BJ's Dog Ear Chews Possibly Contaminated With Salmonella

The Rhode Island Department of Health warned dog owners not to feed their pets BJ's brand pig ear chews due to possible contamination with Salmonella. The affected products are from two lots labelled G1 0319 and G1 3548. Any treats purchased between April 10 and August 17 should not be given to dogs, BJ's said.

The Berkley and Jensen Pig Ears Dogs Chews were sold in BJ's Wholesale Clubs. A sample tested in the department's State Health Laboratories found Salmonella bacteria in the products. The treats are labeled with the following codes and best-by dates.

• Berkley Jensen Pig Ears Dog Chews, 30 ears
  • Package Lot Number - G1 3548
  • Best If Used By Date - December 2021
• Berkley Jensen Pig Ears Dog Chews, 30 ears
• Package Lot Number - G1 0319
• Best If Used By Date - January 2022

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Food and Drug Administration have both urged pet owners not to give dogs pig ear treats of any kind following a multi-state Salmonella outbreak. Dogs who eat the treats can get sick, while their owners can also become infected after handling them or caring for their sick pet.

A spokesperson for BJ's said the decision was made "out of an abundance of caution" following the warnings from the CDC and FDA. The voluntary decision is not a recall, the statement said.

Correction: A previous version of this article incorrectly stated that a recall was issued for the pig ear chews.