Cat food recall in 25 states due to low nutrient levels (Photos)

On Friday Diamond Pet Foods of Columbia, S.C., announced a voluntary recall of limited production codes of the following items due to a possible low level of thiamine (Vitamin B1):

• Premium Edge Finicky Adult Cat Formula dry cat food;
• Premium Edge Senior Cat Hairball Management Formula dry cat food;
• Premium Edge Kitten Formula dry cat food;
• Diamond Naturals Kitten Formula dry cat food;
• 4 Health All Life Stages Cat Formula dry cat food.

Cats fed any of the affected products exclusively for several weeks may be at risk for developing a thiamine deficiency. Thiamine is essential for cats in maintaining normal nervous system function. Symptoms of thiamine deficiency are gastrointestinal or neurological in nature.

Early signs may include decreased appetite, salivation, vomiting, and weight loss. In advanced cases, ventriflexion (bending towards the floor) of the neck, wobbly walking, falling, circling, and seizures are possible symptoms. Pet owners should contact their veterinarians immediately if a cat is displaying any of these signs. If treated promptly, thiamine deficiency typically is reversible.

So far, Diamond has received no complaints of health issues related to these products. Only products with the Best By dates and Production Codes indicated in this table are included in the voluntary recall. Further distribution of these affected production codes has occurred through online sales. Consumers are advised to check the production code to determine if the product has been affected by the recall.

Michele Evans, Diamond Pet Foods Executive Director of Food Safety and Quality Assurance, says:

At Diamond Pet Foods, we have a process where we continuously test our products, and this process allowed us to find the undesired levels of thiamine in some of our cat formulas. Our food safety protocols are designed to provide safe food on a daily basis. In the event an error occurs, we have the data to quickly alert pet owners, giving them the confidence they demand of a pet food manufacturer.

Pet owners who are unsure whether a product they have purchased is included in the recall, or who would like replacement product or a refund, can contact the Pet Food Information Center at 1­88-8­96-5­6131, Sunday through Saturday, 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. EST. Consumers also may visit http://www.petfoodinformationcenter.com for additional information.

Related Article

• Alabama police break up dogfighting ring, arrest two (Photos)

Follow me on Twitter or join me at Facebook.