Voluntary Recall of Two Lots of PEDIGREE® Can

FRANKLIN, Tenn. – In a significant move to ensure animal welfare and maintain the integrity of the domestic pet food supply chain, Mars Petcare US, Inc. announced a voluntary recall on July 2, 2026, concerning specific batches of its popular wet dog food. The recall targets two distinct lots of PEDIGREE® Can High Protein Chopped Chicken & Duck Flavor (13.2oz).

While product recalls in the pet food industry are often the result of manufacturing errors or ingredient contamination, this specific case presents a complex challenge: the products in question were originally earmarked for destruction after failing internal quality checks but were subsequently diverted by a third party and sold illegally to unsuspecting consumers.

Main Facts: Scope of the Recall and the Nature of the Hazard

The recall is strictly limited to two lot codes of the PEDIGREE® High Protein Chopped Chicken & Duck Flavor 13.2oz canned dog food. According to the company, no other PEDIGREE® products—including dry kibble, pouches, or other flavors of canned food—are affected by this notice.

The Contaminants

The primary concern regarding these specific lots is the potential presence of foreign materials, specifically sharp metal and plastic fragments. These materials are not part of the standard manufacturing process and were identified during Mars Petcare’s internal "robust quality control" protocols.

The "Fraudulent Diversion" Factor

Perhaps the most alarming aspect of this announcement is the revelation of a supply chain breach. Mars Petcare disclosed that the affected lots had already been identified as sub-standard and were dispatched to a third-party vendor specifically for destruction. However, through a process currently under investigation, these cans were diverted from the waste stream and re-entered the retail marketplace. This means the products were never intended for store shelves and were sold without the authorization or knowledge of Mars Petcare US.

Identifying the Product

Consumers are urged to check the bottom of their cans for specific lot codes. While the company is working to remove these items from shelves, some may still be in the possession of pet owners who purchased them through secondary retailers or online marketplaces.

• Product Name: PEDIGREE® Can High Protein Chopped Chicken & Duck Flavor
• Size: 13.2oz Can
• Action Required: Do not feed to pets; contact the manufacturer for a replacement.

Chronology: From Quality Failure to Marketplace Discovery

The timeline of this recall highlights both the effectiveness of modern quality control and the vulnerabilities inherent in third-party logistics.

1. Production and Internal Testing: During the routine production of the High Protein Chopped Chicken & Duck Flavor line, Mars Petcare’s quality assurance team identified an anomaly. Internal sensors or manual inspections flagged two lots that contained foreign material (metal and plastic).
2. Quarantine and Destruction Order: Following standard safety protocols, these lots were immediately quarantined. They were deemed unfit for consumption and marked for total destruction.
3. Transfer to Third-Party Vendor: To ensure the safe disposal of the rejected food, Mars Petcare contracted a third-party disposal firm. The product was shipped to this vendor with the explicit instruction that it be destroyed.
4. The Diversion: Instead of being destroyed, the product was "fraudulently diverted." While the specifics are still under investigation, this typically involves the unauthorized sale of "scrap" or "waste" goods to discount wholesalers or "gray market" retailers.
5. Marketplace Discovery: In late June or early July 2026, Mars Petcare discovered that the rejected product was appearing in the United States marketplace.
6. Voluntary Recall Initiation: On July 2, 2026, Mars Petcare issued the formal recall notice in coordination with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to alert the public and prevent potential injury to pets.

Supporting Data: Health Risks and Veterinary Implications

The presence of foreign objects in pet food is classified by veterinary experts as a "physical hazard." Unlike bacterial contamination (such as Salmonella or Listeria), which may take days to manifest symptoms, physical hazards can cause immediate and traumatic injury.

Gastrointestinal Risks

Veterinary professionals warn that the ingestion of sharp metal or plastic can lead to several life-threatening conditions:

• Choking and Oral Trauma: Sharp fragments can become lodged in the throat or cause deep lacerations to the mouth and tongue.
• Esophageal Perforation: If a sharp object is swallowed, it can tear the lining of the esophagus, leading to severe infection and the need for emergency surgery.
• Gastrointestinal Blockages: Plastic materials, in particular, may not be visible on standard X-rays and can create a total blockage in the intestines, preventing the passage of food and water.
• Peritonitis: If a metal fragment punctures the stomach or intestinal wall, bacteria and digestive enzymes leak into the abdominal cavity, causing a systemic and often fatal infection known as peritonitis.

Monitoring Your Pet

To date, Mars Petcare has received no reports of illness or injury related to these two lots. However, the company and veterinarians advise owners to monitor pets for the following symptoms if they believe the recalled food was consumed:

• Excessive drooling or pawing at the mouth.
• Vomiting or retching.
• Loss of appetite or lethargy.
• Abdominal pain or bloating.
• Changes in bowel movements (blood in stool or inability to defecate).

Official Responses: Corporate and Regulatory Stance

Mars Petcare’s Commitment

In an official statement, Mars Petcare emphasized that pet safety remains their "top priority." The company has taken a proactive stance by not only issuing the recall but also engaging with law enforcement to address the criminal element of the product diversion.

"We are committed to protecting pets and helping consumers identify and remove the affected products from use," the company stated. "Mars is working with authorities to determine how these products entered the marketplace."

FDA Oversight

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has posted the recall notice on its safety database. Under the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA), companies are required to have "preventive controls" in place. The fact that the contamination was caught before the product left Mars’ direct control suggests their internal controls worked; however, the subsequent diversion highlights a gap in the "chain of custody" for waste products that the FDA may investigate further.

Consumer Redress

Mars Petcare has established a dedicated support line for affected consumers. Pet owners are instructed not to return the product to the store but to contact the company directly for a replacement or refund.

• Consumer Care Line: 1-800-525-5273
• Hours of Operation: Mon-Fri (8:00 AM – 8:00 PM CST); Sat-Sun (8:00 AM – 4:00 PM CST).
• Online Portal: https://www.pedigree.com/update

Implications: Supply Chain Integrity and the "Gray Market"

This incident raises significant questions about the security of the global food supply chain, specifically regarding the disposal of rejected goods.

The Problem of Fraudulent Diversion

The "fraudulent diversion" of products is a growing concern for major manufacturers. When a product is marked for destruction, it is essentially "dead" inventory. However, unscrupulous actors within the logistics or waste management sectors may see an opportunity to profit by reselling the items to deep-discount stores, flea markets, or via unverified online third-party sellers. This bypasses all safety warnings and places the manufacturer in a position of liability for a product they tried to destroy.

Impact on Consumer Trust

For a brand like PEDIGREE®, which is a household name, a recall due to "fraud" rather than just "error" is a double-edged sword. On one hand, it proves the company has high standards (they caught the error initially). On the other hand, it reveals a lack of control over their logistics partners. Moving forward, Mars Petcare and other industry giants will likely face pressure to implement more rigorous tracking for "waste-bound" products, perhaps utilizing GPS tracking or witnessed destruction protocols to ensure that "destroyed" truly means "destroyed."

Advice for the Modern Pet Owner

This recall serves as a reminder for consumers to be vigilant about where they purchase pet food. While major national retailers have systems to automatically block the sale of recalled lot codes at the register, smaller "off-price" retailers or independent online sellers may not have the same safeguards.

Experts recommend:

1. Always keep the packaging: At least until the product is consumed, keep the bag or take a photo of the lot code.
2. Buy from reputable sources: Be cautious of "too good to be true" prices on premium or high-protein pet foods from unverified sellers.
3. Check for tampering: Ensure that cans are not dented, swollen, or missing their original labels.

Final Summary

The voluntary recall by Mars Petcare US of PEDIGREE® Can High Protein Chopped Chicken & Duck Flavor is a critical precautionary measure. While the manufacturing error was caught internally, the criminal diversion of the product into the marketplace necessitated this public alert. Owners of dogs are encouraged to act immediately to check their pantries and contact PEDIGREE Consumer Care to ensure the safety of their pets.

Through transparency and cooperation with the FDA and law enforcement, Mars Petcare aims to rectify the breach in their supply chain and uphold their long-standing reputation for quality in the pet care industry.

Media Contact:
Lindsay Kordik, Mars Petcare
Email: [email protected]

Consumer Contact:
Phone: 1-800-525-5273
Website: www.pedigree.com/update