Dog treat distributor issues recall

NORTH BERGEN, N.J. (WATE/AP) -- A New Jersey company that produces pig ear dog treats is the latest to annouce a product recall because of contamination.

Petrapport Inc. of North Bergen, N.J., says the dog treats may be contaminated with salmonella, an organism that can cause serious infections in dogs. If there is cross-contamination, in young children, frail or elderly people and others with weakened immune systems could be affected.

Petrapport says it imported the treats from a Chilean company August-December 2006. Testing showed salmonella contamination in samples, and the company said it decided to voluntarily recall the treats.

The treats were sold by BJ's Wholesale Club in its 25-count packages of Berkley & Jensen Full-Cut Pig Ears dog treats with no lot number and only the expiration advisories "BEST IF USED BY 2009" (without referencing a specific month) as well as "BEST IF USED BY SEPTEMBER 2009," "BEST IF USED BY OCTOBER 2009," "BEST IF USED BY NOVEMBER 2009," and "BEST IF USED BY DECEMBER 2009."

Included within the voluntary recall were the following pig ear dog treats, with item numbers and lot numbers, sold in bulk by other retailers under the Petrapport brand: 8915 Bulk Low Fat Pig Ears, Lots 101808 & 102108; 8772P Two-Pack Bulk Pig Ears, Lot 101707; 8770P 12-Pack Bulk Pig Ears, Lot 101707; 8774P 24-Pack Bulk Pig Ears, Lot 101907; 7416 1-lb. Bulk Pig Ear Strips, Lot 101907; and 7425 24-oz. Bulk Pig Ear Strips, Lot 5039.

No confirmed illnesses were reported. Consumers should immediately stop feeding these treats to their dogs. Consumers should discontinue use of the products and may return the unused portion to the place of purchase for a full refund. For information, contact Petrapport at 800-447-3872, ext. 110.

Original story at: http://www.wate.com/Global/story.asp?S=6279760