Recalled dog treats sold online and in stores in 19 U.S. states have been assigned the highest risk level by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

A "Class I" recall means "there is a reasonable probability that the use of or exposure to a violative product will cause serious adverse health consequences or death," according to the FDA's website.

Carolina Prime Pet, Inc., based in North Carolina, recalled 400 bags of its Hollywood Feed Carolina Made Chicken Chips dog treats on November 22 because they suspected the treats might be contaminated with salmonella.

Newsweek has approached Carolina Prime Pet for comment via email and website chat function.

Signs of salmonella in dogs

Salmonella is bacteria that can cause infection, called salmonellosis, in humans and dogs.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimate that the bacteria cause 1.35 million infections in humans in the U.S. each year, as the leading cause of foodborne illness, hospitalizations and deaths in the U.S. and worldwide.

Dogs might become ill after eating food contaminated with salmonella and humans might become ill after handling these products, infected pets or their poop.

If dogs become sick with salmonella poisoning, they might eat less, have a fever, exhibit signs of abdominal pain, seem lethargic, have diarrhea or bloody diarrhea and vomit.

How quickly does salmonella make you sick?

Healthy people infected with salmonella might develop nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or blood diarrhea, abdominal cramping and fever, between six hours to six days after infection. Symptoms usually last between four and seven days.

However, sometimes salmonellosis can result in more serious ailments, such as blood infections, heart inflammation, joint stiffness, muscle pain, eye irritation and urinary tract symptoms.

Certain groups are more at risk of more serious illness, such as young children, adults with underlying medical problems, older adults and individuals with weakened immune systems.

Information about the recalled dog treats

The recalled dog treats were distributed to Hollywood Feed stores in 19 U.S. states and sold online at www.hollywoodfeed.com.

The product was sold in 16oz purple and black bags, with the lot number "20051324L2" and expiration date "11/13/25" marked on the back side.

No illnesses had been reported in connection with this recall, following the FDA's original announcement on November 23.

The potential for contamination with salmonella was discovered after a third-party laboratory tested an unreleased lot of the same product and found salmonella in it.

Dogs exhibiting signs of salmonella poisoning after eating these recalled treats should be taken to their veterinarian for treatment. Likewise, humans with symptoms of food poisoning after contact with these dog treats should contact a healthcare provider.

Those who have purchased the recalled dog treats are advised to stop using them. Customers with questions can contact Carolina Prime Pet by emailing treats@carolinaprimepet.com or calling 828-394-6460 from Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Another recall of dog food contaminated with salmonella was issued earlier this month.

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