FDA: Possible euthanasia drug in dog food brands
The J.M. Smucker Co. is withdrawing some canned dog food products manufactured by the company due to the potential of contamination by a drug used in animals for euthanasia.
Pet food products distributed nationwide by the company include Gravy Train, Kibbles ’N Bits, Ol’ Roy and Skippy brands because of possible contamination with pentobarbital. Pentobarbital is a barbiturate drug used in animals as a sedative, anesthetic or for euthanasia.
The recall refers to lots of canned food that were manufactured from 2016 to present, the Food and Drug Administration said on its website.
The recall was announced Feb. 15. The FDA said it has “become aware of reports of other products also subject to withdrawal” and has asked Smucker to clarify the status of the other products.
The FDA said preliminary testing of Gravy Train samples that found low levels of the drug “is unlikely to pose a health risk to pets.”
“However, pentobarbital should never be present in pet food, and products containing any amount of pentobarbital are considered to be adulterated.”
Pets that eat food containing pentobarbital can experience drowsiness, dizziness, excitement, loss of balance, nausea, eye movement in a jerky, back-and-forth manner and the inability to stand, the FDA said in its announcement. The FDA said it is monitoring for reports of pet illnesses. Consumers can report complaints electronically through the FDA’s Safety Reporting Portal or by calling local FDA Consumers Complaint Coordinators. In Michigan, call (313) 393-8189.
The list of products recalled are:
The list of withdrawn products the firm provided to the FDA include:
■Gravy Train with T-Bone Flavor Chunks, 13.2-ounce can, UPC 7910052541
■Gravy Train with Beef Strips, 13.2-ounce can, UPC 791052542
■Gravy Train with Lamb & Rice Chunks, 13.2-ounce can, UPC 7910052543
■Gravy Train with Chicken Chunks, 13.2-ounce can, UPC 7910034418
■Gravy Train with Beef Chunks, 13.2-ounce can, UPC 7910034417
■Gravy Train with Chicken Chunks, 22-ounce can, UPC 7910051645
■Gravy Train with Beef Chunks, 22-ounce can, UPC 7910051647
■Gravy Train Chunks in Gravy with Beef Chunks, 13.2-ounce can, UPC 7910034417
■Kibbles ‘N Bits 12-can Variety Pack – Chef’s Choice American Grill Burger Dinner with Real Bacon & Cheese Bits in Gravy, Chef’s Choice Bistro Tender Cuts with Real Turkey Bacon & Vegetables in Gravy, 12 pack of 13.2-ounce cans, UPC 7910010377, 7910010378
■Kibbles ‘N Bits 12-Can Variety Pack – Chef’s Choice Bistro Hearty Cuts with Real Beef, Chicken & Vegetables in Gravy, Chef’s Choice Homestyle Meatballs & Pasta Dinner with Real Beef in Tomato Sauce, 12 pack of 13.2-ounce cans, UPC 7910010382, 7910048367, 7910010378
■Kibbles ‘N Bits 12-Can Variety Pack – Chef’s Choice Homestyle Tender Slices with Real Beef, Chicken & Vegetables in Gravy, Chef’s Choice American Grill Burger Dinner with Real Bacon & Cheese Bits in Gravy, Chef’s Choice Bistro Tender Cuts with Real Beef & Vegetables in Gravy, 12 pack of 13.2-ounce cans, UPC 7910010380, 7910010377, 7910010375
■Kibbles ‘N Bits Chef’s Choice Bistro Tender Cuts with Real Beef & Vegetables in Gravy, 13.2-ounce can, UPC 7910010375
■Kibbles ‘N Bits Chef’s Choice Bistro Tender Cuts with Real Turkey, Bacon & Vegetables in Gravy, 13.2-ounce can, UPC 7910010378
■Kibbles ‘N Bits Chef’s Choice Homestyle Tender Slices with Real Beef, Chicken & Vegetables in Gravy, 13.2-ounce can, UPC 7910010380
■Ol’ Roy Strips Turkey Bacon, 13.2-ounce can, UPC 8113117570
■Skippy Premium Chunks in Gravy Chunky Stew, 13.2-ounce can, UPC 79100502469
■Skippy Premium Chunks in Gravy with Beef, 13.2-ounce can, UPC 7910050250
■Skippy Premium Strips in Gravy with Beef, 13.2-ounce can, UPC 7910050245