Barkworthies Chicken Vittles dog chews are being recalled because they have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella. Unfortunately, the recalled product has already been on the market for nearly eight months. The product was distributed nationwide beginning on May 6th, 2014.

The recall was initiated after routine testing by the Colorado Department of Agriculture revealed the presence of Salmonella in a single lot of the product. However, according to a Barkworthies press release the “batch tested negative by a third party independent laboratory prior to release for distribution to consumers.”

You decide.

The product can be identified by the Lot Code printed on the side of the plastic pouch. The specific details about the recalled product are as follows:

BARKWORTHIES CHICKEN VITTLES
Lot Code: 1254T1
Size: 16 oz. Plastic Pouch
Best Used by Date: May 2016
UPC: 816807011510

Salmonella can affect animals eating the products and there is risk to humans from handling contaminated pet products, especially if they have not thoroughly washed their hands after having contact with the products or any surfaces exposed to these products.

Consumers should monitor themselves and their pets for some or all of the following symptoms associated with Salmonellosis: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramping and fever. Salmonella can result in more serious ailments, including arterial infections, endocarditis, arthritis, muscle pain, eye irritation, and urinary tract symptoms. Consumers exhibiting these signs after having contact with this product should contact their healthcare providers.

Pets with Salmonella infections may be lethargic and have diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever, and vomiting. Some pets will have only decreased appetite, fever and abdominal pain. Infected but otherwise healthy pets can be carriers and infect other animals or humans. If your pet has consumed the recalled product and has these symptoms, please contact your veterinarian.

For a full refund, pet owners should return all unused product to their place of purchase along with a completed Product Recall Claim Form available on the Barkworthies website . For more information on the recall can also be found at www.barkworthies.com/recall, or call toll free (877) 993-4257 Monday through Friday 9:00 am to 5:00 pm (EST).