SECAUCUS, N.J., Jan. 25, 2013 /PRNewswire/ — The Hartz Mountain Corporation is voluntarily withdrawing its Hartz ® Chicken Chews™ and Hartz ® Oinkies® Pig Skin Twists wrapped with Chicken for dogs in the United States because they contain trace amounts of unapproved antibiotic residue.
We are taking this action after recent Hartz testing found trace amounts of unapproved antibiotic residue in samples of Hartz Chicken Chews™ and Oinkies® Pig Skin Twists wrapped with Chicken products. Even though two-thirds of the products we tested did not contain antibiotic residues, we would rather be overly cautious by voluntarily withdrawing these products from the market.
These antibiotics are approved for use in poultry in China and other countries, including European Union member states, but are not among those approved in the U.S. Based on the FDA’s review of the New York State Department of Agriculture & Markets (NYSDAM) results, there is no evidence that raises health concerns, and these results are highly unlikely to be related to the reports of illnesses FDA has received related to jerky pet treats.
Immediately upon learning of this finding, Hartz contacted the FDA to share our test results and execute a nationwide voluntary withdrawal. There have been no known illnesses to date associated with the consumption of these products.
“Upon learning about the nationwide voluntary withdrawal of several other brands of chicken jerky products through media reports, Hartz acted immediately to begin additional testing to determine if the same unapproved antibiotic residues were present in our products,” said Sean McNear , Sr. Director of Quality and Regulatory at Hartz Mountain.
There is no indication that the trace amounts of unapproved antibiotic residue are linked to the FDA’s ongoing investigation of chicken jerky products produced in China. The trace amounts of antibiotic residue do not pose a health or pet safety risk.
No other Hartz products are affected by this withdrawal.
If you have these products contact the Hartz Consumer Affairs team (24 hours/day 7 days/week) at 1-800-275-1414 for a product refund or go to www.hartz.com for additional information.
SOURCE The Hartz Mountain Corporation
My dog is almost 5 years old and eats Wagon Train Wholesome Chicken Jerky Tenders this is the only treat he will eat, I don’t know what I am going to do, or I should say what he is going to do. He will only eat chicken, he is very picky. this is going to be struggle with him. He has some left, I have always broken them in smell pieces but now they are getting even smaller. Thank you I sure wish they could come back, or something close to them.
I would go to an independent pet store (not a big box retailer) and ask them for tasty replacements. They will be a bit more expensive, but safe. Try a different, more tempting flavor like bison, etc. You’ll be surprised at what your furry friend will like – don’t forget to take him with you!
Thank You I will try that.
You’re welcome! Let me know how it turns out!
I wondered why I could not find the treats. I have 3 small dogs and they get a chiken jerky every day after their walk–and extra under stress. I wish hartz could find another supplier with approved chicken jerky, I have tried several things so far but they are noy enthusiastic about anything yet.
Take your dogs to a local independent pet store. The people working there are very helpful. If your dogs don’t like the treats you purchased, they have excellent return policies. Don’t trust any treats from a supplier like Hartz. Their flea control was responsible for killing some dogs several years ago.