Pet Food Recall: Purina Pulls Dog Food Over Mislabeling Issue

Nestlé Purina PetCare Company is voluntarily recalling a specific prescription dog food product due to mislabeling.

The recall affects certain Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets EN Gastroenteric Low Fat (PPVD EN Low Fat) prescription wet dog foods, according to the announcement on the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) website. The problem is that they may instead contain a different type of dog food—the Purina ONE True Instinct Tender Cuts In Gravy With Real Turkey & Venison wet dog food.

"For a brief period on September 15, 2022, cans of a different complete and balanced adult dog food, Purina ONE True Instinct Tender Cuts In Gravy With Real Turkey & Venison wet dog food, were labeled as PPVD EN Low Fat in one of our factories," the announcement noted.

The company learned of the problem after customers noticed the difference in the texture of the mislabeled products. Originally, the correct PPVD EN Low Fats contained food with a pate-like consistency, but the mislabeled ones had products that had "chunks in gravy."

Although the company clarified that the mislabeled items were "safe," they aren't meant for the dogs that were prescribed with PPVD EN Low Fat as they may "have sensitivities to traditional diets or difficulty digesting fat."

"While we have not received any reports to date of illness or injury to dogs fed this mislabeled product, we are conducting this voluntary recall as a precaution," the company said. "No other Purina products are impacted by this voluntary recall."

As mentioned, the recall affects the Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets EN Gastroenteric Low Fat that came in 13.4-oz cans. These were only available by prescription and distributed via veterinary clinics and stores that can validate prescriptions.

The ones recalled have the UPC 38100 17599, the production code 22581159 L4TR6, and a Best Before date of "Sept 2024." This information can be found at the bottom of the can.

A photo of the products, including how to differentiate the right ones from the wrong ones, are available on both the FDA and company websites. Customers may also check their products here.

Those who find that they have a recalled product are being advised to discard it, and the company will "replace it as quickly as possible." Those with questions about the recall may contact the company at 1-800-579-7733.

"We apologize to pet owners for any concerns or inconvenience this situation has caused," the company said, noting the importance of pets' health and well-being. "At Purina, pets always come first."