Dog Treats Recalled Over Salmonella Risk to Pets and Humans—What to Know

Both pets and people exposed to the product can get sick.

A dog reaching for a treat from a persons hand outdoors
Credit:

Sergii Kolesnikov / Getty Images
  • Elite Treats of Boca Raton, Florida, is recalling its 6-ounce Chicken Chips for Dogs (lot number 24045, expiration date 04/2027) due to potential Salmonella contamination, according to the FDA.
  • The treats were distributed to feed stores across Alabama, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina.
  • The FDA warns that people and pets can become infected through handling the treats or contact with contaminated surfaces.
  • Consumers should not use the recalled treats and should dispose of them safely, then wash and sanitize hands, bowls, utensils, and surfaces to prevent cross-contamination.

Check your dog treat supply. Elite Treats of Boca Raton, Florida, is recalling its Chicken Chips for Dogs because the product may be contaminated with Salmonella, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

The dog treats were sold to Florida Hardware, which distributed the product to feed stores in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina. The chicken chips are packaged in 6-ounce black-and-gold bags, which bear the lot number 24045 and an expiration date of 04/2027, both of which are visible on the back of the bag.

Testing performed by a third-party lab found contamination in a related, commercially unreleased lot of the same product. So far, no illnesses have been reported in connection with the recalled treats.

The FDA warns that people can become exposed to Salmonella from handling contaminated products, from contact with pets that have eaten the recalled product, and from surfaces that have touched the contaminated food, such as bowls, utensils, or countertops.

Healthy people infected with Salmonella can experience symptoms, including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramping, and fever. It can also sometimes cause more serious ailments, including arterial infections, endocarditis (an infection of the heart muscle), arthritis, muscle pain, eye irritation, and urinary tract symptoms. Young children, older individuals, and people with weak immune systems are most at risk of developing a serious infection. Contact your healthcare provider if you experience these symptoms.

Related Stories

Popular Cat Food Recalled Over Risk of Severe Illness—What to Know
Cat eating food from a green bowl
She Finally DNA Tested Her Dog—The Results Changed What She Thought She Knew
A dog lying on the grass tongue out and looking content

Pets with Salmonella infections may appear lethargic and have diarrhea (which may be bloody), fever, and vomiting. Some pets may have decreased appetite and abdominal pain. If your pet has eaten the recalled treats and displays these symptoms, or you are concerned that they might be infected, contact your vet.

In some cases, pets can be infected without showing symptoms. Infected pets, even if they do not show symptoms, can act as carriers and transfer Salmonella through their feces and saliva into the home and to people and other pets in the household, the FDA cautions.

If you purchased the chicken chips for your pet, do not use them. The product should be disposed of in an area that children, pets, and wildlife can’t access. Also, wash and sanitize any food bowls, cups, and storage containers. Wash and sanitize your hands after handling recalled food, as well as any utensils and surfaces that came into contact with the recalled product, to prevent cross-contamination.

Contact the company by emailing