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RCL Foods recalls dry dog and cat food due to elevated deoxynivalenol levels, posing digestive issues

todayNovember 23, 2025 54

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RCL Foods has recalled specific batches of dry dog and cat food as the maize used to produce the food had elevated levels of deoxynivalenol (DON) which can lead to loss of appetite and digestive discomfort in pets.

The affected batches include various sizes of Bobtail, Catmor, Canine Cuisine, Optimizor, Ultra Pet and Superwoof – please see attached images.

The company said in a statement that during the verification of testing results, they identified elevated levels of Deoxynivalenol (DON) in certain batches of maize used to produce dry pet food manufactured on 26 – 29 May and 4 – 5 and 17 June 2025.

They explained that deoxynivalenol (DON) is a naturally occurring mycotoxin produced by specific moulds that can grow on grains such as maize, which are tested as part of our quality management systems.

The following products are affected by the recall.

The presence of DON in these products originated from raw materials (maize) used during production. DON is considered safe at levels below 1 000 ppb. At elevated levels it typically presents as refusal to eat, and if ingested may cause digestive upset.

“Comprehensive testing was conducted across all affected dry pet food products containing maize. Results confirmed that elevated DON levels were limited to products manufactured on 26 – 29 May and 4 – 5 and 17 June 2025. Our testing frequency, which is in line with regulatory requirements, has been increased,” RCL Foods said.

The following products are affected by the recall.

The National Consumer Commission (NCC) said in a separate statement that it was notified by RCL Foods of the recall.

“About 55,352 cases (bags) were produced on 26-29 May, 4-5 June and 17 June 2025 and distributed throughout the country,” the NCC said.

The following products are affected by the recall.

THE NCC said pet owners must stop feeding their pets the affected products and should return these to the point of purchase for a full refund, with or without any proof of purchase.

It said it will monitor the recall to ensure compliance with the Consumer Protection Act.

RCL Foods said only the specific batches of pet food are affected and all other products had been tested and were safe to feed to pets.

THE MERCURY

Written by: IOL News

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