March 6, 2013 – Jones Natural Chews Company of Rockford, Illinois has announced it is recalling 245 boxes of Woofers (beef patties) because it has the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella.
The affected treats were distributed in:
- Arizona
- California
- Colorado
- Pennsylvania
- Virginia
- Wisconsin
The products were shipped to distributors and retailers between November 1, 2012 and November 12, 2012.
The recall was the result of a routine sampling program by Colorado Department of Agriculture Feed Program which revealed that the finished products contained the bacteria.
According to the company, no illnesses have been reported to date.
About Salmonella
Salmonella can affect animals and there is risk to humans from handling contaminated pet products.
People handling dry pet food and/or treats can become infected with Salmonella, especially if they have not thoroughly washed their hands after having contact with the chews or any surfaces exposed to these products.
Healthy people infected with Salmonella should monitor themselves for some or all of the following symptoms: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramping and fever.
Rarely, Salmonella can result in more serious ailments, including arterial infections, endocarditis, arthritis, muscle pain, eye irritation, and urinary tract symptoms. Consumers exhibiting these signs after having contact with this product should contact their healthcare providers.
Pets with Salmonella infections may be lethargic and have diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever, and vomiting. Some pets will have only decreased appetite, fever and abdominal pain.
Infected but otherwise healthy pets can be carriers and infect other animals or humans. If your pet has consumed the recalled product and has these symptoms, please contact your veterinarian.
What’s Being Recalled
The company states, “Woofers in bulk 50 count box may be sold individually”.
Jones Natural Chews Co Woofers (beef patties) 1 pack shrink-wrap, 50 count box, Item UPC 741956008657, Lot 3102, Best By 11/05/15.
Jones Natural Chews Co Woofers (beef patties) 1 pack shrink-wrap, 50 count box, Item UPC 741956008183, Lot 2892BF-Best By 10/15/15, Lot 2962PWV-Best By 10/22/15, Lot 2962ASC-Best By 10/22/15, and Lot 3032ASL-Best By 10/29/15.
Jones Natural Chews Co Woofers (beef patties) 2pack shrink-wrap, 25ct box, item UPC 741956008190, Lot 2962ASC-Best By 10/22/15 and Lot 3032ASL-Best By 10/29/15.
Special Concerns About This Recall
We’re unusually concerned about this event. That’s because the company’s official announcement of this recall is dated March 6, 2013. That was 6 days ago! And we’ve heard nothing until just moments ago.
So far, there have been no news bulletins posted by the FDA.
What’s even more disturbing here is that the company has stated, “Woofers in bulk 50 count box may be sold individually”.
Does this mean the affected treats could have been removed from their packaging by retailers and sold in unlabeled bins to unsuspecting consumers?
Considering 250 boxes contain 50 beef patties per box, simple math suggests there could be as many as 12,250 contaminated treats yet in circulation.
What to Do?
Consumers who have purchased any of these woofers are urged to return it to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact the company at 877-481-2663, Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM Central Time.
You can report complaints about FDA-regulated pet food products by calling the consumer complaint coordinator in your area.
Or go to http://www.fda.gov/petfoodcomplaints.
