Dear Angelica,
At Petco, the safety and well-being of you and your pets means everything to us, so we're writing to make sure you have some important information about a product you may have recently purchased.
On July 31, the FDA and CDC issued updates to an ongoing investigation into a suspected link between pig ear products and human cases of Salmonella; both agencies are currently advising against selling, buying or feeding any pig ear products until they know more.
To date, no Petco products have been recalled or directly linked to any illnesses; however, out of an abundance of caution and based on the FDA and CDC recommendations, we have temporarily removed ALL pig ear products from our store shelves and from sale at Petco.com. We're also asking pet parents who may have any of these products to stop feeding them and safely dispose of them.
If you believe you have any pig ear products purchased from Petco, follow instructions for safe disposal, and visit any Petco store for a refund and help in finding an alternative product for your pet. Find your nearest Petco.
To dispose of these products safely, place them in a secure container where animals and wildlife cannot access it. Thoroughly wash your hands with warm, soapy water after handling pig ear products, and disinfect any containers, shelves and areas that held the pig ear products.
As always, if you have concerns about the health of anyone in your family, please contact your family physician or veterinarian immediately.
The FDA and CDC advisories are isolated to pig ears only. We're monitoring the issue closely and partnering with our vendor partners, our own veterinary staff, and third-party veterinary nutrition experts, and will continue to share what we know with you as we learn more.
At Petco, we remain committed to only carrying products we believe support the overall health and wellness of pets.
For complete information on the ongoing investigation, visit CDC.gov or FDA.gov
Sincerely,
Petco Customer Care
This is the letter that I received and I was immediately alarmed because I recently purchased a pigs ear, cows ear and cow trachea. I followed the instructions and went to my local store 5413 (Plano Rd./NorthWest Hwy) The one that I always go into and have no issues. They know my lovely pets (Wookie and Princess Leia). I went to get some items and I always wanted to get my funds back for the one pigs ear. The clerk asked me for the receipt, and I advised I didn't have it. I do have a Pals reward card. She informed me that I needed it. I told her about the letter I received to disposed of the item and thoroughly wash my hands. I asked because I know sometimes the local stores are up to date with what Corporate office as send to customers. She replied, "Yes, I do know about the letter. We need a sku to see the price." I said, " I don't have it because my dog started eating the product. Don't you have the sku? The clerk replied, "Ooh no. We threw all that away!" I felt like Abbott and Costello "Who's on First?" She got her manager and we went through the same conversation all over again. I guess I was so perturbed because I'm a regular customers. I'm thinking to appease the customer you can't give $2.00-$3.00. I decided to call Petco, and I'm so glad that I did. They used my PALS account to look up the recent purchase (2-3 weeks ago.) The representative located the date I purchased the $.99 pigs ear. YES! .99 cents, and since I had so much trouble with the store they gave me $5.00 credit to my account. I really appreciate 800# PETCO for taking care of me. I understand they may have a policy but I was amazed to think they argued with .99 cents. read more