The U.S. Food and Drug Administration, together with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and state partners, is investigating a suspected link between pig ear pet treats and human cases of salmonellosis.

As of July 31, CDC reports that there are 127 cases of human infection tied to exposure to pig ear pet treats with Salmonella enterica serotypes I 4,[5],12:i:-, Infantis, London, and Newport in 33 states. CDC reports that many of these cases are multidrug-resistant. Twenty-six people have been hospitalized.

The FDA has traced back some of the pig ear treats associated with cases of illness to sources in Argentina and Brazil. Two firms have recalled. Some of these treats have tested positive for Salmonella, and further testing is ongoing to identify the Salmonella strain(s).

As of July 31, based on information gathered from cases and the traceback data gathered from FDA, the FDA and CDC are recommending that people avoid purchasing or feeding any pig ear pet treats at this time. If you have pig ear pet treats, safely discard them and thoroughly clean the areas where the treats have been.

FDA is working with impacted firms to remove pig ear pet treats from the marketplace and identify places where they may have been distributed.

Salmonella can affect both human and animal health. People with symptoms of Salmonella infection should consult their healthcare providers. Consult a veterinarian if your pet has symptoms of Salmonella infection.

This is an ongoing investigation and FDA will provide the public with new information as it becomes available.

Please visit the FDA Web site for more information.