FDA: Some pig ears, beef hooves tainted

WASHINGTON, Nov. 9 (UPI) -- The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is warning pet owners not to use pig ears and beef hooves produced by Pet Carousel Inc. due to possible contamination.

The FDA says the products, distributed nationwide for sale in pet food and retail chain stores, might be contaminated with salmonella bacteria.

The Sanger, Calif., company distributes the products under the brand names Choo Hooves, Dentley's, Doggie Delight and Pet Carousel.

FDA officials warned consumers not to handle the products or feed them to their pets. Consumers with the contaminated pig ears and beef hooves should dispose of them in a safe manner by securing them in a covered trash receptacle, the FDA said.

Pets with salmonella infections might become lethargic and have diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever and vomiting. Officials said some pets may only experience a decreased appetite, fever and abdominal pain. Infected, but otherwise healthy pets can become carriers and infect other animals or humans.