Costco removes contaminated dog treats from shelves

Dog treats discovered to have trace amounts of antibiotics will not be recalled in Canada, says pet food giant Nestle Purina, but one major retailer has already removed them from its shelves.

Purina spokesman Keith Schopp says they have no plans to recall the treats — made from chicken jerky products in China  despite a decision to do so in the United States because testing turned up no health concerns for pets.

But Costco Wholesale Canada Ltd. withdrew the products from their stores when the voluntary recall was issued in the United States.

In a statement to CBC News, Costco said it made the decision even though Canadian regulations "are not the same as the U.S .regarding residual antibiotics in pet food."

Testing carried out by the New York state Department of Agriculture showed trace amounts of antibiotics in the products. Though the treats did not meet standards in the U.S., they are considered safe according to Canadian regulations, Schopp said.

CBC Marketplace investigated chicken jerky products made in China because pet owners and veterinarians had complained dogs were getting very sick after eating the treats.

Nestle Purina issued a voluntary recall in the United States of its Waggin’ Train and Canyon Creek ranch dog treats earlier this week, though the company stood by the safety of its products.

"These trace amounts of antibiotic residue do not pose a health risk to pets," read a statement on the company website.

"These antibiotics are approved for use in poultry in China and other major countries, including European Union member states, but are not among those approved in the U.S. Antibiotics are commonly used globally, including in the United States, when raising animals fit for human consumption. Waggin’ Train and Canyon Creek Ranch products are safe to feed as directed."

U.S. company Milo's Ranch has also issued a voluntary recall of its chicken jerky treats.