Iams and Eukanuba expand pet food recall

On Sunday, June 25, 2010, Iams and Proctor and Gamble Pet Care issued a recall of their Feline Renal Diet dry formula. The recall has now been extended to cover many other dry pet food products.

Which Iams pet foods have been recalled?

Currently, this recall has been extended to include the following diets:

• All Iams Veterinary Dry Formulas (including Skin and Coat Response FP, Skin and Coat Response KO, Weight Control, Weight Loss, Intestinal Low Residue, Intestinal Low Residue Puppy, Joint and Renal formulas)
• Eukanuba Naturally Wild
• Eukanuba Pure
• Eukanuba Custom Care Sensitive Skin

The recall includes all dry sizes and varieties of these foods and all UPC Codes with "Best-By Dates" between July1, 2010 and December 1, 2011.

These diets are sold through veterinary offices and through specialty pet retailers throughout the United States and Canada.

The recall does not include any other Iams or Eukanuba dog or cat diets at this time. Iams or Eukanuba biscuits, treats and supplements are also not included in the recall currently.

Why have these pet foods been recalled?

According to Bev VanZant, customer relations representative for P&G Pet Care in North America, the diets are being recalled due to the risk of contamination with Salmonella. The recall was issued as a precautionary measure because the FDA and P&G determined that some of the products manufactured at a specific facility have the potential to be contaminated. Therefore, they are recalling all products made at this particular facility.

What should pet owners feeding these diets do now?

Pet owners should not continue to feed the recalled diets to their pets. The food should be discarded. Caution should be taken in handling the food as Salmonella can also be passed to people. Thoroughly washing your hands after handling the food or contacting surfaces exposed to the food is advised.