Pedigree canned dog food voluntarily recalled because of choking risk

A leading pet food company has issued a voluntary recall today on one branch of its popular pet food lines. The recall, however is not related to the rash of pet food recalls issued since April 2012 because of Salmonella contamination. Mars Petcare US, who oversees several popular brands including Royal Canin, Whiskas, Cesar, Nutro, Sheba and Greenies, issued the recall for a different reason: Three varieties of the Pedigree Weight Management canned dog food products may pose a potential choking risk. The affected product may contain small pieces of blue plastic, which entered the food during the production process. The source of the plastic has been identified and the issue resolved.

The canned food was distributed to retail customers throughout the United States. Mars Petcare US is working with all of its distributors and retail customers to ensure that the recalled products are no longer sold, nor available for purchase. •UPC# 2310034974 Pedigree + Healthy Weight Premium Ground Entree in Meaty Juices •UPC# 2310001913 Pedigree Weight Management Meaty Ground Dinner Beef & Liver Dinner in Meaty Juices •UPC# 2310023045 Pedigree Weight Management Meaty Ground Dinner Chicken & Rice Dinner in Meaty Juices.

 Only those cans of dog food varieties with the production codes shown above are included in this recall. Each product will have a lot code printed on the end of the can that begins with 209, 210, 211 or 212 and a Best Before date that falls between 2/24/2014 and 3/23/2014. Pet owners who have purchased affected product are asked to discard the food or return it to the retailer for a full refund or exchange. Consumers who have questions about the recall should call 1-877-720-3335 between 8 a.m.-7 p.m. (CST) or visit www.pedigree.com/update.

Lorrie Shaw leads the pets section for AnnArbor.com