Blue Buffalo Recalls Chew Bones Due To Salmonella

The Blue Buffalo Company, headquartered in Wilton, Connecticut, has voluntarily recalled its dog chew bone products after routine testing detected the presence of Salmonella. The product was distributed in nine U.S. states through PetSmart beginning November 19, 2015. The states involved in the recall include California, Michigan, Montana, Oregon, Washington, Kansas, Minnesota, Nevada and Utah.

Anyone who may have purchased the product is urged to seal it in a plastic bag and toss it in the trash immediately to prevent the spread of infection.

The product, called the Cub Size Wilderness Wild Chews Bone, is a smoked, chewable big bone that aims to satisfy dogs’ most primal instincts. The “100 percent natural” product is said to promote healthy teeth and gums and is claimed to be cleaned and sealed for safety. However, routine testing at the production site found that the production lot contained Salmonella.

Consumers should look at the UPC Code and expiration date on the product package to determine if it is subject to the voluntary recall. The product comes in shrink-wrapped plastic packages, which are printed with “exp 110417,” signifying its expiration date of November 4, 2017. A sticker containing the UPC code of 840243110087 can also be seen attached to the plastic wrap.

So far, no cases of illness have been reported in either humans and pets. No other Blue Buffalo products have been affected

The recalled product was distributed starting November 19 at PetSmart stores. Concerned owners can contact Blue Buffalo via phone at 888-641-9736 between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. EST Monday through Friday, or via email at BlueBuffalo4260@stericycle.com.

Dogs may be are at risk for Salmonella poisoning upon consuming the product. Pet owners may also be affected through handling. It is highly advised to wash hands vigorously after having contact with the product or any possible contaminated surfaces.

Symptoms of a Salmonella infection in humans include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramps and fever. Rarely, Salmonella can result in more serious ailments including arterial infections, endocarditis, arthritis, muscle pain, eye irritation and urinary tract symptoms. Children and the elderly are at increased risk. Consumers exhibiting these signs after having contact with this product should contact their healthcare provider. For pets, Salmonella may cause poor appetite, abdominal pain, fever, bloody diarrhea, diarrhea, lethargy and vomiting. Infected pets may also spread the bacteria to humans and other pets. Pet owners are then urged to seek veterinary consult for their pets if such symptoms occur.

Customers can also return the product to the PetSmart store where it was purchased for a full refund.

Blue Buffalo has already had a difficult year. After being sued for false advertising by Purina, Blue Buffalo was forced to admit in court earlier this year that a “substantial” and “material” portion of their pet food contained poultry by-product meal, despite years of advertising claims to the contrary. Subsequently, the company is now facing lawsuits from consumers who feel the company has willfully lied to them about its ingredients for years.