In 2019, pig ears were linked to an antibiotic-resistant outbreak of Salmonella that sickened at least 143 people in 33 states.
What You Can Do & How We Can Help
The Schmidt Firm, PLLC is currently accepting pig ear induced injury cases in all 50 states. If you or somebody you know has been diagnosed with Salmonella, you should contact our lawyers immediately for a free case consultation. Please use the form below to contact our Food Poisoning Litigation Group or call toll free 24 hours a day at (866) 920-0753.
UPDATE: 1st Lawsuit filed for Pig Ear Salmonella Illness
The first lawsuit has been filed by a man who was infected by Salmonella — along with his 3 dogs — after feeding his dogs pig ear treats that were contaminated by the bacteria.
The lawsuit was filed against Superior Meats in Wisconsin, according to PR Newswire.
The plaintiff bought pig ears in May 2019 for his dogs. Within days, they were experiencing extreme diarrhea. The plaintiff also fell ill from handling the contaminated pig ears. He was hospitalized for 5 days, diagnosed with salmonellosis, and is still recovering from his illness.
26 Illnesses Reported in Children Under 5 Years Old
Of the 143 people who were infected with Salmonella, 26 illnesses (20%) were reported in children under 5 years old. Young children are more likely to develop a severe illness if they are infected with Salmonella, according to the CDC.
Take extra care around young children!
- Children younger than 5 should not touch or eat dog food or treats.
- Young children are at risk for illness because their immune systems are still developing and because they are more likely than others to put their fingers or other items into their mouths.
- Adults should supervise hand-washing for young children.
Health Officials Warn People Not to Buy ANY Pig Ear Treats
In an update on July 31, the CDC and FDA warned people not to buy or feed any pig ear dog treats to pets, including any that may already be in homes, due to the risk of Salmonella contamination.
Brutus & Barnaby Pig Ear Recall
In August 2019, Brutus & Barnaby recalled all sizes of “Pig Ears 100% Natural Treats for Dogs” because the product may be contaminated with Salmonella.
Chef Toby Pig Ear Recall
On August 16, 2019, Dog Goods USA announced a recall for Chef Toby Pig Ear Treats due to possible risk of Salmonella contamination. No illnesses were linked to the recalled pig ears, but a sample of pig ears from the company’s Brazilian supplier tested positive for Salmonella.
The recalled product lot codes are:
428590, 278989, 087148, 224208, 1168723, 428590, 222999,
074599, 1124053, 226884, 578867, 224897, 1234750, 444525,
1106709, 215812, 230273, 224970, 585246, 327901, 052248,
210393, 217664, 331199, 225399, 867680, 050273, 881224,
424223, 225979, 431724, 226340, 880207, 334498
Pig Ear Recall – Lennox Intl Inc.
On July 30, Lennox Intl Inc. expanded a recall for Natural Pig Ears after reports of several people and dogs who were infected with Salmonella.
The sick people reported purchasing Lennox Pig Ears. Furthermore, FDA tests on individually shrink-wrapped pig ears were positive for Salmonella.
Lennox Pig Ears are sold unwrapped in bulk bins. They are also sold individually shrink-wrapped.
The recalled products were shipped to nationwide distributors and/or retail stores from November 1st 2018, to July 3rd, 2019. It comes in an 8-pack branded pouch under UPC 742174 995163, 742174994166 or packaged individually shrink wrapped under UPC 0385384810, and 742174P35107.
Pet Supplies Plus Recalls Pig Ears
On July 3, Pets Supplies Plus recalled bulk pig ear products due to a potential risk of Salmonella contamination. The pig ears were stocked in open bins. Pre-packaged pig ears are not included in the recall.
The products were sold in 33 states, including AL, AR, CA, CO, CT, DE, FL, GA, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, MA, MD, MI, MN, MO, NC, NE, NH, NJ, NY, OH, OK, PA, RI, SC, TN, TX, VA, WI and WV.
Antibiotic-Resistant Salmonella
Tests on the Salmonella strain show that it is resistant to several types of antibiotics. Infections with antibiotic-resistant Salmonella may be difficult to treat with commonly recommended antibiotics, and may require a different antibiotic.
Outbreak Investigation
Health officials in Michigan gathered pig ear dog treats at stores where sick people reported buying the products. They sampled pig ears for Salmonella and several tested positive. Investigators are checking to see if any human illnesses are linked to those products.
How to Avoid Salmonella from Dog Treats
Here are a few tips to avoid Salmonella infections from dog treats and food:
- Always wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water right after handling pet food or treats, including pig ears.
- Don’t let your pet lick your mouth, face, open wounds or areas with broken skin after it eats pet food or treats.
- Children younger than 5 years old should not touch or eat pet food or treats.
- Don’t use your pet’s feeding bowl to scoop food. Use a clean, dedicated scoop, spoon, or cup.
Do I have a Salmonella Lawsuit?
The Schmidt Firm, PLLC is currently accepting pig ear induced injury cases in all 50 states. If you or somebody you know has been diagnosed with Salmonella, you should contact our lawyers immediately for a free case consultation. Please use the form below to contact our Food Poisoning Litigation Group or call toll free 24 hours a day at (866) 920-0753.
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