The potential for Salmonella contamination has prompted a recall of Boots & Barkley Pet Treats, the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) just announced. Specifically, Kasel Associated Industries of Denver, Colorado issued a recall of its Boots & Barkley 6-Count 5-Inch American Beef Bully Sticks.
The recalled American Beef Bully Sticks were distributed, nationwide, through Target retail stores from April through September 2012. The product is packaged in a clear plastic bag that contains six Bully Sticks that are marked with bar code number 647263899189. No other products made by Kasel Associated Industries are included in this recall.
Kasel Industries is recalling all lot numbers; however, the following lots tested positive through analysis by the State of Colorado Department of Agriculture: BESTBY20APR2014DEN, BESTBY01JUN2014DEN, BESTBY23JUN2014DEN, and BESTBY23SEP2014DEN.
To date, no illnesses have been reported in animals or humans associated with this recall, which was the result of a routine sampling by the State of Colorado Department of Agriculture. The Agriculture Department revealed that the finished products contained the Salmonella bacteria.
Kasel Associated stopped production and distribution of the product while it and the FDA investigate the source of the contamination.
Consumers who have purchased the recalled Boots & Barkley American Beef Bully Sticks are urged to return the product to the place of purchase for a full refund. Kasel Associated Industries may be reached, toll-free, at 1.800.218.4417, Monday through Friday, from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Mountain Daylight Time (MDT).
Salmonella can sicken the animals that eat these products; humans are at risk for Salmonella poisoning from handling contaminated pet products, especially if they have not thoroughly washed their hands after touching contaminated products or the surfaces exposed to these products.
Pets with Salmonella infections may be lethargic and have diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever, and vomiting. Some pets will have only decreased appetite, fever, and abdominal pain. Pets that are infected, but otherwise healthy, may carry the disease and infect other animals and humans.
It can take between six and 72 hours from consumption of a contaminated product for the symptoms of Salmonella poisoning—salmonellosis—to appear in humans. Symptoms include diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and fever. Additional symptoms include chills, headache, nausea, and vomiting that can last up to seven days. The illness usually lasts four to seven days; however, in some, the organism can invade the bloodstream, becoming so severe that hospitalization is required. Sometimes, infection with the Salmonella pathogen can result in, and produce more severe or chronic illnesses and can leave sufferers with serious life-long health issues.
