella, an organism
which can cause serious infections in dogs, and, if there is cross contamination,
young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems.
Confirmatory testing is ongoing but until the testing is final, consumers should
immediately stop feeding the treats to their pets.
Salmonella can potentially be transferred to people handling these
dog treats, especially if they have not thoroughly washed their hands after
having contact with the product or any surfaces exposed to these products. Healthy
persons infected with
Salmonella often experience fever, diarrhea (which
may be bloody), nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. In rare circumstances,
infection with
Salmonella can result in the organism getting into the
bloodstream and producing more severe illnesses such as arterial infections (i.e.,
infected aneurysms), endocarditis and arthritis. Consumers exhibiting these
signs after having contact with this product should contact their healthcare
providers.
Dogs that become ill from
Salmonella generally will have a fever and
diarrhea that may contain blood or mucus. Affected animals may seem more
tired that usual, and may have vomiting. Some dogs do not have diarrhea,
but will have decreased appetite, fever and excess salivation. If your
dog has consumed the recalled product and is exhibiting these signs, please contact
your veterinarian.
The potential for contamination was noted after testing revealed the potential
presence of
Salmonella in a 25-count package of "Berkley & Jensen" Full-Cut
Pig Ears dog treats.
There have been no confirmed illnesses to date. These
products have been removed from sale while the problem is being investigated.
BJ's
members who purchased "Berkley & Jensen" Full-Cut
Pig Ears dog treats between January 1, 2006 through March 8, 2007 should discontinue
use of the product and may return the unused portion to any BJ's Wholesale
Club for a full refund. Consumers who have further questions may contact
BJ's toll free Member Care line at 1-800-BJS-CLUB.
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