September 25, 2014 – Kong Aussie Sticks dog treats have been quietly recalled by the product manufacturer, JAKKS Pacific of Walnut, California due to possible contamination with mold.

As of the time of this writing, neither Kong or JAKKS Pacific has posted any public information webpage giving specific details about this event.

The products being recalled have the following item numbers:

• Item 75559
• Item 75560

And these “Best Before” dates:

• 1/30/16
• 1/31/16

Where Was the Product Sold?

According to a letter obtained from JAKKS Pacific and forwarded by Kong to The Dog Food Advisor, the recalled product was sold only at PetSmart.

No further store location, online sales or other distribution details have been provided by either company.

Silent Recall?

We are troubled by the covert nature and lack of transparencyexhibited by both companies associated with this particular event.

Obtaining confirmation and collecting details about this recall were especially challenging. Apparently, the companies only notified PetSmart and relevant distribution centers.¹

And evidently they made no effort to post a public notice.

According to a company spokesperson:

The products were not dried properly so a small percentage of finished goods have gone moldy.

Majority of the product is fine, and the mold was caught at our DC, but some product may have made it to PetSmart so we are recalling all the product at PetSmart and destroying all the product we have at our DC.

What to Do?

According to JAKKS Pacific in that same email, the “product can be returned to PetSmart for a full refund.”

Just the same, here are the customer service contact numbers for the two companies:

You may contact JAKKS Pacific at 877-875-2557, Monday through Friday from 7:30 am to 5:00 pm PT. Kong can be reached at 303-216-2626.

U.S. citizens can report complaints about FDA-regulated pet food products by calling the consumer complaint coordinator in your area.

Or go to http://www.fda.gov/petfoodcomplaints.