Mars Petcare US, Inc. has issued a voluntary recall for two lots of Pedigree High Protein Chopped Chicken & Duck Flavor wet dog food after the products, which were intended for destruction, were mistakenly sold in the United States.
According to the company and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, the affected 13.2-ounce cans may contain sharp pieces of metal and plastic that could pose a health risk to dogs if consumed.
The recall applies only to Pedigree Can High Protein Chopped Chicken & Duck Flavor, 13.2-ounce cans, with lot codes 613C3KKCFC and 613C1KKCFC. No other Pedigree or Mars Petcare products are included in the recall.
Mars said the recalled products failed the company’s quality control standards and had been sent to a third-party vendor for destruction.
The company later discovered the products had instead been diverted and entered the retail marketplace. Mars said it is working with authorities to determine how the recalled products were sold.
Dogs that consume the affected food could face health risks including choking, cuts to the mouth or digestive tract, or intestinal blockages caused by the foreign material.
Pet owners whose dogs have eaten the recalled food and are showing signs of illness should contact their veterinarian.
As of July 2, Mars said it had not received any reports of pets becoming ill or injured in connection with the recall.
Consumers who purchased the affected products should not feed them to their pets and should instead contact Pedigree Consumer Care for a replacement product or additional assistance at 1-800-525-5273.
