Mars Petcare US has initiated a voluntary recall of two specific lots of PEDIGREE High Protein Chopped Chicken & Duck Flavor canned dog food after discovering the products were fraudulently diverted into the United States marketplace. According to an alert from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the affected 13.2-ounce cans had been earmarked for destruction through a third-party vendor but were instead distributed to retail shelves. The recall specifically concerns lot codes 613C3KKCFC and 613C1KKCFC.
Company officials warned that the recalled cans did not meet the brand’s stringent safety and quality standards and may contain foreign materials, specifically sharp metal and plastic. The FDA cautioned that these foreign objects pose severe health hazards to dogs, including potential choking, internal lacerations, and blockages within the gastrointestinal tract. Mars Petcare US reported that it is actively collaborating with regulatory authorities to investigate how the products were diverted and introduced into the supply chain.
In its official statement, the manufacturer emphasized its commitment to pet safety and is actively assisting consumers in identifying and removing the compromised products from circulation. Pet owners who have purchased the recalled dog food are urged to immediately stop using it and to monitor their pets for any unusual symptoms. Consumers with concerns regarding their dogs’ health after consuming the product are advised to contact a veterinarian, though no illnesses or injuries have been reported to date.
This incident follows previous quality control challenges for the brand, including a May 2024 recall of over 300 bags of PEDIGREE Adult Complete Nutrition Grilled Steak & Vegetable Flavor dry dog food due to potential loose metal contamination. Additionally, a similar recall occurred two years ago involving a product flavor distributed by Walmart under similar safety concerns. These recurring events highlight the ongoing regulatory and logistical challenges faced by major pet food manufacturers in securing supply chains and maintaining product integrity.
