FDA Health Alert for Certain Pet Treats Made by Pet Carousel Products

The FDA made an announcement for a recall of Pet Carousel pig ears. The pig ears we carry are not affected by this recall, as they are not manufactured by Carousel. 

To: Health Commissioners, Environmental Health Directors, Nursing Directors, ODA Food Safety
Specialists, and Other Interested Parties
Subject: Recall Announcement (ODA/ODH) 2009-85a1
Date: November 6, 2009

FDA Health Alert for Certain Pet Treats Made by Pet Carousel Products may be contaminated
with Salmonella

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is issuing this health alert to warn consumers not to use Pig Ears
and Beef Hooves pet treats manufactured by Pet Carousel because the products may be contaminated
with Salmonella. The products were distributed nationwide in both bulk and retail packaging for sale in
pet food and retail chain stores. Pet Carousel is based in Sanger, Calif.

The products were manufactured under conditions that facilitate cross-contamination within batches or
lots. Although no illnesses associated with these products have been reported, the FDA is advising
consumers in possession of these products to not handle or feed them to their pets.

The affected pig ear products were packaged under the brand names Doggie Delight and Pet Carousel.
The affected beef hooves were packaged under the brand names Choo Hooves, Dentley’s, Doggie Delight,
and Pet Carousel. All sizes and all lots of these products made by Pet Carousel are included in this alert.
During September 2009, the FDA conducted routine testing of pig ears made by Pet Carousel. The test
results detected a positive reading for Salmonella. This prompted an FDA inspection of Pet Carousel’s
manufacturing facilities. During the inspection, the agency collected additional pet treat samples. Further
analysis found Salmonella present in beef hooves, pig ears and in the manufacturing environment.

Salmonella can affect both humans and animals. People handling dry pet food and/or pet treats can
become infected with Salmonella, especially if they have not thoroughly washed their hands after having
contact with the treats 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 may experience some or all of the following symptoms: nausea,
vomiting, diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramping and fever. Although rare, Salmonella can
result in more serious ailments including arterial infections, endocarditis (inflammation of the lining of the
heart), arthritis, muscle pain, eye irritation, and urinary tract symptoms. Consumers exhibiting these
signs after having contact with this product should contact their health care provider immediately.

Pets with Salmonella infections may become lethargic and have diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever and
vomiting. Some pets may only experience a 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 any
of the affected products or is experiencing any of these symptoms, contact your veterinarian
immediately.

The FDA will continue to investigate this matter to determine the source of the Salmonella contamination
and offer updates as appropriate. Consumers can report complaints about FDA-regulated pet food and
pet treat products by calling the consumer complaint coordinator in their area. You can locate the nearest
consumer complaint coordinator at:
http://www.fda.gov/Safety/ReportaProblem/ConsumerComplaintCoordinators/default.htm

No products sold at Bigwag are manufactured by Carousel Pet Products.