Merrick Jr. Texas Taffy Pet Treat
Dog Food Recall - January 28, 2011
Potential Salmonella Contamination

Merrick Pet Care Company has announced a voluntary dog food recall of their Jr. Texas Taffy pet treat. To date, no dog illnesses have been reported.

See official FDA Press Release on the latest Merrick dog food recall below. Note, the date of "2010" noted in this press release appears to be a misprint, and should in fact be 2011.

We can find no mention of these dog food recalls on Merrick's website (as of January 29, 2011).

We also want to alert all our visitors to the fact that the Merrick dog food company has recalled other pet treats in the last six months and they were issued a Warning Letter from the FDA regarding their manufacturing processes used to make their pet treats.

See here for more information on Merrick Dog Food Recalls 2010 and the FDA Warning Letter to Merrick.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -- January 28, 2010 - Merrick Pet Care, Inc. of Amarillo, Texas is recalling the Jr. Texas Taffy pet treat :

• ITEM # 27077, UPC # 02280827077 - All Lots up to and including 10364

because they have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella. Merrick Pet Care has made the decision to recall all Jr. Texas Taffy pet treats in the abundance of caution. Salmonella can affect animals and there is risk to humans from handling contaminated pet products. People handling the 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. Consumers should 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 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 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.

The Jr. Texas Taffy was shipped to distributors and retailers throughout the US. These individuals have been notified and have activated their recall procedures.

No illnesses have been reported to date.

Consumers who have purchased the Jr. Texas Taffy are urged to return the unused portion to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact the company at 1-800-664-7387 M-F 8:00am – 5:00pm CST.

Official FDA Press Release.