In a recent announcement, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a recall on bags of a popular pet food product, citing potential contamination with loose metal pieces. The affected product, "Pedigree Adult Complete Nutrition Grilled Steak & Vegetable Flavor Dry Dog Food," was manufactured by Mars Petcare US.

According to Mars Petcare US, a total of 315 bags of the 44-pound size product have been affected by the recall. The impacted bags have a best-by date of March 4, 2025, and a specific lot code of 410B2TXT02. The lot code can be located on the back of the packaging near the bottom, alongside the barcode.

These recalled pet food bags were exclusively sold at Walmart stores in four southern U.S. states: Arkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, and Texas. The FDA notice did not provide specific details on how the metal pieces ended up in the dog food bags, or whether the discovery was made by a consumer or through the company's quality control process.

Fortunately, no reports of injury or illness to pets have been received by the company regarding the contaminated product. However, Mars Petcare US advises pet owners to monitor their pets for any unusual behavior if they suspect that their pet may have consumed the affected product. In such cases, it is recommended to contact a veterinarian.

Mars Petcare US has assured consumers that no other products are affected by this contamination and they are actively collaborating with Walmart to cease the sale of the impacted products and remove them from inventory.

For any concerns or inquiries, customers are urged to contact Mars Petcare US through their consumer helpline at 1-800-525-5273 or visit their official website.

The FDA issues food recalls when defects or contamination in a food, supplement, or medicine product are detected or reported. While most recalls involve undeclared allergens or contamination with bacteria such as E. coli or salmonella, recalls due to foreign objects like metal or plastic are less common.

In a similar incident reported in late April, the FDA highlighted the discovery of metal shards in bulk-buy Creamy Creations ice cream cups produced by H-E-B, which were distributed to various stores across Texas. However, no injuries were reported in relation to that specific recall.

As authorities and companies strive to ensure the safety of consumer products, it is crucial for pet owners to stay informed about these recalls and take necessary precautions to protect their beloved pets.