[Pup-e-Love]

I just got this email and I thought I would pass it along incase any one is giving pig ears to their yorkie!

Pig ears are dangerous.

Now it's
Salmonella in dog chews. I was just at Costco today checking out
the ingredients on the Costco Brand pet food (Kirkland) and took a
look at some dog chews. According to the label it was just plain
old pig ears. But, then I noticed on the bag this warning,
"Thoroughly wash your hands after handling." I'm afraid I know why
that is. It's most likely because pig ears evidently run a more
than average risk of carrying Salmonella and that can be
transmitted directly to children and adults. About a month ago BJ's
Wholesale Club recalled pig ears sold at its stores. The reason:
suspected Salmonella. I think we're seeing a trend here. Don't buy
pig ears for your dogs. If you have any on hand, read the bag and
see if it mentions taking any precautions. If so, why would you
want to give your dog something that you then have to wash off your
hands?

TODAY'S RECALL FROM THE FDA AND THE COMPANY:


T.W. Enterprises Issues Nationwide Recall of Dog Chews Due to
Salmonella Contamination
Contact:
T.W. Enterprises
(360) 366-0408

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -- Ferndale, WA -- April 16, 2007 -- T.W.
Enterprises of Ferndale, WA today alerted consumers that it is
recalling certain dog chews it markets because they may be
contaminated with Salmonella. Samples tested by FDA of the product
indicate that the dog chew products manufactured by T.W.
Enterprises may be contaminated. People handling these 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.

Salmonella can potentially be transferred to people handling these
pet treats, especially if they have not thoroughly washed their
hands after having contact with the products 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. Well animals 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 following is a list of the recalled products (Product Name/
A.B. Dog Chew - Size / UPC):

A.B. Small Chew, 3 - 4 inch / 833234001105
A. B. Puppy Chew, 4 - 6 inch / 83323401112
A.B. Dog Chew Medium, 6 inch / 833234001051
A.B. Dog Chew Large, 10 inch / 833234001068
A. B. Dog Chew XL, 13 inch / 833234001075
A. B. Dog Chew Mega, 16 inch / 833234001082
A. B. Dog Chew Jumbo, 26 inch / 833234001099
T.W. Enterprises Inc. manufactured these dog chews and distributed
them throughout the United States under its name. The affected
products were distributed before March 22, 2007 to retail locations
and are non-coded, i.e. they have no batch code or other
identifying marks. T.W. Enterprises has made contact with all of
its consignees and has been informed the affected product has been
pulled from store shelves.

T.W. Enterprises has informed FDA of its action and is fully
cooperating with the agency. The firm, FDA and other authorities
are actively investigating this matter to determine the source of
this problem, and will take any additional steps necessary to
protect the public health. No reports of illness to date in
connection with this problem.

Consumers who have the non-coded pet chews should not feed them to
their pets, but should dispose of them in a safe manner (e.g., in a
securely covered trash receptacle). Anyone who is experiencing the
symptoms of Salmonella infection after having handled one of these
pet products should seek medical attention, and report their use of
the product and illness to the nearest FDA office.

People should thoroughly wash their hands after handling any pet
treat - especially those made from animal protein such as meat --
to help prevent infection. People may risk bacterial infection not
only by handling the chews, but by contact with pets or surfaces
exposed to the chews, so it is important that they thoroughly wash
their hands with hot water and soap.

Since elderly people, young children, and people with weakened
immune systems are particularly at risk from exposure they should
avoid handling these products.

Consumers with questions may contact T.W. Enterprises at
1-360-366-0408.

####



FDA's Recalls, Market Withdrawals and Safety Alerts Page:
http://www.fda.gov/opacom/7alerts.html