Voluntary Dog Biscuit Recall Issued for U.S. and Canada

PetSmart - PetSmart
June 2, 2009

With the recent FDA announcement of a salmonella investigation involving peanut butter products distributed through the Peanut Corporation of America (PCA), PetSmart began working closely with all of our vendors to verify whether there are any implications for customers and their pets through the products sold in stores.

Although we are not aware of any reported cases of injury or illness related to peanut butter products in our stores, we are conducting a voluntary recall as a precautionary measure and have removed these products from our shelves and website.

Effective January 20, 2009, PetSmart is conducting a voluntary recall of seven of our Grreat Choice dog biscuits (peanut butter and assorted flavors). The recall affects U.S. stores only. We initiated the recall after determining these products sold between August 21, 2008 and January 19, 2009 contain peanut butter product linked to the salmonella recall announced by the FDA.

While some of these products have been tested and no traces of salmonella were found, we have recalled these products as a precautionary measure.

Because of the potential risk, we immediately removed these products from our shelves and website.

What Has Been Recalled?

See the complete list of products included in the recall with their UPC code, also known as a bar code, at petsmartthefacts.com Check the description and UPC of any food you may have against this list. The UPC can be found on the product label under a series of bars. If you need help, ask any PetSmart store associate.

What About Other Peanut Butter Products?

• We’re in communication with all of our vendors to make sure there are no other products implicated by the FDA announcement, and that we have the most updated and accurate information to share with you concerning this recall.

Salmonella
Salmonellosis is an infection with bacteria called salmonella. Most persons infected with salmonella develop diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps 12 to 72 hours after infection. The illness usually lasts four to seven days, and most persons recover without treatment. However, in some persons, the diarrhea may be so severe that the patient needs to be hospitalized. In these patients, the salmonella infection may spread from the intestines to the blood stream, and then to other body sites and can cause death unless the person is treated promptly with antibiotics. The elderly, infants and those with impaired immune systems are more likely to have a severe illness.

See our Salmonella Q&A for more information on how this can affect you and your pet.

What We’re Doing About the Recall
Any news that involves a pet food recall naturally causes uncertainty and worry for our customers. We are deeply concerned, and our first thoughts are for the well-being of you and your pets.

• Please be assured that, as always, we handled this recall with the utmost urgency to ensure our shelves and website are free of recalled product.
• We immediately removed all recalled product, and have precautions in place to make sure they are not restocked.
• To the best of our knowledge, and based on information from our suppliers and government regulators, customers can continue to use pet food and treats that haven’t been subjected to recall.

What Should You Do?

• If you purchased any recalled treat products, you should discontinue use immediately and return the pet food to any PetSmart for a complete refund or exchange.
• If you have any concerns that your or your pet's health has been affected by any of these recalled treat products, we recommend you contact your medical professional.
• Keep informed. At PetSmart, we’re committed to keeping you informed of any developments regarding the recall. We’ll continue to post any updated information on this website, as well as in our stores.

  You can also follow our updates via Twitter at @PetSmartTLC.

  If you have any additional questions about this recall, please call our Customer Service line at 1-888-839-9638.

Comments