Over the weekend the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced more detailed information on Diamond Pet Food’s September recall of Premium Edge Finicky Adult Cat and Premium Edge Hairball.
The company recalled the products in September because they have the potential to cause thiamine deficiency.
According to the FDA, thiamine is essential for feline health. Cats with thiamine deficiency can develop gastrointestinal and/or neurological problems.
Early symptoms of thiamine deficiency include loss of appetite, salivation, vomiting, and weight loss. Later stage symptoms include ventriflexion of the neck, difficulty walking, falling, and seizures.
Untreated, thiamine deficiency can result in death.
The recalled products were distributed to over a dozen states, including: Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, New Jersey, Maryland, Delaware, New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Alabama, Tennessee, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia and Florida.
Diamond is aware of 21 cases of thiamine deficiency connected to their products–so far they have only received reports from New York and Pennsylvania.
The company found that thiamine was lacking in their products during testing. Subsequent testing by the FDA showed there was insufficient thiamine in cat food in additional lots, beyond what the company listed in the recall.
See affected date codes here. If your cat has consumed any of these products and is experiencing any of the above symptoms, seek veterinary attention. The recalled pet food can be returned to the retail outlet for a refund, consumers may also contact Diamond directly at 1-800-977-8797.