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Cat Food Recalled for Lack of Thiamine

By Dan Flynn and Suzanna Schreck

A pet food company has recalled certain lots of canned cat food after laboratory testing indicated the food might have insufficient levels of thiamine.
WellPet LLC announced that it had voluntarily recalled all flavors and sizes of Wellness Canned Cat Food, with best by dates from 14APR 13 through 30SEP13, and all sizes of Wellness Canned Cat Food Chicken & Herring (all sizes) with 10NOV13 or 17NOV13 best buy dates.
WellPet said it discovered the lower thiamine levels during independent testing, conducted with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), in response to a consumer complaint received by the FDA.  Although WellPet said it has received no other reports concerning thiamine in its products, it has taken additional steps with the manufacturer to ensure that the problem does not happen again.
In a news release issued Tuesday by the FDA, the company said cats fed only the affected lots for several weeks might be at risk for developing a thiamine deficiency. Thiamine (also known as vitamin B1) is essential for cats.
Symptoms of deficiency displayed by an affected cat can be gastrointestinal or neurological in nature. Early signs of thiamine deficiency may include decreased appetite, salivation, vomiting, and weight loss. In advanced cases, neurologic signs can develop, which may include ventriflexion (bending toward the floor) of the neck, wobbly walking, circling, falling, and seizures. If treated properly, a thiamine defiency is typically reversible, WellPet said.
The company urged customers whose cats consumed the recalled lots and demonstrate such symptoms to contact a veterinarian.
Consumers who still have cans of cat food from these lots should stop feeding them to their cats. Consumers with further questions can visit the company's website at www.wellnesspetfood.com or call WellPet at 877-227-9587 Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. - 7 p.m. Eastern Time.

 

Full post as published by Food Safety News on March 02, 2011 (boomark / email).