A product of the Natural Dog Company, Inc. has been recalled due to fears of a potential Salmonella contamination.
An inspection by the Colorado Department of Agriculture has found the presence of Salmonella in a sample of 12 ounce bags of 12 inch Tremenda Sticks pet chews according to a press release by the company.
Based in Windsor Colorado, The Natural Dog Company describes itself as a purveyor of "holistic and natural healing products for dogs."
Their Tremenda Sticks product is made from beef tripe and is designed as a chew treat for dogs.
The Salmonella contamination can not only affect the canines but also owners who handle the treats with their bare hands and have not properly washed their hands after.
The most common symptoms of Salmonella poisoning in humans are diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps, according to the Center for Disease Control (CDC). Meanwhile, pets affected by Salmonella tend to exhibit signs of exhaustion, blood or mucus presence in the feces, fever or vomiting, adds the CDC.
Fortunately, no reported complaints or diseases yet, according to the company.
The product is packed in a 12 ounce bag without a lot number or expiration date but is marked with a UPC number: 851265004957. But other products contained in new packaging which are marked with a lot number and expiration date with the same UPC number are safe, the company said.
Manufacture of the product has been postponed while the company and the FDA continue their analysis and study on the source of the contamination.