P&G Recalls Specific Canned Cat Foods Due to Low Levels of Thiamine (Vitamin B1)
CINCINNATI, June 9, 2010 - The Procter & Gamble Company (P&G) (NYSE:PG) is voluntarily recalling specific lots of its Iams canned cat food in North America as a precautionary measure. Diagnostic testing indicated that the product may contain insufficient levels of thiamine (Vitamin B1), which is essential for cats. Cats that were fed these canned products as their only food are at greater risk for developing signs of thiamine deficiency.
The following Iams canned cat foods are included:
Product Name: Iams ProActive Health canned Cat and Kitten Food - all varieties of 3 oz & 5.5 oz cans
Date on Bottom of Can: 09/2011 to 06/2012
This recall is limited to only Iams canned cat food distributed in North America. No other Iams pet food is involved.
Early signs of thiamine deficiency may include loss of appetite, salivation, vomiting and weight loss. In advanced cases, signs may include ventroflexion (downward curving) of the neck, wobbly gait, falling, circling and seizures. Contact your veterinarian immediately if your cat is displaying any of these signs. If treated promptly, thiamine deficiency is typically reversible.
Consumers who have purchased canned cat food with these codes should discard it. For further information or a product refund call P&G toll-free at 877-340-8826 (Monday - Friday, 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM EST).
Media Contact: Jason Taylor 513-622-3205
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That's NINE MONTHS' output of product. Shame on P&G for not detecting this MUCH sooner.
On the up side, if your cat is eating primarily a high quality kibble food, and you rotate brands/flavors/styles of canned food, a deficiency leading to illness is unlikely.
Like the press release says, if you have been feeding a significant amount of the food listed and your cat has any of the listed symptoms, be sure to get it looked at sooner rather than later.
