BJ'S Wholesale Club Issues Recall of 'Berkley & Jensen' Full-Cut Pig Ears Dog Treats Because of Potential for Salmonella Contamination

    NATICK, Mass., March 9 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- BJ's Wholesale Club,
 Inc. is recalling its 25-count packages of "Berkley & Jensen" Full-Cut Pig
 Ears dog treats with no lot number and only the expiration advisory "BEST
 IF USED BY 2009" (without referencing a specific month) because they have
 the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella, an organism which can
 cause serious infections in dogs, and, if there is cross contamination,
 young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune
 systems.
     Confirmatory testing is ongoing but until the testing is final,
 consumers should immediately stop feeding the treats to their pets.
     Salmonella can potentially be transferred to people handling these dog
 treats, especially if they have not thoroughly washed their hands after
 having contact with the product or any surfaces exposed to these products.
 Healthy persons infected with Salmonella often experience fever, diarrhea
 (which may be bloody), nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. In rare
 circumstances, infection with Salmonella can result in the organism getting
 into the bloodstream and producing more severe illnesses such as arterial
 infections (i.e., infected aneurysms), endocarditis and arthritis.
 Consumers exhibiting these signs after having contact with this product
 should contact their healthcare providers.
     Dogs that become ill from Salmonella generally will have a fever and
 diarrhea that may contain blood or mucus. Affected animals may seem more
 tired that usual, and may have vomiting. Some dogs do not have diarrhea,
 but will have decreased appetite, fever and excess salivation. If your dog
 has consumed the recalled product and is exhibiting these signs, please
 contact your veterinarian.
     The potential for contamination was noted after testing revealed the
 potential presence of Salmonella in a 25-count package of "Berkley &
 Jensen" Full-Cut Pig Ears dog treats.
     There have been no confirmed illnesses to date. These products have
 been removed from sale while the problem is being investigated.
     BJ's members who purchased "Berkley & Jensen" Full-Cut Pig Ears dog
 treats between January 1, 2006 through March 8, 2007 should discontinue use
 of the product and may return the unused portion to any BJ's Wholesale Club
 for a full refund. Consumers who have further questions may contact BJ's
 toll free Member Care line at 1-800-BJS-CLUB.
     For more information on Salmonella, please visit the U.S. Food & Drug
 Administration Web site at www.FDA.gov.
     About BJ's Wholesale Club
     Headquartered in Natick, Massachusetts, BJ's Wholesale Club, Inc. is a
 leading operator of warehouse clubs in the eastern United States. The
 Company currently operates 172 Clubs and 96 gas stations in 16 states. For
 more information about BJ's Wholesale Club, please visit www.bjs.com.
 
 

SOURCE BJ's Wholesale Club, Inc.