Dog treats recalled after 45 people in 13 states contracted salmonella from coming into contact with pig ear dog treats.  The FDA and CDC have linked the treats to Pet Supplies Plus’ bulk pig ear product, Pig Ear Treats. Twelve people were so sick they needed hospitalization.

About Salmonella

Salmonella infection (salmonellosis) is a common bacterial disease that affects the intestinal tract. The bacteria usually live in animal and human intestines and shed through feces. Consuming contaminated water or food spreads the infection to humans. Symptoms last two to seven days. Diarrhea may last up to 10 days, however, it may take several months before bowels return to normal. However, salmonella can develop into typhoid fever. This is a deadly disease. About 300 people get typhoid fever in the United States each year. About 22 million cases of typhoid fever and 200,000 related deaths occur worldwide each year.

Dog Treat Recalled

After the FDA and CDC narrowed the salmonella outbreak to Pet Supplies Plus, the company recalled its bulk pig ear product, Pig Ear Treats. Injured people are still coming forward. The government agencies received reports of 12 people needing emergency care. Investigators discovered that Pet Supplies Plus shipped the treats to Alabama, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, West Virginia, and also Wisconsin.
Employees stocked the recalled treats in open bins. However, prepackaged branded pig ears are not part of the recall.

Help After Food Poisoning

Food poisoning lawsuits play an important role in keeping food systems safe. These lawsuits hold negligent corporations accountable. Plus, it shows lawmakers that food safety is imperative.  When people are injured from outbreaks caused by bacteria or viruses, most of the time it is from a manufacturer is negligent. The company is fully aware of its potentially dangerous practices and do not correct it. Thus, these companies endanger customers’ lives.