Mars Petcare US has issued a voluntary recall for two specific lots of Pedigree High Protein Chopped Chicken & Duck Flavor dog food due to the potential presence of sharp metal and plastic fragments. The affected products, identified by lot codes 613C3KKCFC and 613C1KKCFC, were originally sent to a third-party vendor for destruction after failing to meet Mars and Pedigree’s safety and quality standards.
However, Mars discovered that these lots were fraudulently diverted and subsequently sold into the U.S. marketplace. The company warns that ingesting these foreign materials could pose a significant hazard to dogs, potentially leading to choking, lacerations, or blockages in the gastrointestinal tract.
While no illnesses or injuries have been reported to date, consumers who purchased the affected dog food are strongly advised not to feed it to their pets. They should contact Pedigree for a replacement product. Pet owners who are concerned their dog may have ingested the recalled food are urged to consult with a veterinarian.
Mars Petcare is collaborating with authorities to investigate how these products entered the marketplace and has reiterated its commitment to protecting pets and assisting consumers in removing the affected items from use.