Jones Natural Chews Co.
Pig Ear Dog Chews
Dog Treat Recall - March 8, 2011
Possible Salmonella Health Risk

The FDA has announced a recall of 2705 boxes of Pig Ear Dog Chews made by the Jones Natural Chews Co. of Rockford, IL.

The dog chews were distributed in CT, IA, IL, MA, ME, MI, MN, MO, MT, NC, ND, NJ, NM, NY, PA,VA, WA, and WI. They were shipped to distributors and retailers between September 15, 2010 and November 2, 2010 where they were available for purchase.

The pig ears were discovered contaminated with salmonella during a routine sampling program by the Washington State Department of Agriculture.

It really makes us wonder what testing and quality control processes are in place at Jones Natural Chews Co!  If the salmonella contamination was caught by one random independent test, how did all these shipments actually manage to get the green light to leave their plant?

We also can't find any mention of these dog food recalls on Jones' website as of the date of the FDA's press release. Why? Why aren't pet food manufacturers getting the message? ... A little trust and transparency goes a long way!

Now, here's the scoop on the affected products. If you've discarded the packaging or perhaps bought the pig ears loose - Play it safe, Folks, return them to your retailer or throw them out!

Product Name	Packaging	UPC / Lot
Jones Natural Chews Co Pig Ears	2pk bag with header card	UPC 741956001047 Lot 2420
Jones Natural Chews Co Pig Ears	Bulk 100ct box-box	UPC 741956001139 Lot 2490, 2560, 2630, 2700, 2840, 2910, 2980
Jones Natural Chews Co Pig Ears	Bulk 50 ct box-box	UPC 741956001504 Lot 2490, 2840
Jones Natural Chews Co Pig Ears	Bulk 25ct box-box	UPC 741956001467 Lot 2700
Jones Natural Chews Co Pig Ears	1pk shrinkwrapped	UPC 741956001146 Lot 2700, 2840, 2420
Jones Natural Chews Co Pig Ears	10pk printed bag	UPC 741956001405 Lot 2420, 2560, 2630, 2840
Blain’s Farm & Fleet Pig Ears	10 pieces bag	UPC 741956001405 Lot 2560
Country Butcher Dog Chews Pig Ears	1pk shrinkwrapped	UPC 741956001511 Lot 2630
Country Butcher Dog Chews Pig Ears	1pk shrinkwrapped	UPC 741956001146 Lot 2420
Country Butcher Dog Chews Pig Ears	12pk bag	UPC 741956001245 Lot 2910

From FDA Press Release.: "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.

"No illnesses have been reported to date.

"The recall was the result of a routine sampling program by Washington State Department of Agriculture which revealed that the finished products contained the bacteria. The company has no product left in inventory from this batch of pig ears.

"Consumers who have purchased any of these pig ears are urged to return it to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact the company at 1-877-481-2663."