Werewolf syndrome: product recalls and a statement from a brand featured in our range

Dog owners are on high alert after chewable bones containing cow hide were suspected of triggering neurological symptoms in dogs.

Two brands have issued product recalls

With an investigation in full swing, product recalls have started trickling in (linked article in German). These include chewable sticks and bones purchased online from the Dutch brand Barkoo. Chrisco, a manufacturer based in Denmark, has also recalled its dog chews from various stores throughout the country as a precaution. Galaxus doesn’t stock either brand’s products.

According to reports, it’s still unclear which toxin the products are contaminated with (linked article in German). Some products, however, have been linked to a producer in China. The company may have supplied raw materials such as cow hide to dog treat manufacturers.

Not all Chinese products are cause for concern

Galaxus also sells cow hide bones with Chinese origins. More specifically, ones from German-based company Albert Kerbl GmbH. However, responding to an inquiry from us, the company said it worked with a long-standing Chinese producer that’s certified to several quality standards. These include HACCP, ISO22000 and FDA standards (linked pages in German).

Dog food

Kerbl Beef skin Bones

1 pcs., 38 g

Dog food

Kerbl Beef skin Bones

1 pcs., 94 g

Dog food

Kerbl Beef skin Bones

Junior, Adult, Senior, 1 pcs., 400 g

3

Dog food

Kerbl Beef skin Bones

1 pcs., 38 g

Dog food

Kerbl Beef skin Bones

1 pcs., 94 g

Dog food

Kerbl Beef skin Bones

Junior, Adult, Senior, 1 pcs., 400 g

3

«Our chews are manufactured under hygienic conditions. Batches are then tested at random against known parameters such as bacterial infestation, salmonella or heavy metals,» Albert Kerbl GmbH said. The company says not a single similar case has been reported in relation to their cow hide bones.

Companies are responsible for making sure products are safe

But don’t all cow hide bones undergo testing in Switzerland? A media inquiry sent to the division responsible for feed screenings at Agroscope, the federal government’s centre for agricultural research, reveals: it depends.

The composition of dog bones has to be declared correctly, in accordance with legal requirements. However, the products fall solely under the responsibility of the registered Swiss company. In other words, as long as they’re listed in the catalogue or national register of feed materials and only contain approved feed additives, they don’t have to be registered with or tested by Agroscope.

During routine checks on registered Swiss companies, Agroscope’s official feed inspectorate takes random samples for testing. If a company comes under suspicion, it can also take samples of potentially dodgy products. Even so, a company can only be held accountable if non-compliant products are physically present in Switzerland, for example in a warehouse. If a customer buys feed online from abroad, however, it’s not possible to check these products.