Carolina Prime Pet, Inc., based in North Carolina, has voluntarily recalled 400 bags of their “Hollywood Feed Carolina Made Chicken Chips” dog treats. The recall affects 16-ounce bags of the product, spanning retail locations in 19 states across the Southeast, Midwest, and Mid-Atlantic regions.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced the recall on Saturday, citing potential salmonella contamination as the reason. While no illnesses have been reported so far, the company stated that the recall is a precautionary measure to ensure the safety of both pets and consumers.
Customers who purchased the affected product are encouraged to stop use immediately and contact the company or their retailer for further instructions.
According to the FDA, the “Hollywood Feed Carolina Made Chicken Chips” were distributed to Hollywood Feed stores in 19 states, including Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Texas. The treats were also available for purchase through the online retailer www.hollywoodfeed.com.
On the affected product, the back of the purple and black packaging has the lot number 20051324L2 and an expiration date of 11/13/25. The company has confirmed that this is the only lot in their product line identified as potentially contaminated.
The contamination risk was identified during routine quality control testing, where a third party detected salmonella in a related lot of the product that had not yet been released.
Pet owners using the affected treats should monitor their pets for signs of infection, including lethargy, diarrhea (which may be bloody), vomiting, fever, and abdominal pain. More subtle symptoms, such as a decrease in appetite or general discomfort, could also indicate infection and warrant attention.
According to the FDA, even pets that show no symptoms can carry salmonella and potentially spread the infection to humans or other animals in the household.
In rare but severe cases, salmonella infection can lead to serious complications, including arterial infections, endocarditis, arthritis, muscle pain, eye irritation, and urinary tract issues. The FDA advises consumers experiencing these symptoms after contact with the product to contact their health care provider and seek medical attention promptly.
The FDA strongly recommends washing hands thoroughly after handling pet treats to minimize the risk of contamination and infection.
If you have this product, stop using it immediately and reach out to Carolina Prime Pet for return and refund information. You can contact the company via email at [email protected] or by phone at 828-394-6460 during business hours, Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. EST.