The Hartz Mountain Corp. is recalling 74,700 bags of Hartz Naturals Real Beef Treats for Dogs because the 8-ounce bags may have been contaminated with salmonella.

Hartz Mountain imported the dog treats from a Brazilian supplier, Bertin S.A., and distributed the dog treats in the United States, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Bertin tested the treats before shipping them to the U.S. and didn't detect any salmonella contamination. However, random testing by the FDA showed the presence of salmonella. Hartz Mountain said it is looking for the source of contamination.

The Secaucus, N.J., company said the recalled treats have the lot code BZ0969101E, UPC number 32700-11519. Consumers should check the dog treat bags for the numbers and throw out the treats if they show that number or if the number is unreadable.

A salmonella infection can cause fever, diarrhea, abdominal pain and nausea in both people and pets, the FDA said. Those most at risk include young children and those who are frail or have weakened immune systems. Salmonella is particularly troublesome because it can be passed from a pet to a person through handling the pet or its food -- that's why the FDA has stepped up its scrutiny of salmonella cases.

Hartz Mountain said it has not received any reports of animals or people getting sick from the dog treats and consumers can call the company at (800) 275-1414 with questions and also get information on a refund for the recalled dog treats.