FDA: Don't Feed Pig Ear Treats To Your Pets

Federal health officials are warning consumers to stop feeding their pets pig ear pet treats and are also asking retailers to stop selling them after more than 100 people have become sickened with salmonella.

In a statement, the Food and Drug Administration said it is working with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to investigate the salmonella cases that have a suspected link to the pet treats.

Some of the treats originated from Argentina and Brazil.

So far, two companies have recalled pig ear treats but now the FDA says consumers should avoid all such treats. Samples of the recalled products have tested positive for salmonella, according to the FDA.

According to the CDC, 127 people have fallen ill in 33 states because of the outbreak between June 16, 2015-July 6, 2019. Of those people, 26 had to be hospitalized.

Here's what the FDA is advising consumers to do:

• The FDA and CDC recommend that people avoid purchasing or feeding any pig ear pet treats at this time. This recommendation may change as more information becomes available.
• If you have pig ear treats, throw them away in a secure container where animals, including wildlife, cannot access it. Wash your hands thoroughly and disinfect any surfaces that have come into contact with potentially contaminated products.
• In general, if you choose to feed treats like pig ears, practice good hygiene by: monitoring your pet while they have the treat, picking up the treat when they are done with it, keeping treats away from small children, cleaning the areas the treat contacted, washing hands, and not allowing your pet to lick you, your family members, or surfaces in your home.
• Salmonella can affect both human and animal health. People with symptoms of Salmonella infection should consult their healthcare providers. Consult a veterinarian if your pet has symptoms of Salmonella infection.