June 30, 2012
At PEDIGREE®, we care about all dogs and their safety and well-being is extremely important to us. For that reason, we have initiated a voluntary recall of a limited range of three varieties of PEDIGREE® weight management canned dog food products due to a potential choking risk. Cans of this product may contain small pieces of blue plastic, which broke off a conveyor belt during the production process. The issue has been resolved at our manufacturing facility by replacing a conveyor belt with a redesigned tracking mechanism.
At Mars Petcare, we take our responsibility to pets and their owners seriously. We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience caused by this recall. Please see detailed information on the affected products below. You can also reach us at 1-877-720-3335 from 8:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. CST if you have questions.
MARS PETCARE US ANNOUNCES VOLUNTARY RECALL OF LIMITED RANGE OF PEDIGREE® BRAND WET DOG FOOD
Franklin, Tennessee (June 30, 2012) – Today, Mars Petcare US announced a voluntary recall of a limited range of three varieties of PEDIGREE® weight management canned dog food products due to a potential choking risk.
Affected product may contain small pieces of blue plastic, which entered the food during the production process. The source of the plastic has been identified and the issue resolved. We encourage consumers who have purchased affected product to discard the food or return it to the retailer for a full refund or exchange. While a small number of consumers have reported finding the plastic pieces, we have not received any reports of injury or illness associated with the affected product. The lot codes indicated below should not be sold or consumed.
Affected product was distributed to retail customers throughout the United States. Mars Petcare US is working with all of our distributors and retail customers to ensure that the recalled products are no longer sold and are removed from inventory.
Recalled Pet Food Only cans of PEDIGREE® weight management canned dog food varieties with the production codes shown below are included in this voluntary recall. Each product will have a lot code printed on the end of the can that begins with 209, 210, 211 or 212 and a Best Before date that falls between 2/24/2014 and 3/23/2014.
No other PEDIGREE® products are affected, including any other variety of wet food, dry dog food, or dog treats.
At Mars Petcare US, we take our responsibility to pets and their owners seriously. We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience caused by this recall. Pet owners who have questions about the recall should call 1-877-720-3335 or visit www.pedigree.com/update.
FAQ
Q: What PEDIGREE® products are being recalled?
A: On June 30, 2012, Mars Petcare US recalled three varieties of PEDIGREE® Weight Management canned dog foods produced between February 27, 2012 and March 25, 2012 at our manufacturing facility in Columbus, Ohio. Below is a list of the recalled products:
Q: Why are these three varieties of PEDIGREE® products being recalled?
A: Mars Petcare US decided to recall of a limited range of three varieties of PEDIGREE® Weight Management canned dog food varieties due to blue plastic pieces potentially present in the food. These plastic pieces could pose a potential choking risk. The issue has been identified and corrected at our manufacturing facility and we are working closely with our retailers and distributors to ensure all affected products are removed from shelves.
Q: What are the dates of the recalled product and how do I determine if my product is affected?
A: Each product will have a lot code printed on the end of the can that begins with 209, 210, 211 or 212 and a Best Before date that falls between 2/24/2014 and 3/23/2014.
Q: How did plastic make it into finished product?
A: Our manufacturing facility uses conveyor belts to move product throughout the production process. A conveyor belt broke, and small pieces of the belt entered the food during the production process. We resolved the issue by replacing the conveyor with a redesigned drive mechanism.
Q: I think my pet ingested a blue plastic piece. What should I do?
A: If you believe your pet is ill, we recommend seeking veterinarian care for your pet.
Q: I have affected product. Who can I contact?
A: Consumers with questions about the recall are encouraged to call our consumer care team by dialing 1-877-720-3335 between the hours of 8:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. CST.
Q: I have affected product. Can I return the product to the store?
A: We encourage consumers who have purchased affected product to discard the food or return it to the retailer for a full refund or exchange. The affected lot codes indicated below should not be sold or consumed. Consumers with questions about the recall are encouraged to call our consumer care team by dialing 1-877-720-3335 between the hours of 8:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. CST.
Q: What actions are you taking to make sure this does not happen again?
A: We resolved the issue by replacing the conveyor belt with a redesigned tracking mechanism. An additional checkpoint has been added for the underside of the belt.
Q: Who manufacturers PEDIGREE® Products?
A: PEDIGREE® brand food for dogs is manufactured in U.S. facilities owned by Mars Petcare.
Q: Where can I get more information?
A: Consumers can find additional information about the voluntary recall by visiting www.pedigree.com/update. They can also contact our consumer care team by dialing 1-877-720-3335 between the hours of 8:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. CST.
Q: Are any other Mars Petcare products affected?
A: No other Mars Petcare US or PEDIGREE® products are being recalled, including any other variety of wet food, dry dog food, or dog treats.
Q: What alternative product should I feed my pet?
A: The affected products are lower in calories because they are focused on Weight Management. For those consumers looking for an alternative, they can try PEDIGREE® Tray loaf products. These products have a lower calorie level than typical loaf products. If your pet is accustomed to and enjoys PEDIGREE® Chunks in Gravy products, this product is also lower in calories than many typical canned foods.
Q: Did any of the recalled product make it to shelters that are part of your new feeding program?
A: We have confirmed that the three varieties of the weight management canned food that are part of this voluntary recall were never delivered to program shelters. And we are working directly with the organizations to ensure the dogs are getting great nutrition as they wait for a loving home.
http://www.pedigree.com/update/?utm_source=VNN+News+Alert+7-5-12&utm_campaign=July+7%2C+2012&utm_medium=email
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