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On April 2, 2025, Supercan Bulk voluntarily recalled its Pig Ear Slivers (Bulk Treats) after FDA testing confirmed the presence of Salmonella spp. The product, distributed exclusively in Washington State, raised concerns due to the risk of cross-species transmission of the pathogen. The contaminated goods were marketed exclusively in Washington State and in bulk packaging because of the bacteria's zoonotic nature, which caused concerns for both human and animal health. The recall was issued as an overabundance of caution to safeguard people and animals against any potential illness. [1]

April 2025: Supercan Bulk Recall of pig ear pet snacks tainted with salmonella.

Recall , July 10, 2025

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On April 2, 2025, Supercan Bulk voluntarily recalled its Pig Ear Slivers (Bulk Treats) after FDA testing confirmed the presence of Salmonella spp. The product, distributed exclusively in Washington State, raised concerns due to the risk of cross-species transmission of the pathogen. The contaminated goods were marketed exclusively in Washington State and in bulk packaging because of the bacteria’s zoonotic nature, which caused concerns for both human and animal health. The recall was issued as an overabundance of caution to safeguard people and animals against any potential illness.  [1]

Product and Contamination Details

  • Product: Pig Ear Slivers (Bulk Pet Treats)
  • Recall Date: April 2, 2025
  • Issue: Salmonella contamination
  • Packaging: Bulk, unlabeled (sold by weight in pet stores)
  • Distribution: Washington State only
  • Agency: U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)

Salmonella in pig ear treats has previously been linked to serious illness outbreaks in both pets and humans. The FDA urged immediate removal of affected items from sale, and Supercan complied with voluntary recall protocols.

Health Risks to Humans and Animals

Animals with Salmonella

A pet with a Salmonella illness may experience:

  • vomit
  • diarrhea, which may be bloody
  • Having a fever
  • apathy
  • A drop in appetite

Even if pets don’t exhibit any obvious signs, they may still shed the virus, increasing the possibility of household transmission.

People-to-People Cross-Contamination

People may become infected in a variety of ways:

  • managing contaminated candies
  • getting exposed to infected feces or saliva from animals
  • Cross-contamination of food items or surfaces
  • Among the indicators in individuals are:
  • pain in the stomach
  • feeling sick
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • temperature

In exceptional circumstances: hospitalizations and blood infections, especially among children, the elderly, and those with compromised immune systems.

The FDA Recall Notice and the manufacturer’s information are covered in H2.

Following lab-confirmed positive results for Salmonella, the FDA worked with Supercan. Veterinary clinics were notified, and the goods were instructed to be removed from shop shelves. The regulatory outcomes are not currently available to the public at the lot level, but the manufacturer voluntarily responded to them.

Customers and distributors are encouraged to use the contact methods listed in the recall notification to report any negative incidents or seek guidance directly from the FDA or Supercan Bulk if they have any questions or issues.  [1]

What Consumers and Retailers Should Do

For Consumers

  • Stop using pig ear slivers immediately.
  • Throw the product away in a sealed bag and trash it.
  • Clean and disinfect bowls, feeding areas, and utensils used for pig ear slivers.
  • Wash hands thoroughly after handling pig ear slivers.
  • Watch pets for signs of illness and if they have signs of illness, take them to the veterinarian.
  • See a doctor if you have any symptoms and tell them if you handled pig ear slivers.

For Retailers

  • Pull all bulk pig ear treats and do not sell.
  • Contact customers that may have purchased the affected product.
  • Re-check sanitary status on handling or displays areas.
Supercan Bulk Recall blog

Industry Takeaway: Pet Treat Safety

This recall serves as a reminder of the ongoing risk of contamination with animal derived pet treats. Pig ears, which are high in protein, are typically chewed over a long period of time, allowing pathogenic microorganisms to persist and that may not be sufficiently eliminated through decontamination processes.

We recommend petting treat manufacturers:

  • Routinely test for the presence of microorganisms
  • Control for temperature during processing
  • Track and trace by lot
  • Know your source and provide clear labeling.

Conclusion

The recall of Supercan bulk pig ear treats demonstrates the necessity for effective quality control on raw animal-based pet snacks. Salmonella is a serious zoonotic foodborne pathogen, and contamination represents not only a risk to animal health, but also a secondary risk to human health. Continued vigilance, adherence to sanitation protocols, and increased awareness by the public and regulatory bodies are central to avoiding contamination in the future.

For real-time updates and recall notices, visit:

FDA Pet Food Recalls

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