The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) published a notice on February 16th, indicating that low levels of pentobarbital were found in specific shipments of the JM Smucker Company's Dog Food. Although the levels are unlikely to cause immediate health concerns, those that have such products are encouraged to contact their veterinarian as soon as possible, and report any concerns or illnesses resulting from this matter to the FDA.
The Foods include Gravy Train, Kibbles ‘N Bits, Ol’ Roy, and Skippy Canned Wet Dog Food.
According to the FDA, "Pentobarbital is a barbiturate drug that is most commonly used in animals as a sedative, anesthetic, or for euthanasia."
The FDA followed up by stating that their preliminary test results of Gravy Train samples indicate that the levels of pentobarbital present in the products is unlikely to pose a health risk to pets. However, the drug should not be in pet food at any level, it is in violation of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, and an investigation regarding the potential source is underway.
A notice published by JM Smucker Company, lists the following impacted products:
Gravy Train with T-Bone Flavor Chunks, 13.2-ounce can, UPC 910052541
Gravy Train with Beef Strips, 13.2-ounce can, UPC 791052542
Gravy Train with Lamb & Rice Chunks, 13.2-ounce can, UPC 7910052543
Gravy Train with Chicken Chunks, 13.2-ounce can, UPC 7910034418
Gravy Train with Beef Chunks, 13.2-ounce can, UPC 7910034417
Gravy Train with Chicken Chunks, 22-ounce can, UPC 7910051645
Gravy Train with Beef Chunks, 22-ounce can, UPC 7910051647
Gravy Train Chunks in Gravy with Beef Chunks, 13.2-ounce can, UPC 7910034417
Kibbles ‘N Bits 12-can Variety Pack – Chef’s Choice American Grill Burger Dinner with Real Bacon & Cheese Bits in Gravy, Chef’s Choice Bistro Tender Cuts with Real Turkey Bacon & Vegetables in Gravy, 12 pack of 13.2-ounce cans, UPC 7910010377, 7910010378
Kibbles ‘N Bits 12-Can Variety Pack – Chef’s Choice Bistro Hearty Cuts with Real Beef, Chicken & Vegetables in Gravy, Chef’s Choice Homestyle Meatballs & Pasta Dinner with Real Beef in Tomato Sauce, 12 pack of 13.2-ounce cans, UPC 7910010382, 7910048367, 7910010378
Kibbles ‘N Bits 12-Can Variety Pack – Chef’s Choice Homestyle Tender Slices with Real Beef, Chicken & Vegetables in Gravy, Chef’s Choice American Grill Burger Dinner with Real Bacon & Cheese Bits in Gravy, Chef’s Choice Bistro Tender Cuts with Real Beef & Vegetables in Gravy, 12 pack of 13.2-ounce cans, UPC 7910010380, 7910010377, 7910010375
Kibbles ‘N Bits Chef’s Choice Bistro Tender Cuts with Real Beef & Vegetables in Gravy, 13.2-ounce can, UPC 7910010375
Kibbles ‘N Bits Chef’s Choice Bistro Tender Cuts with Real Turkey, Bacon & Vegetables in Gravy, 13.2-ounce can, UPC 7910010378
Kibbles ‘N Bits Chef’s Choice Homestyle Tender Slices with Real Beef, Chicken & Vegetables in Gravy, 13.2-ounce can, UPC 7910010380
Ol’ Roy Strips Turkey Bacon, 13.2-ounce can, UPC 8113117570
Skippy Premium Chunks in Gravy Chunky Stew, 13.2-ounce can, UPC 79100502469
Skippy Premium Chunks in Gravy with Beef, 13.2-ounce can, UPC 7910050250
Skippy Premium Strips in Gravy with Beef, 13.2-ounce can, UPC 7910050245
The statement from the FDA also indicates that they have become aware of reports of other products also subject to the recall and they have requested clarification from JM Smucker Company regarding the status of those products.
In the meantime, the JM Sucker Company has initiated a recall of all the products listed above, and the FDA is monitoring reports of any pet illnesses associated with this issue.
My Dog Ate That Food - What Do I Do?
1. Call your veterinarian as soon as possible.
2. Report pet illnesses or your complaints regarding this matter to the FDA through their Safety Reporting Portal or by calling their local FDA Consumer Complaint Coordinators.
3. Report your concerns, and make a refund or replacement product request to JM Smucker Company at 800-828-9980 (Monday through Friday 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM EST), or via email at http://www.bigheartpet.com/Contact/ContactUs.aspx.
