On Friday, August 13, Merrick Pet Care, Inc. of Amarillo, Texas announced the expansion of a recall begun on August 3 to all lots of Beef Filet Squares for dogs and Texas Hold’ems pet treats. These pet treats are packaged in 10-ounce bags and were distributed nationwide. Merrick has notified retailers and distributors to activate recall procedures for all lots of these two products. They may have been sold locally in several outlets, including Pet Depot, Pet Supplies Plus, Lees Feed Store, Dog Daze Bakery, and Country Max stores. Some Merrick treats are also sold at boarding facilities and veterinary offices.
The Beef Filet Squares and Texas Hold'ems treats recall began with one lot of each treat suspected of Salmonella contamination. Merrick announced the expanded recall because they have discovered that all lots have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella. This list of Syracuse and central New York retailers appears on the Merrick website for retailers within 50 miles of Syracuse. No illnesses have been reported as of August 15.
Merrick pet treats enjoyed a boost in popularity after pet treats and foods manufactured in China were found to be contaminated with melamine, and recalled in massive numbers in 2007 and 2008. The company website advertises "Gourmet Pet Entrees, USDA sourced treats, made in America in our facilities" and that they are a family-owned company. However, this particular treat line has been the subject of three other recalls issued on July 2 and August 3, and earlier on January 15, 2010.
Salmonella can affect animals, but humans also risk infection from handling contaminated pet products. If people handling the treats do not thoroughly wash their hands after touching the chews, the packaging or any surfaces the products touch, they can become infected with Salmonella. Merrick recommends in its new release that consumers dispose of these products in a safe manner by securing them in a covered trash receptacle.
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 illnesses, 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 immediately.
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 immediately.
Consumers who have purchased 10 ounce packages of Beef Filet Squares for Dogs & Texas Hold’ems pet treats should return the unused portion to the place of purchase for a full refund.
Merrick invites consumers with questions to contact the company at (800) 664-7387, Monday through Friday, 8am to 5pm Central time. Additional inquires should be addressed to James Witcher, Chief Operating Officer, (806) 322-2806
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