Nestlé Purina voluntarily recalls single lot of therapeutic canned cat food

Nestlé Purina PetCare is voluntarily recalling one specific lot of its Purina Veterinary Diets® OM Overweight Management canned cat food, available through veterinarians in the U.S. and Canada. This precautionary measure is being taken in response to one consumer complaint received by FDA. Analytical testing of the product sample by FDA indicated a low level of thiamine (Vitamin B1). Purina has received no other complaints of thiamine-related or any other health issues related to this product.

Only cans with a “Best By” date of June 2013 and production code of 11721159 are included in the recall (the “Best By” Date and Production Code are found on the bottom of the can).

The product was distributed to veterinary clinics between June 2011 and May 2012 throughout the U.S. and Canada and not sold in retail stores. No additional Purina cat or dog products are involved in this voluntary recall.

Cats fed this affected lot exclusively for several weeks may be at risk for developing a thiamine deficiency, as thiamine 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, neurological signs can develop, which may include ventriflexion (bending toward the floor) of the neck, wobbly walking, 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 Purina Veterinary Diets® OM canned cat food cans with these specific “Best By” Date and Production Codes should discontinue feeding the product, and discard it.

For further information or to obtain a product refund, please contact Nestlé Purina as follows:

U.S. Consumers & Veterinarians:

Call toll-free 1-800-982-8837 Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Central Time, or visit www.purinaveterinarydiets.com.

Canadian Consumers & Veterinarians:

Call toll-free 1-866-884-8387 Monday – Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Eastern Time, or visit www.purina.ca.