ALERT: Salmonella Scare Triggers Dog Treat Recall

Green sign with product recall text and sky background — HUGE RECALL ALERT

A routine bag of dog treats just turned into a kitchen-counter contamination risk—because salmonella doesn’t stop at the dog bowl.

Story Snapshot

The FDA announced a recall of Elite Treats Chicken Chips for Dogs after salmonella was detected through third-party testing tied to a related lot.
The recall targets one specific lot of 6-ounce bags: lot number 24045 with an expiration date of April 2027.
Distribution was limited to feed stores in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina through Florida Hardware, LLC.
No illnesses have been reported so far, but the FDA warns humans can be exposed to the treats or contaminated surfaces or pets.

What the FDA Recall Covers—and Why It Matters

The Food and Drug Administration reported Feb. 24, 2026, that Elite Treats Chicken Chips for Dogs are being recalled over possible salmonella contamination. The recall is limited to a single lot of 6-ounce bags, identified as lot number 24045 with an expiration date of April 2027. The product was sold through feed stores in five Southeastern states, making this a targeted recall, not a nationwide panic.

Dog treats recalled over fears of salmonella contamination, FDA says https://t.co/KvZNBYPEJ4

— FOX Business (@FoxBusiness) February 25, 2026

Elite Treats, LLC is based in Boca Raton, Florida, and the company initiated the recall after third-party laboratory testing found salmonella in a related product lot that was not commercially released. That point matters: the contamination was discovered through proactive testing rather than a wave of customer complaints.

Even so, the company recalled the commercially released lot as a precaution, which is the correct move when a pathogen is in the picture.

Where the Product Was Sold and How It Moved Through Stores

The recalled treats were distributed via Florida Hardware, LLC and sold through feed stores in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina. For families who shop local—especially those who prefer feed stores over big-box retailers—this detail is key. The most practical step is simple: check the bag and the lot number. If it matches lot 24045 with the April 2027 expiration date, stop using it immediately.

Consumers who still have the product are being urged to dispose of it safely and avoid any “just one more treat” thinking. Salmonella is not a quality issue you can see or smell. The recall guidance also includes cleanup actions because the risk is not only what a dog eats, but what ends up on counters, floors, hands, food bowls, and anywhere the bag or treats were handled. That is where a pet issue becomes a household health issue.

How Salmonella Spreads From Pets to People

The FDA’s warning highlights a reality many households underestimate: contaminated pet treats can expose humans through handling, through contact with contaminated surfaces, and through contact with infected animals.

That means the exposure chain can run from treat bag to hand, from hand to fridge handle, and from there to food prep—especially in busy homes. The FDA notes higher risk for vulnerable groups, including young people, older adults, and immunocompromised individuals.

The agency also provided symptom guidance that helps families act quickly instead of guessing. In pets, warning signs can include lethargy, diarrhea (including bloody diarrhea), fever, vomiting, reduced appetite, and abdominal pain.

In humans, symptoms can include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea (including bloody diarrhea), abdominal cramping, and fever. Anyone who suspects illness after exposure should contact a healthcare provider or veterinarian and mention possible salmonella exposure.

What This Recall Suggests About Oversight and Consumer Responsibility

This incident also shows the public-health value of testing and transparent recall systems. The contamination was identified through third-party laboratory work tied to a related lot, and the recall followed despite no reported illnesses.

That’s the process working as intended: find the problem early, narrow the affected lot, and get it off shelves. What’s still missing from public reporting is detailed information about manufacturing controls at Elite Treats, which limits broader conclusions.

For consumers, the takeaway is practical, not political: food safety is a personal-responsibility issue as much as it is a regulatory one. Families who want limited government still depend on clear, competent warning systems when pathogens threaten the home.

Checking lot numbers, washing hands after handling pet products, sanitizing food-contact surfaces, and keeping pet bowls clean are small steps that protect kids, seniors, and everyone else under the same roof.

Customers seeking refund information have been directed to contact Elite Treats at 561-901-5310 or via email. Retailers in affected states are expected to remove the product from shelves and handle customer questions, but the fastest protection still starts at home: identify the lot, discard it, and clean up any area where the treats, bag, or pet saliva may have spread contamination.