Washington, D.C., USA- January 13, 2020: FDA Sign at its headquarters in Washington DC. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA or USFDA) is a federal agency of the USA.
Supercan Bulk, a pet treat manufacturer based in Miami, Florida, has issued a voluntary recall of a single lot of its Supercan Pig Ear Slivers pet treats due to potential Salmonella contamination. The affected product, sold under the brand name “Supercan,” comes in 500-piece bags (15.9 oz) and carries an expiration date of November 9, 2026. The recall specifically involves a lot that was distributed to North 40 store locations in Washington State between April 11, 2024.
Salmonella, a bacterium that can cause foodborne illness in both humans and animals, was discovered in samples of the product during routine testing by the Washington State Department of Agriculture on March 4, 2025. While no illnesses have been reported as of yet, consumers are being urged to take immediate action to avoid potential health risks.
Health Risks to Pets and Humans
Salmonella infection in pets can lead to symptoms such as lethargy, diarrhea (including bloody diarrhea), vomiting, fever, and decreased appetite. Even pets that do not show symptoms can act as carriers, potentially infecting other animals or humans. For people, Salmonella infection can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea (including bloody diarrhea), abdominal cramps, and fever. In rare cases, it can lead to more severe conditions like arthritis, eye irritation, or urinary tract symptoms.
Consumers who have purchased the affected product are advised to immediately return it to the place of purchase or safely dispose of it. If you or your pet experience any of the symptoms of Salmonella infection after handling or consuming the product, contact your healthcare provider or veterinarian for guidance.
Important Safety Instructions
- Consumers should thoroughly wash and sanitize hands, bowls, and any surfaces that may have come into contact with the recalled product.
- The recalled product should not be fed to pets or any other animals. It should not be sold or donated.
- For a refund or more information, consumers can contact Supercan Bulk at (689) 808-5419, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET.
Supercan Bulk is working closely with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to safely dispose of the contaminated product and mitigate any potential risks to consumers and their pets.
The company encourages all pet owners to stay informed of recall announcements and to exercise caution when handling pet treats that may pose a health risk.
A Bit of History
In 2019, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) launched an investigation into a potential link between pig ear dog treats and a salmonella outbreak that affected 45 people across 13 states. NBC reported that while the source of the outbreak remained unidentified, health officials had identified pig ear treats as the likely cause of the infections, which are resistant to multiple antibiotics. Fortunately, no deaths had been reported.
Michigan-based retailer Pet Supplies Plus, which operated over 430 stores nationwide, had issued a recall of its bulk pig ear products. Although the company confirmed that no salmonella cases had been linked directly to its products, testing by the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) found several strains of salmonella in some of the treats sold at its stores, though not the strain tied to the outbreak.
At the time, the CDC reported that 34 infected individuals had contact with dogs, while 17 people had exposure to pig ear treats or dogs that had consumed them before falling ill. Pet Supplies Plus removed pig ear treats from its shelves and halted shipments after the contamination was discovered. The recall did not affect prepackaged branded pig ear products.
