Multi-Drug Resistant Salmonella Outbreak Linked to Contact with Dog Treats

Earlier this year, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), public health and regulatory officials in several states, and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) began investigating an outbreak of multidrug-resistant Salmonella infections linked to contact with pig ear dog treats.

The CDC posted new information about the outbreak investigation in September that stated the agency and the FDA are advising people not to buy or feed any pig ear dog treats, including any that may already be in homes. The agency’s Investigation Notice warns that people can get sick after handling the treats or caring for dogs who ate the treats, and that dogs might get sick after eating them as well.

At least 143 people have been infected with the outbreak strains of Salmonella in 35 states so far. This figure includes a number of children under the age of 5. At least 33 of the total infected population has been hospitalized.

Importers, suppliers, distributors, wholesalers and other retailers should not sell any pig ear dog treats according to the CDC’s recent update. While no single supplier, distributor or common brand of pig ear treats has been identified that could account for all the illnesses, at least three companies have recalled pig ear products because they might be contaminated with one or more of the outbreak strains of Salmonella.

The laboratory specialists at MPL Laboratories assist food and beverage manufacturers, distributors, retailers and importers with avoiding these types of incidents caused by microbial contamination concerns. MPL’s scientists provide microbial testing for a broad spectrum of contaminants, including Salmonella, E. coli and Listeria. Proactive testing not only protects the public from exposure risks, it is also vital to prevent costly product recalls, damaging public relations and the expensive legal fees that are frequently associated with these types of events. If an outbreak has already occurred, MPL’s testing services can be instrumental for identifying its source from raw materials, finished goods and production surfaces.

To learn more about microbial testing of food and beverages, personal care and consumer products, cosmetics and pharmaceuticals, please contact MPL Laboratories at www.MPLLaboratories.com, call (800) 548-1874 or email  info@MPLLaboratories.com .


About MPL Laboratories

MPL Laboratories (formerly Marypaul Laboratories) was founded in 1985 as a full service microbiology laboratory. It is ISO/IEC 17025 accredited by PJLA, FDA and DEA registered, and NJDEP certified. MPL’s staff includes a PhD Diplomat of the American Board of Toxicology, M.S. and B.S. degreed microbiologists, and other dedicated scientists. The microbiology testing laboratory serves the pharmaceutical, medical device, cosmetic, personal care and food industries. MPL aims to provide its clients with high quality, reliable test data in a timely manner. The laboratory is part of the EMSL Analytical network of over 40 laboratories across the United States and Canada.

Contact Information

Joseph Frasca

Senior Vice President of Marketing

MPL Laboratories

(1) 856-303-2503

Contact via E-mail