Pet Treat Recall Advisory Just in Case - Mar. 10, 2011

 Animal Essentials does not carry Jones' Pigs Ears, but we do advise of any pet food or pet treat recalls, especially considering many of our customers were in Maine and Massachusetts during March Break and may have purchased some of these items.

 Please have a read...

 'Jones Natural Chews Co. of Rockford, Ill., is recalling 2,705 boxes of its pig ears, mainly in the Northeast and Midwest, because the dog chews may be contaminated with salmonella.

The recalled pig ears, sold under the names Jones Natural Chews, Blain’s Farm & Fleet and Country Butcher Dog Chews, were shipped between Sept. 15, 2010, and Nov. 2, 2010, to retailers and distributors in the following states: Connecticut, Iowa, Illinois, Massachusetts, Maine, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, North Carolina, North Dakota, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia and Washington.

The recall is in response to a routine sampling by Washington state’s Department of Agriculture, which detected salmonella in finished products, Jones Natural Chews Co. reported.

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 product or any surfaces exposed to these products, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

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 the recalled chews should contact their health care provider.

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. Pet owners are urged to contact their veterinarian immediately if their pet consumed any of the affected products or is experiencing any of the above symptoms.

No illnesses have been reported.

Following is a list of the recalled products:

• Jones Natural Chews Pig Ears 2-pack bag with header card, UPC 741956001047, Lot 2420
• Jones Natural Chews Pig Ears bulk 100-count box, UPC 741956001139, Lots 2490, 2560, 2630, 2700, 2840, 2910, 2980
• Jones Natural Chews Pig Ears bulk 50-count box, UPC 741956001504, Lots 2490, 2840
• Jones Natural Chews Pig Ears bulk 25-count box, UPC 741956001467, Lot 2700
• Jones Natural Chews Pig Ears 1-pack shrink-wrapped, UPC 741956001146, Lots 2700, 2840, 2420
• Jones Natural Chews Pig Ears 10-pack printed bag, UPC 741956001405, Lots 2420, 2560, 2630, 2840
• Blain’s Farm & Fleet Pig Ears 10 pieces bag, UPC 741956001405, Lot 2560
• Country Butcher Dog Chews Pig Ears 1-pack shrink-wrapped, UPC 741956001511, Lot 2630
• Country Butcher Dog Chews Pig Ears 1-pack shrink-wrapped, UPC 741956001146, Lots 2420
• Country Butcher Dog Chews Pig Ears 12-pack bag, UPC 741956001245, Lot 2910.'