January 21, 2009

PetSmart voluntarily recalled seven Grreat Choice products, UPC codes listed above, on Tuesday after a possible link to the nationwide salmonella outbreak. (Graphic Courtesy of PetSmart)

NEW YORK -– In response to the Food and Drug Administration's recall of peanut butter products after determining a nationwide Salmonella Typhimurium outbreak, PetSmart issued a voluntary recall of seven Grreat Choice dog biscuit products on Tuesday.

With more than 1,100 stores in the U.S. and Canada, the pet retailer determined the peanut butter and assorted flavored biscuits sold between Aug. 21, 2009, and Jan. 19 contain peanut butter product linked to the FDA's salmonella recall announced on Monday.

"While some of these products have been tested and no traces of salmonella were found, we have recalled these products as a precautionary measure," was the message posted on PetSmart's Web site. "Because of this potential risk, we're immediately removing these products from our shelves and Web site."

While the FDA is still conducting a "very active and dynamic investigation," it has currently located sources of Salmonella Typhimurium contamination to a plant owned by Peanut Corp. of America.

With assistance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and state partners, the FDA has notified PCA of positive test results from its the Blakely, Ga., plant, which produces peanut butter and peanut paste.

As the scope of the outbreak and source is yet being determined by the FDA, PetSmart has been in communication with all its vendors to verify that no other products are implicated by the FDA's findings, thus far.

If pet owners have purchased the recalled biscuits, the product can be returned to any PetSmart location for a complete refund or exchange, as stated on the company's Web site.

Salmonella is a contagious infection that can cause medical complications relating to gastroenteritis, and can prove especially harmful to young children or elderly people.

Customers whose pets have consumed the product and might be displaying signs of illness are encouraged to contact veterinary help.

Indications of salmonella poisoning in pets may include vomiting, diarrhea, poor appetite and sluggishness, as well as more than the pet's normal consumption of water.

For more information on this PetSmart recall, call 1-888-839-9638.

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Pet Pulse News editor Robin Wallace contributed to this article.