Orange County Register

*Updated 7:25 a.m. 1/21 to include Ready Pac recall:

PetSmart said late Tuesday that it is voluntarily recalling several dog biscuits because the treats might contain tainted peanut paste.

The Arizona pet retailer said some Grreat Choice Dog Biscuits are made with peanut paste from Peanut Corporation of America, which is under probe by the Food and Drug Administration.

*California-based Ready Pac said early Wednesday that it is voluntarily recalling celery stick snack packs with peanut butter sold at markets such as Trader Joe’s.

Federal health officials believe PCA’s peanut paste and peanut butter are tied to a nationwide salmonella outbreak that’s sickened more than 470 people in 43 states. Six people have died.  Investigators say peanut butter sold in jars has not been impacted by this outbreak.

PCA does not sell products directly to consumers. However, its peanut paste is used to make many popular foods and snacks sold in markets. *California-based ReadyPac also said early Wednesday that it is pulling celery and

Since late last week, dozens of power bars, cookies and crackers have been recalled by food companies ranging from Clif Bar, Kellogg, Kroger Co. and General Mills. Last week, Southern California supermarkets pulled Keebler and Austin peanut butter crackers from shelves. (LIST of Recalled Peanut Butter foods)

PetSmart is believed to be the first pet retailer tied to the tainted peanut paste.

“Although PetSmart is not aware of any reported cases of illness related to these products, it has removed these products from its store shelves and website,” the company said in a statement released via the FDA’s website.

The recalled products include the following types of Grreat Choice Dog Biscuits sold between Aug. 21, 2008 and Jan. 19, 2009:

• Small Assorted 32 oz., UPC 73725702900
• Small/Medium Assorted 4 lb., UPC 73725700601
• Small/Medium Assorted 8 lb., UPC 73725700605
• Small/Medium Assorted 10 lb., UPC 73725702755
• Large Assorted 8 lb., UPC 73725700638
• Extra Large Assorted 8 lb., UPC 73725700779
• Peanut Butter 4 lb., UPC 73725700766

Customers who purchased the recalled dog biscuit products should discontinue use immediately and can return the product to any PetSmart store for a complete refund or exchange. Customers can visit www.petsmartfacts.com for more information or contact PetSmart Customer Service at 1-888-839-9638.

Below is the list of the Ready Pac products. Consumers with questions regarding Ready Pac recall may contact (800) 800- 7822, the company said.

• Ready Pac Cool Cuts Celery with Peanut Butter 12/6.75 oz
  By Dates of 12/27/08 to 2/2/09 and UPC: 077745-22415-2
• Trader Joe’s Celery with Peanut Butter 12/6.75 oz
  By Dates of 12/27/08 to 2/2/09 and UPC: 0048-5401
• Trader Joe’s Celery with Peanut Butter 30/6.75 oz
  By Dates of 12/27/08 to 2/2/09 and UPC: 0048-5401
• Eating Right Apples with Peanut Butter 12/6.75 oz
  By Dates of 12/27/08 to 2/2/09 and UPC: 0-79893-70175-2
• Eating Right Celery with Peanut Butter 12/6.75 oz
  By Dates of 12/27/08 to 2/2/09 and UPC: 0-79893-70172-1

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