The recall is applicable to “Country Vet Biscuits-Original Meaty Flavor” with UPC code 899623000463 and “Heartland Harvest Dog Biscuits-Meaty Flavor with Chicken” with UPC code 840227340691. Both items were sold in four lb. bags and have an expiration date of Sept. 6, 2026, with lot code 40906513, the announcement said.
The items were distributed through retail outlets in Colorado, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Texas, Montana, and Nebraska, according to the company.
“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,” the company said.
“There is risk to humans from handling contaminated pet products, especially if they have not thoroughly washed their hands after having contact with the products or any surfaces exposed to these products.”
Consumers Supply Distributing advised pet owners infected with Salmonella to monitor themselves for symptoms such as vomiting, nausea, abdominal cramping, fever, and diarrhea.
In certain rare cases, Salmonella infection can lead to “more serious ailments” such as muscle pain, urinary tract symptoms, eye irritation, arthritis, and arterial infections. The company advised people who exhibit such symptoms to contact their health care providers.
So far, no illnesses have been reported connected to the consumption of affected products, Consumers Supply Distributing clarified.
According to the announcement, the recall was initiated after the FDA conducted routine sampling of the company’s products and found bacterial contamination. Consumers Supply Distributing has currently stopped production and distribution of the affected lot number, and is cooperating with the FDA in related investigations.
Customers with queries can contact the company at (712) 202-5609.
The Epoch Times reached out to Consumers Supply Distributing for comment, but did not receive a response by publication time.
The contamination was discovered after authorities collected product samples, and test results confirmed the presence of the bacteria.
Of the 11 outbreaks, five involved multidrug-resistant Salmonella strains, it said.
“Educating pet owners about the potential risks associated with product handling, cleaning, hand washing, and sanitation, as well as the risk of carrier pets and Salmonella, can help reduce the incidences of human Salmonella outbreaks linked to pet foods,” the researchers wrote.
“Proper storage and handling of pet foods, maintaining appropriate temperature and relative humidity, and ensuring the quality and cleanliness of raw ingredients are essential practices for keeping pet food safe.”
The AVMA recommends washing hands with soap and clean water for at least 20 seconds after people handle pet food. When handwashing is not an option, pet owners should use hand sanitizers.
Pet food and water bowls, feeding mats, scoops, and other related items used for feeding animals must be washed frequently using soapy, hot water, AVMA said.
