Mars Petcare has recalled two lots of Pedigree canned dog food that may contain sharp metal and plastic fragments, according to a notice posted by the FDA.
Las Vegas dog owners should check their pantry for 13.2 ounce cans of Pedigree High Protein Chopped Chicken and Duck Flavor with lot codes 613C3KKCFC or 613C1KKCFC.
The backstory makes this recall unlike a typical manufacturing slip. The affected cans had already failed Mars Petcare’s quality control and were handed to a third party to be destroyed.
Instead of being destroyed, the cans were fraudulently funneled back into the marketplace and sold to unsuspecting customers.
Mars says it is working with authorities to determine how the rejected product ended up on store shelves.
The health risks are serious. Swallowing sharp metal or plastic fragments can cause choking, lacerations, or blockages in a dog’s gastrointestinal tract.
No related reports of pet illness or injury had been received as of the recall announcement. Anyone who fed the recalled product to their dog and has concerns should contact their veterinarian.
Owners who find the affected lot codes at home should stop feeding the food immediately and contact Pedigree for a replacement.
Because Pedigree is one of the most widely sold dog food brands in the country, the recalled cans could have reached grocery stores, big box retailers, and pantries anywhere.
Recalls involving foreign material in dog food have been a recurring theme this year.
Fromm Family Foods pulled 300 cases of its BeefiBowls Beef Recipe over plastic contamination earlier this year in another recall that rippled across North America.
Staying ahead of recalls does not need to be a chore.
Services like Dog Food Advisor offer free recall alerts, something we covered in our look at how dog parents can use Dog Food Advisor to make smarter food choices.
Check your cans tonight. If your lot codes match, do not gamble on a brand name, because this particular product was never supposed to reach your dog’s bowl in the first place.
Dog Friendly Las Vegas features articles, business and event information created based on information provided directly by third-parties. While we make every effort to represent this information accurately, we are unable to independently verify all claims. Readers are encouraged to confirm details directly with businesses before making decisions.
