Hartz said the normal testing it conducts through an independent outside laboratory did not detect the presence of Salmonella in any of its rawhide products, but sample testing conducted by another laboratory did indicate the presence of the bacteria in a single bag of the chicken-basted rawhide chips.
Salmonella can cause serious infections in dogs and - if there is cross-contamination caused by handling of the rawhide chips - in people as well, especially children, the aged, and people with compromised immune systems.
Hartz is investigating the difference in test results and the potential source of the problem. It said there have been no reports of any animals or humans becoming ill.
