Dog Treats Recalled Due To Salmonella Concerns Were Sold In FL

Dog treats sold in several states, including Florida, are being recalled because they may be contaminated with Salmonella, according to the company that made them.

Elite Treats LLC of Boca Raton is recalling a single lot of its "Elite Treats Chicken Chips for Dogs” in 6-ounce bags. The product is marked with lot No. 24045 and an expiration date of April 2027.

The recalled treats were sold to Florida Hardware LLC, which sold to feed stores in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina and South Carolina.

Salmonella can cause illness in pets that eat the treats and people can become exposed by handling the contaminated product and through contact with pets who have eaten the treats or surfaces that have touched contaminated food, according to a company announcement published last week by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration.

Salmonella can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in people, according to the announcement. Healthy people with Salmonella should monitor for nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramping and fever. The young, the elderly and people with weak immune systems are more vulnerable to infection. People should contact their healthcare providers if they have symptoms after contact with the recalled treats or a pet that has eaten them.

Pets with Salmonella may be lethargic and have diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever and vomiting. Some pets may have decreased appetite and abdominal pain. If a pet has eaten the recalled product and has symptoms or you are concerned they might be infected, contact a veterinarian. Pets can be infected without symptoms. Infected pets can act as carriers and transfer Salmonella through feces and saliva to people and other pets.

No illnesses have been reported to date in connection with the treats, according to the announcement.

The contamination was noted after testing by a third-party lab identified it in a related but unreleased lot of the product, the announcement said.

Consumers who bought the treats should stop using them. They should be disposed of in a way that prevents access by children, pets and wildlife. Wash and sanitize pet food bowls, cups and storage containers, and hands after touching recalled food or surfaces that come into contact with it.

Consumers may contact the company at elite.treats@yahoo.com or 561-901-5310 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday to Friday for information about returning recalled treats for a refund or replacement.