NJ pet product company recalls dog beef treats after salmonella concerns

As a result of concerns that its dog product might be infected with salmonella strains, Hartz Mountain Corporation, a company offering more than 1,500 pet products, has issued a recall of around 75,000 bags of beef treats.

Random test confirm salmonella presence
The move by the Secaucus, New Jersey based company comes immediately after random sample tests conducted by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

The test results indicated the presence of salmonella bacteria on some 8 ounce bags of 'Hartz Naturals Real Beef Treats for Dogs.'

Following the salmonella concerns, and fully co-operating with the FDA, Hartz announced that it is recalling specified lot of beef treats for dogs.

The product under question is 'Hartz Naturals Real Beef Treats for Dogs,' packed in 8 ounce bags. Also, it carries a lot code number BZ0969101E, and UPC number 32700-11519.

Recall specifications
In order to ensure that the customers do not feed their dogs with possibly tainted beef, the company released a statement alerting about the recall.

The product under question is 'Hartz Naturals Real Beef Treats for Dogs,' packed in 8 ounce bags. Also, it carries a lot code number BZ0969101E, and UPC number 32700-11519.

The beef was imported by the company from Bertin S.A., a Brazilian supplier, and distributed in various customers in the nation.

FDA recommendations
The cause of infection is yet not known. Hartz is currently investigating the source of contamination.

Though there have been no reports of any human or animal falling sick after coming in contact with the recalled product, the FDA is advising customers to take full precautions.

Those who have purchased the product should check the lot code and UPC number. In case they bought the infected beef treats, it should immediately be discontinued.

Also the owners should seek doctor's assistance if dogs or they show any salmonella symptoms, which include fever, diarrhea, abdominal pain, etc.

For any other queries related to the recall, or information on how to seek reimbursement for the tainted product, one can call the company at 1-800-275-1414.

Similar recalls in past
This is not the first time that Hartz Mountain Corporation is recalling product linked to bacteria contamination.

In fact, the pet food maker had in November 2007, called back 3600 bottles of Hartz Vitamin Care for Cats after routine testing by the company revealed that the product had presence of salmonella.

Later in October 2008, it recalled 4,850 - 2 pound plastic bags of Hartz Chicken-Basted Rawhide Chips due to salmonella strains.