Cat treats recalled because of 'possible contamination' by propylene glycol
flickr photo by sub_lime79
According to the Food and Drug Administration, a voluntary recall was made by Arthur Dogswell LLC after testing revealed the presence of propylene glycol in the VitaKitty Chicken Breast Treats with Flaxseed and Vitamins.
Chicken jerky treats for dogs have been included in previous recalls by other companies, and concern over that is rising.
If a cat consumes propylene glycol, the chemical could reduce red blood cell survival time, or anemic, and make the cells more prone to oxidative damage.
The treats included in the recall were available in retail stores and via mail order from April 13 through June 14, 2012, as a resealable two-ounce orange plastic bag with a clear window.
Please note the following 'best by' dates and UPC/lot codes:
- SEW12CH032701/03c September 10, 2013 - (UPC code 8 84244 00057 2)
- SEW12CH032702/03c September 11, 2013 - (UPC code 8 84244 00057 2)
Those who have purchased this product may return it for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact the company at 1-888-559-8833.
You can count on AnnArbor.com to offer up-to-date information on pet product related recalls. Search our archives of previous recalls here.
Lorrie Shaw leads the pets section for AnnArbor.com and is owner of Professional Pet Sitting. Shoot her an email, contact her at 734-904-7279 or follow her adventures on Twitter.
Comments
Pete
Thu, Aug 9, 2012 : 1:34 p.m.
Propylene Glycol is frequently used as a softener in foods intended for humans. The references to 'antifreeze' are true - it is the 'safe' antifreeze which replaces the poisonous ethylene glycol (mostly to protect children and pets, who may be attracted to the slightly sweet taste of both compounds*). It is also the 'juice' that carries the nicotine in most e-cigarettes. Check the Wikipedia article for more info. * It does have a species-specific reaction for cats, and should be kept out of cat foods, hence this recall.
Hmm
Thu, Aug 9, 2012 : 11:39 a.m.
Aww
Technojunkie
Wed, Aug 8, 2012 : 8:30 p.m.
Gee, they put propylene glycol in human food-like products all the time. Maybe that's bad? Seems more appropriate for antifreeze than digestion.
GP
Thu, Aug 9, 2012 : 4:42 p.m.
Its also an active ingredient in laxatives.
RunsWithScissors
Thu, Aug 9, 2012 : 12:18 p.m.
Propylene glycol is "generally regarded as safe" (GRAS) for human consumption by the U.S. Food & Drug Admin. It's not be to confused with ethylene glycol which is highly toxic. Propylene glycol is also an approved food additive for dog food. It is prohibited as an additive in cat food because of a species-specific toxicity. This is not unusual. There are many things approved for dogs or human that are highly toxic to cats (aspirin, ibuprofen, flea & tick repellant for dogs, etc.).