Published by: Ingrid King. Last Updated on: August 25, 2023 by Crystal Uys
Note: This article covers a recall that occurred in 2017. For up-to-date information on current pet food recalls, please visit the FDA’s recall website.
In 2017, the J.M. Smucker Company expanded its voluntary recall on certain lots of 9Lives™, EverPet™, and Special Kitty™ canned cat food due to possible low levels of thiamine (Vitamin B1). The issue was discovered by the Quality Assurance team during a review of production records at the manufacturing facility. No illnesses related to this issue have been reported to date. The recall was first announced on January 3.
Cats fed diets low in thiamine for several weeks may be at risk for developing a thiamine deficiency. Thiamine is essential for cats. Symptoms of deficiency displayed by an affected cat can be gastrointestinal or neurological in nature. Early signs of thiamine deficiency may include decreased appetite, salivation, vomiting, and weight loss. In advanced cases, neurological signs can develop, which include ventroflexion (bending towards the floor) of the neck, wobbly walking, circling, falling, and seizures. Contact your veterinarian immediately if your cat is displaying any of these symptoms. If treated promptly, thiamine deficiency is typically reversible.
The affected product was distributed to a limited number of retail customers from December 20 through January 3, 2017.
If you feed these brands, please check the list of affected products carefully.
The full list is available on the FDA website.
Consumers who have cans of cat food from the impacted lots should stop feeding it to their cats and call J.M. Smucker at 1-800-828-9980 Monday through Friday 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM EST or contact them at [email protected].
About the author
Ingrid King is an award-winning author, former veterinary hospital manager, and veterinary journalist who is passionate about cats.
I would like to know what they are going to do about replenishing the stocks of Special Kitty Mixed Grill 13 oz cans. The lots and UPC numbers of the ones I had were not involved but Walmart more than likely didn’t check the numbers but totally took all of the cases off the shelves. We live in a very limited area to purchase other brands of cat food, we have no pet stores in this general area.
You may want to see if you can order online, Valerie.
Thanks Ingrid.