Animal Feed Recall Update As FDA Sets Risk Class Over Metal Contamination - Newsweek

Five animal feed products have been recalled over fears that they may contain dangerous levels of metal, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) reports.

The recall, which was initiated on October 14, has now been given the second highest risk classification by the FDA.

The products are four pig feeds and one guinea fowl feed produced by Kreamer Feed, Inc., based in Kreamer, Pennsylvania.

The recall was initiated by the company due to "potential foreign material (metal) contamination." However, the specific metals involved have not been mentioned.

On October 29, the recall was classified as a class II recall by the FDA—a situation in which "use of, or exposure to, a violative product may cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences or where the probability of serious adverse health consequences is remote."

Newsweek contacted Kreamer Feed Inc via email for comment on Thursday.

The table below lists the exact products involved in the recall:

Heavy metals can be toxic even when consumed in small amounts, and can build up in the bodies of animals over time. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, not only can these metals interfere with an animal's metabolism, but they can also pass along the food chain and end up affecting humans.

Examples of these heavy metals include:

Metals can end up in animal feed through contaminated soil or during the manufacturing process.

The present recall comes not long after 15 animal feed products, sold by the Vita Plus Corporation of Wisconsin, were recalled due to excess minerals. While minerals are an essential component of a healthy, balanced diet and play and important role in a range of biological processes, excess minerals can be seriously damaging to both animal and human health.

Newsweek previously reached out to the Vita Plus Corporation via email for comment.

"A safe animal food (feed) supply helps ensure healthy animals and people," the FDA said in a statement.

To uphold these standards, the agency's Center for Veterinary Medicine works to ensure animal welfare in the United States. Measures include reviewing ingredients used in animal food products before they hit the market and approving safe food additives for animal consumption.

The center also manages the FDA's oversight of animal food via "a comprehensive inspectional and risk-based enforcement program"—which includes coordinating responses to complaints, emergency situations, and recalls relating to animal food.

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