Rachael Ray Nutrish wet cat food is being recalled for excessive vitamin D levels and the potential to cause serious health problems in cats that ingest the affected varieties.
While it may not sound harmful, elevated vitamin D levels can make cats sick and there have already been 11 reports of illness in cats who consumed the food.
The symptoms typically develop within 12-36 hours of consuming the suspect food and can include diarrhea, vomiting, increased thirst and urination, as well as muscle tremors or seizures.
Pet owners are advised to take their cat to a veterinarian immediately if any cat is exhibiting these symptoms.
Ainsworth Pet Nutrition, the company that produces Nutrish cat food, says the recalled Rachael Ray Nutrish wet cat food varieties include Ocean Fish-a-licious, Lip Smackin’ Sardine & Mackerel, Ocean Fish & Chicken Catch-iatore, and Tuna Purrfection.
Certain lot codes of Rachael Ray Nutrish Paw Lickin’ Chicken & Liver are also part of the recall as are two variety packs: the Chicken Lovers Variety Pack and the Ocean Lovers Variety Pack.
The recalled products have been distributed nationwide and Ainsworth Pet Nutrition is working with retailers to remove the recalled items from store shelves.
According to the company, no other Rachael Ray Nutrish products are impacted by the recall and it has suspended production of the affected varieties. The company says production will resume after “reformulation.”
The company conducted product tests and determined that the excessive vitamin D levels were coming from fish ingredients used in some of the formulas.
Like humans, cats require vitamin D to regulate minerals such as calcium and phosphorus, but at excessive levels it can create health problems.
Consumers will need the UPC code and Best By Dates from the food containers to determine which items are affected by the recall. These numbers can be found on the bottom (UPC code) and side (Best By Dates) of the Nutrish wet cat food cups.
Recalled varieties of Rachael Ray Nutrish wet cat food have the following UPC Codes and Best By Dates:
| Single Pack | Unit UPC Code | Best By Dates Thru |
| PAW LICKIN CHICKEN AND LIVER (2.8 oz) | 071190007032 | AUG 17 2015 |
| OCEAN FISH AND CHICKEN CATCH-IATORIE (2.8 oz) | 071190007049 | DEC 1 2016 |
| OCEAN FISH A LICIOUS (2.8 oz) | 071190007056 | DEC 1 2016 |
| TUNA PURRFECTION (2.8 oz) | 071190007063 | DEC 1 2016 |
| LIP SMACKIN SARDINE AND MACKEREL (2.8 oz) | 071190007070 | DEC 1 2016 |
| Multi Packs – 12 Count | Unit UPC Code | Best By Dates Thru |
| CHICKEN LOVERS VARIETY PACK (12 count pack of 2.8 oz cups) | 071190007773 | DEC 1 2016 |
| OCEAN LOVERS VARIETY PACK (12 count pack of 2.8 oz cups) | 071190007780 | DEC 1 2016 |
Customers with any of the recalled varieties of Rachel Ray Nutrish wet cat food are advised to throw them away.
Jeff Watters, CEO of Ainsworth Pet Nutrition said in a release, “At Ainsworth Pet Nutrition and Rachael Ray™ Nutrish®, the safety and quality of our products is our top priority. For the time being, we recommend disposing of any of the affected wet cat varieties. Rest assured we have implemented additional operating procedures to prevent an issue like this from occurring in the future. We sincerely apologize to our loyal consumers everywhere.”
Retailers with any of the recalled Rachael Ray Nutrish cat food should contact the company at 888-943-4213 for more information.
Consumers who need more information about the Rachael Ray Nutrish cat food recall can reach Ainsworth’s Consumer Care Team at 877-650-3486 from 8:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. ET Monday thru Friday and 8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. ET Saturday and Sunday or go online to nutrishforpets.com/news.
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