Elite Treats LLC, Boca Raton, Florida, is recalling 6-ounce bags of “Elite Treats Chicken Chips for Dogs” because they may be contaminated with salmonella. The product is packaged in a black and gold bag with lot number 24045 and expiration date 04/2027 on the back.
Salmonella can cause illness in pets that eat these products. People can be exposed to this pathogen in a variety of ways, including handling contaminated products, contact with pets that have eaten the recalled product, and/or contact with surfaces that have come into contact with contaminated food, such as dishes, utensils, or countertops. The risk of human illness from salmonella-contaminated pet food increases if people do not wash their hands thoroughly after handling food or coming into contact with pets or do not thoroughly clean contaminated surfaces.
Pets infected with salmonella may become lethargic and have diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever, and vomiting. Some pets may experience decreased appetite and abdominal pain. If your pet exhibits these symptoms or is concerned about infection after consuming the recalled product, contact your veterinarian. In other cases, pets may become infected without showing any symptoms. Even if infected pets do not show symptoms, they can act as carriers and spread salmonella through their stool and saliva to the household environment and to people and other pets in the household.
The recalled “Elite Treats Chicken Chips for Dogs” were sold to Florida Hardware LLC, which sold them to feed stores in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina and South Carolina.
To date, no illnesses related to this problem have been reported.
The contamination was discovered after tests conducted by a third-party laboratory identified contamination in an identical lot of related but not commercially released products.
Consumers who have purchased a 6-ounce bag of “Elite Treats Chicken Chips for Dogs” stamped with Lot 24045 should discontinue use. Do not sell or donate recalled products. Clean and disinfect pet food bowls, cups, and storage containers. Always wash and disinfect your hands after handling recalled food or utensils and surfaces that have come into contact with recalled food.
About salmonella infection
Food contaminated with salmonella typically does not look, smell or taste spoiled. Anyone can get sick from a salmonella infection. Infants, young children, the elderly, and people with weakened immune systems are at higher risk for serious illness because their immune systems are weaker.
Anyone who handles the recalled snacks and develops symptoms of salmonella infection should seek medical attention. Diagnosing salmonellosis requires special testing, so sick people should tell their doctor about possible exposure to salmonella. Salmonella infection symptoms can be similar to other illnesses and often lead to misdiagnosis.
Symptoms of salmonella infection may include diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and fever within 12 to 72 hours after eating contaminated food. Otherwise healthy adults usually become sick for 4 to 7 days. However, in some cases, diarrhea may be so severe that hospitalization may be necessary.
People with weakened immune systems, such as older adults, children, pregnant women, and cancer patients, are more likely to develop serious and sometimes life-threatening conditions.
Some people become infected without feeling sick or showing any symptoms. However, they can still spread the infection to other people.
