The US Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) updated its investigation into a recent Salmonella outbreak in connection to contaminated pig ear dog treats distributed across the US. As of July 31, 127 people have been infected spanning 33 states, of which 26 have been hospitalized.

The number of reported cases is up from 93 people across 27 states reported on July 17. The CDC reported 21% of reported cases represent children less than 5 years old.

The investigation began with an official recall on July 3 by Pet Supplies Plus of bulk pig ear products stocked in open bins at all its retail locations across 32 states.

On July 26, Lennox Intl Inc voluntarily recalled pig ear pet treats shipped across the US to distributors and retailers between May 1 and July 3, 2019, due to possible Salmonella contamination. The company expanded this recall on July 31 to include pig ear pet treats distributed between Nov. 1, 2018, and July 3, 2019.

Recalled product was distributed in packs of eight with UPC codes 742174995163 and 742174994166, as well as individually wrapped pig ears with UPC codes 0385384810 and 742174P35107.

On July 26, Lennox stated it was aware of two known cases of illness in dogs caused by its pig ear treats. The company reported on July 31 that it is “aware of cases of human illness related to an ongoing Salmonella outbreak in which several people identified Lennox pig eat treats as the brand they purchased.”

The CDC stated, “No single supplier, distributor or common brand of pig ear treats has been identified that could account for all the illnesses,” in its latest update.

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