Hartz Mountain 'Withdraws' Chicken Chews, Oinkies Pig Skin Twists

The dog treats contain trace amounts of unapproved antibiotics

The Hartz Mountain Corporation is 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," the company said. "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."

The company said the 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, Hartz said.

The company said that as soon as it learned of the finding, it contacted the FDA to share the test results and begin 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.

Hartz said customers can contact the company at 1-800-275-1414.

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