Voluntary Recall of certain Iams Veterinary Formula due to a Possible Health Risk

Our hospital, Manhattan Cat Specialists checked the lot code and UPC code and we do NOT have either of these lots. So…any client of ours who did purchase Iams Renal Formula does not have to worry. 

IMPORTANT NOTICE -- PLEASE READ

July 25, 2010

To:  P&G Veterinary Clinics that have purchased Iams Veterinary Formula Feline Renal product during the past 8 weeks

Re:  Voluntary Recall due to a Possible Health Risk

The Procter & Gamble Company (P&G) (NYSE:PG), is voluntarily recalling two specific lots of its therapeutic renal dry cat food in North America as a precautionary measure, as it has the potential to be contaminated with salmonella.   No illnesses have been reported.  However, P&G Pet Care wanted to make sure veterinarians were aware of the situation as soon as possible. 

The health and welfare of pets and their owners is our top priority.  P&G Pet Care is working swiftly to minimize any potential health risk to pets and working closely with the FDA to resolve the issue.  

This product is available through veterinary clinics and is limited to those bags with the lot codes listed below.  Lot codes can be found on the lower right corner of the back of the bag.


Product Name
Iams Veterinary Formulas Feline Renal 5.5 lbs   

Lot Code
01384174B4

UPC Code
0 19014 21405 1

Product Name
Iams Veterinary Formulas Feline Renal 5.5 lbs

Lot Code
01384174B2

UPC Code
0 19014 21405 1

If you need additional information, please call our veterinary line at 800-535-8387.  Concerned pet owners may be directed to call P&G toll-free at 877-894-4458.

What to do if you have this product in your clinic/hospital:

Please hold the product until you receive more information from your Distributor or Iams Veterinary Account Manager, which will be coming shortly. If you have this product on display for your consumers, please remove it and hold it in a storage area. 

Consumers who have purchased dry cat food with these codes should discard it.  People handling dry pet food can become infected with Salmonella, especially if they have not thoroughly washed their hands after having contact with surfaces exposed to this product. In an effort to help keep both pets and family members healthy, the FDA provides safe pet food handling tips on their website. A list of these tips can be shared with your clients at: www.fda.gov/ForConsumers/ConsumerUpdates/ucm048182.htm

We apologize for any inconvenience this situation may cause you and want to assure you that P&G Pet Care is taking all the necessary steps to ensure our product quality meets your expectations. 

Below is some additional information which may help you communicate with your clients.

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

What is salmonella?

Salmonella is a bacteria.  Salmonella has the potential to affect the health of pets and humans, but the young, old, or ill may be more susceptible.

Where does salmonella come from?

Salmonella bacteria can be found naturally in the environment, and may be carried by certain animals and humans. 

Does P&G Pet Care test to make sure there is no salmonella in their products?

Yes.  All of the veterinary diets are tested for salmonella before they leave the manufacturing plant. 

Have there been reports of illness?

No.  They have had no reports of illness from these products.

Which products are involved?

Only the 2 lots of Iams Veterinary Formula Feline Renal dry cat food with code dates of 01384174B4 and 01384174B2 are covered by this recall.

How did P&G Pet Care find out about this issue?

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) notified P&G Pet Care of a positive test result on samples from two lots of Iams Veterinary Formulas Feline Renal diet.  We are cooperating fully with the FDA and recalling the product as a precautionary measure.

What are the symptoms of a salmonella infection?

Cats with a salmonella infection may experience decreased appetite, fever, abdominal pain and appear sluggish. More aggressive symptoms may include vomiting, bloody diarrhea and dehydration.

In people, symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramping and fever. Rarely, Salmonella can result in more serious ailments including arterial infections, endocarditis, arthritis, muscle pain, eye irritation and urinary tract symptoms. Consumers exhibiting these signs after having contact with this product should contact their healthcare providers.

Should I take my cat to the veterinarian even if he doesn’t have the symptoms? 

If your cat is acting normally, it is unlikely that it has a salmonella infection.  If your cat displays any of the symptoms listed above, consult your veterinarian. 

Will you pay my veterinary expenses or medical bills?

P&G Pet Care will work with pet owners and their doctors or veterinarians to investigate cases of possible illness due to salmonella.  Consumers can call 1-877-340-8826 for more information.

What should I feed instead of this product?

Only 2 lot codes of this product are involved in the recall.  All canned Iams Veterinary Formula Feline Renal product and other lots of IVF Feline Renal dry cat food are not being recalled and can be fed with confidence.