Ainsworth Pet Nutrition in Meadville, PA is voluntarily recalling 5 varieties of Rachel Ray Nutrish canned cat food due to potentially high levels of Vitamin D in the food. The recalled flavors are Ocean Fish-a-licious, Lip Smackin’ Sardine & Mackerel, Ocean Fish & Chicken Catch-iatore, Tuna Purrfection, and certain lot codes of Paw Lickin’ Chicken & Liver.
From the FDA’s Recalls, Market Withdrawals, & Safety Alerts page:
Two variety packs that contain some of these recalled products (the Chicken Lovers Variety Pack, and the Ocean Lovers Variety Pack) will also be recalled. The recalled products are distributed nationwide. No other Rachael Ray™ Nutrish® products are affected by this recall.
| Single Pack | Unit UPC Code | Best By Dates Thru |
|---|---|---|
| PAW LICKIN CHICKEN AND LIVER (2.8 oz) | 071190007032 | AUG 17 2015 |
| OCEAN FISH AND CHICKEN CATCH-IATORIE (2.8 oz) | 071190007049 | DEC 1 2016 |
| OCEAN FISH A LICIOUS (2.8 oz) | 071190007056 | DEC 1 2016 |
| TUNA PURRFECTION (2.8 oz) | 071190007063 | DEC 1 2016 |
| LIP SMACKIN SARDINE AND MACKEREL (2.8 oz) | 071190007070 | DEC 1 2016 |
| Multi Packs – 12 Count | Unit UPC Code | Best By Dates Thru | |
|---|---|---|---|
| CHICKEN LOVERS VARIETY PACK (12 count pack of 2.8 oz cups) | 071190007773 | DEC 1 2016 | |
| OCEAN LOVERS VARIETY PACK (12 count pack of 2.8 oz cups) | 071190007780 | DEC 1 2016 |
The UPC code can be found on the bottom of the cup. The Best By code can be found on the side of the cup.
To date, there have been 11 reports of illness associated with these products.
After conducting a number of product tests, Ainsworth confirmed that the affected products have elevated levels of vitamin D. The high levels result from the natural levels of vitamin D that are found in some of the fish ingredients that were used in these specific formulas.
“At Ainsworth Pet Nutrition and Rachael Ray™ Nutrish®, the safety and quality of our products is our top priority,” says Jeff Watters, CEO. “For the time being, we recommend disposing of any of the affected wet cat varieties. Rest assured we have implemented additional operating procedures to prevent an issue like this from occurring in the future. We sincerely apologize to our loyal consumers everywhere.”
Ainsworth is working to ensure the removal of all affected products from store shelves. Retailers with affected products are asked to contact 888-943-4218 for additional information.
Consumers with questions about the recall are encouraged to contact Ainsworth’s Consumer Care Team at 877-650-3486 or visit www.nutrishforpets.com/news.
Representatives will be available from 8:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. ET Monday thru Friday and 8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. ET Saturday and Sunday.
Vitamin D is important in regulating calcium and phosphorus in a cat’s body. But, when ingested at very high levels, it can lead to serious health issues.
Production of the affected varieties has been suspended and will resume after reformulation.
