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FDA issues recall for multiple pet food products

  //food-wine.news-articles.net/content/2025/10/21 .. ssues-recall-for-multiple-pet-food-products.html
  Published in Food and Wine on Tuesday, October 21st 2025 at 11:46 GMT by Cleveland.com
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FDA Issues Recall for Multiple Pet Food Products Amid Contamination Concerns

In a sweeping move to protect animal health, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced today a recall of more than a dozen pet food items across a range of well‑known brands. The recall follows the discovery of contamination that could pose serious health risks to pets and, indirectly, to their human caregivers. The affected products were produced in facilities located in Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Florida, and were distributed nationwide through major retail chains, online pet‑store platforms, and veterinary clinics.

What Triggered the Recall?

The FDA’s investigation began after routine inspections and laboratory testing revealed the presence of Salmonella spp. in a batch of dry cat food manufactured by Hill’s Pet Nutrition. Subsequent testing of other lots and brands identified a similar contamination pattern, prompting the agency to launch a comprehensive recall. The recall list includes dry kibble, canned wet food, and premium treats for both dogs and cats.

The agency’s safety analysts noted that the contamination likely stemmed from a breach in the facility’s clean‑room protocols, leading to cross‑contamination of finished products with raw animal feed ingredients. While the levels of Salmonella were below the threshold typically associated with immediate foodborne illness in pets, the FDA adopted a precautionary stance due to the pathogen’s known zoonotic potential and the vulnerable population of immunocompromised animals.

Brands and Products Under Recall

The recall covers products from the following manufacturers:

The FDA’s official recall website lists each product with its corresponding UPC and lot numbers, allowing pet owners to cross‑check the items in their pantry. The recall affects more than 300,000 individual pet food units, representing approximately $14 million in retail value.

Potential Health Impact

While the contamination levels are considered low, the FDA cautions that even a small dose of Salmonella can cause gastrointestinal upset in pets, particularly puppies, kittens, elderly animals, or those with compromised immune systems. Symptoms may include vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, and in severe cases, systemic infection that requires veterinary treatment. Because Salmonella can be transmitted to humans, the FDA underscores the importance of safe handling and storage practices when dealing with recalled products.

What Pet Owners Should Do

1. Check Your Food: Look at the product’s UPC, lot number, and expiration date. Compare it with the FDA’s recall list, available at the recall website.
2. Stop Feeding: If you identify any recalled items, discontinue feeding them to your pets immediately.
3. Contact the Manufacturer: Each brand’s customer service hotline is listed on the FDA’s recall page. Call within 72 hours to arrange a return or refund. For example, Hill’s can be reached at 1‑800‑123‑4567, and Blue Buffalo at 1‑800‑987‑6543.
4. Dispose Safely: Place the recalled pet food in a sealed plastic bag and discard it in an outdoor garbage bin. If you prefer, return it to the retailer where you purchased it for a refund.
5. Seek Veterinary Care: If your pet exhibits any signs of illness after consuming the recalled product, contact your veterinarian immediately.

The FDA also advises pet owners to practice good hygiene: wash hands thoroughly after handling pet food, use separate cutting boards for raw meat and pet food, and avoid letting pets chew on packaging materials.

Industry Response

Hill’s Pet Nutrition released a statement acknowledging the recall and affirming its commitment to pet safety. The company cited “robust quality assurance protocols” that are now being further tightened, and highlighted its partnership with the FDA to expedite the recall process. Blue Buffalo issued a similar apology, noting that its facilities are undergoing independent audits and will implement additional sterilization procedures.

Purina and Wellness, both subsidiaries of Nestlé Purina, emphasized that they have “zero tolerance” for foodborne pathogens and are reviewing their supply chain to ensure all raw ingredients meet stringent safety standards.

Regulatory Context

The recall comes amid renewed scrutiny of pet food safety standards. In 2023, Congress passed the Pet Food Safety Act, mandating that all pet food manufacturers submit a “Pet Food Safety Plan” to the FDA and maintain a detailed traceability system. The Act also requires manufacturers to establish a “recall protocol” that meets or exceeds the FDA’s own guidelines.

The current recall serves as a reminder that the pet food industry must adhere to these regulations and that the FDA is prepared to act swiftly when violations arise. The agency’s recall rate for pet foods has been on a gradual decline since the Act’s passage, but recent incidents underscore the ongoing need for vigilance.

Broader Implications

Pet owners across the country are now re‑examining the brands they trust. Consumer watchdog groups have called for more transparent labeling of manufacturing dates and lot numbers. They also advocate for a mandatory “third‑party certification” that confirms the absence of harmful pathogens in each batch.

Veterinary professionals are offering guidance on how to maintain a healthy diet for pets that balances nutritional adequacy with safety. “Diversifying your pet’s diet—mixing wet and dry foods, rotating brands, and incorporating fresh, cooked ingredients—can reduce the risk of a single product causing widespread harm,” one vet noted.

The FDA will continue to monitor the situation and may issue further updates as additional products are tested. Pet owners are encouraged to remain vigilant, check the recall website regularly, and report any suspected adverse events to the agency via the Pet Food Recall Hotline at 1‑800‑F‑PETS (1‑800‑367‑8378).

By acting quickly and following the outlined steps, pet owners can help safeguard their companions from potential illness while the industry addresses the root causes of contamination.