The FDA (Food and Drug Administration) announced that The Hartz Mountain Corporation has voluntarily recalled 74,800 8-ounce bags of Hartz Naturals Real Beef Treats for Dogs which may be tained with Salmonella. Infection with salmonella, known as salmonellosis, can affect pets, such as dogs and cats, as well as humans – it is caused by Salmonella bacteria. Pets may develop gastroenteritis, spontaneous abortions, and septicemia. It is a zoonotic disease; it can be transmitted from the dog to a human.

If an infected dog has symptoms, they may include fever, lethargy, diarrhea, vomiting, anorexia (lack of appetite), weight loss, dehydration, mucus in feces, elevated heart rate, swollen lymph nodes, abnormal vaginal discharge in bitches, and skin disorders.

If your dog exhibits any of these signs and symptoms you should take it to a veterinarian immediately.

The FDA informs that Hartz is cooperating fully with the authorities in this voluntary recall.

The 74,700 8-ounce bags of Hartz Naturals Real Beef Treats for Dogs, have:

  • Lot code BZ0969101E
  • UPC number 32700-11519

The dog food was imported from Bertin S.A., Brazil, and bags were distributed to various customers in the USA.

Regular Salmonella testing revealed the bacterium’s presence in the USA, but not in Brazil, the FDA informs. According to the Agency, “Hartz is aggressively investigating the source of the problem.”

So far, neither the FDA nor Hartz have received any reports of animal or human infections or illnesses linked to the mentioned dog food. Hartz says it has taken immediate steps to get the product off the shelves of retail outlets and distribution centers.

If you have purchased Hartz Naturals Real Beef Treats for Dogs, you should check the lot code on the bag, if you identify the above-mentioned lot code, or if the lot code is not legible, you should get rid of the product “in a proper manner” and not give it to your pet.

If any dog owner has questions regarding this matter, they may contact Hartz at 1-800-275-1414 at any time.

Source: FDA

Written by Christian Nordqvist