Pig ears | Keys Manufacturing | Providing quality ingredients for the animal and pet food industry

UPDATED NOTE (May 18, 2011)

Please be advised that some retail customers who bought the affected product from us are advising the press about our recall. These new press reports DO NOT represent further problems but rather are a detailing of the original problem.

NOTE to our loyal customers:

The following is a press release that was distributed yesterday (May 3) to media outlets throughout the country. This should answer any questions you might have about the situation.

We have been selling this product since 1991 without incident. We regret any inconvenience this matter is causing and assure you we are working diligently to resolve the situation.

Keys Manufacturing Company, Inc. RECALLS Pig Ears for Pet Treats BECAUSE OF POSSIBLE SALMONELLA HEALTH RISK

Keys Manufacturing Company, Inc. of Paris, IL is recalling Pig Ears for Pet Treats because it has the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella. 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.

Pig Ears for Pet Treats was distributed via truck to distributors in the following states: Pennsylvania, Virginia, Missouri, Iowa, Ohio, Illinois, Florida, Kentucky, Michigan, Arkansas, Indiana, Louisiana, Texas and Minnesota.

The product was distributed in 100 count cases packed in cardboard boxes shipped between Sept. 27-Oct. 6, 2010; Nov. 1-Nov. 29, 2010; and Jan. 3-Jan. 25, 2011. The UPC number is: 7 61094 15000. On two sides of the cardboard box it says: PET TREATS NOT FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION and on the other two sides PET PRODUCTS 100 PCS. SMOKED AND 100 PCS REGULAR.

The recall is a result of a reported illness by a dog in Missouri. Subsequently, the company has been working with the FDA to identify any products that might contain the bacteria and the company and the FDA is continuing the investigation to determine what caused the problem.

Consumers who have purchased Pig Ears for Pet Treats are urged to return it to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact the company at 1-217-465-4001.