Voluntary Product Recall Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is it true that Hill's has recalled products?

A: Starting on January 31, 2019 Hill's issued a voluntary recall of some of its canned dog food products due to elevated levels of vitamin D. The recall affected only certain Hill's Prescription Diet and Hill's Science Diet canned dog foods. No dry foods, cat foods or treats are affected.

Q: Why did you expand your recall on March 20, 2019?

A: We expanded the recall because we identified additional product lot codes with elevated levels of vitamin D as a result of our detailed review of our processes and with our supplier. Not all production lots were affected by the recall.

Q: Why weren’t these products included in the January 31, 2019 recall?

A: During the course of our detailed investigation, we discovered that the vitamin premix that caused our January 31, 2019 recall also was used in a limited number of additional production lots of canned dog food products.

Q: What caused the issue that led to the voluntary recall of some dog canned products?

A: Due to an error by an ingredient supplier, some canned dog food products contain an elevated level of Vitamin D. At Hill's, our primary concern is pet health and safety, and we are recalling these products.

Q: What actions have been taken to address this issue since the problem was identified?

A: We have identified and isolated the supplier error and, to prevent this from happening again, we required our supplier to implement additional quality testing prior to release of ingredients to Hill's. In addition to our existing safety processes, we are adding our own further testing of incoming ingredients.

Q: Why did you not recall all of your foods as soon as you knew there was an issue in January 2019?

A: Following the January 31, 2019 recall we did a detailed investigation and discovered that the vitamin premix that caused our January 31st recall also was used in additional canned dog food products. Which is why we expanded the recall further on March 20, 2019. We do not recall food unnecessarily, most of our products were not affected by this recall and are being fed to beloved pets safely and effectively.

Q: Why did your March 20, 2019 expanded recall take place so long after the January 31, 2019 recall?

A:A: Following a thorough investigation of our canned dog food, we recalled the additional production lots as soon as we confirmed there was an issue with those products.

Q: How do I know my product is safe?

A: We’ve completed a detailed review and have isolated the issue to one vitamin premix used in canned foods. We tested that premix to confirm vitamin D levels, and we have also tested products that could have been made with the premix with elevated levels of Vitamin D. These results show that those products are within the normal vitamin D range except for those that are included on the recall list.

Q: How can I be sure there won’t be more products identified?

A: This issue remains isolated to the bad premix containing elevated levels of Vitamin D starting in January. Since then, we have required our supplier to implement additional quality testing prior to their release of ingredients. And in addition to our existing safety processes, we have added our own further independent testing of incoming ingredients. Hill’s is guided by doing the right thing and always will be.

Q: Does Hill’s test finished products?

A: Yes, we test finished products for protein, moisture, fat, ash, macrominerals. In addition, we test for salmonella in dry food and treats.. Finally, we screen for metal contamination across all products. Testing ingredients prior to manufacturing is a sound approach to help ensure food safety.

Q: How can we be sure our products are OK?

A: Any products affected by the recall are clearly posted on our website, where you can confirm if the product lot code you have is included in the recall.

Q: How can I determine if I have a recalled canned dog food product?

A: Compare the lot and date codes on your canned dog food product with the list of lot and date codes provided for recalled products. If the lot and date codes match, please return your product to where you purchased for a full refund. Please visit Hillspet.com/productlist for a full list of affected canned dog food products. No dry foods, cat foods nor treats are affected.

Q: How did Hill's first become aware of the issue?

A:We learned of the potential for elevated vitamin D levels in select canned dog foods after receiving a complaint about a dog exhibiting signs of elevated vitamin D levels. Our investigation confirmed that a product contained elevated levels of vitamin D due to a supplier error.

Q: What has Hill's done to ensure that products not on the recall list have safe amounts of vitamin D?

A: We have identified and isolated the error and, to prevent this from happening again, we required our supplier to implement additional quality testing prior to release of ingredients to Hill's. In addition to our existing safety processes, we are adding our own further testing of incoming ingredients. We care deeply about all pets and are committed to providing pet parents safe and high quality products.

Q: What should I do if I have some of the recalled cans of dog food product(s)?

A: If you have purchased the recalled product you should discontinue feeding and return unopened product to your retailer for a refund. Most importantly, if your pet has or had signs of elevated vitamin D you should also call your veterinarian.

Q: What should I do if I fed an affected dog food canned product, but I no longer have the cans to verify the date codes?

A: Please contact your veterinarian if your pet has or had signs such as vomiting, loss of appetite, increased thirst, increased urination, excessive drooling, weight loss and joint issues.

Q: Why is vitamin D added to pet foods?

A: Vitamin D is essential for dogs for optimal health. Unlike people (who can synthesize vitamin D), dogs rely solely on dietary sources for vitamin D. Therefore pet food is often enriched with vitamin D.

Q: How do you ensure that your final products have the appropriate amounts of vitamin D?

A: We have identified and isolated the error and, to prevent this from happening again, we required our supplier to implement additional quality testing prior to release of ingredients to Hill's. In addition to our existing safety processes, we are adding our own further testing of incoming ingredients. We care deeply about all pets and are committed to providing pet parents safe and high quality products.

Q: Should I be concerned that there may be unsafe levels of Vitamin D in Hill's foods that are not included in the voluntary recall list?

A: The incident that caused the recall is limited to the specific products and date codes listed on Hillspet.com/productlist, and we are taking appropriate steps (outlined above) to help ensure this does not happen again.

Q: How can I be confident this will not happen again?

A: Hill's is the leader in product safety and takes the circumstances leading to this voluntary recall very seriously. The safety of pets and the trust of pet parents is our number one priority. Hill's has conducted a review of the events leading to the voluntary recall and appropriate steps have been taken to help ensure this does not happen again. We have identified and isolated the supplier error and, to prevent this from happening again, we required our supplier to implement additional quality testing prior to release of their ingredients to Hill's. In addition to our existing safety processes, we are adding our own further testing of incoming ingredients.

Q: In which country was the Vitamin D made?

A: USA.

Q: Where were the affected dog canned products produced?

A: Topeka, Kansas, USA.

Q: Have you had any reports of pets impacted from consuming affected canned dog food product?

A: We learned of the potential for elevated vitamin D levels in select canned dog foods after receiving a complaint about a dog exhibiting signs of elevated vitamin D levels. Our investigation confirmed that a product contained elevated levels of vitamin D due to a supplier error. As of the date of our voluntary recall in the US, we have had a report of two suspected cases associated with eating two of the recalled products. We expect to receive additional consumer and vet contacts with questions and/or suspected cases after our public notice.

Q: What are the signs my dog has eaten an excess of Vitamin D?

A: Dogs ingesting elevated levels of Vitamin D may exhibit signs such as vomiting, loss of appetite, increased thirst, increased urination, excessive drooling, weight loss and joint issues. Consumers with dogs who have consumed any of the products listed at Hillspet.com/productlist, and are exhibiting any of these symptoms, should contact their veterinarian.

Q: What if my dog has eaten any of the affected products?

A: If you have purchased the product with the specific lot/date codes listed, you should discontinue feeding and return unopened product to your retailer for a refund.

You should also call your veterinarian if your pet has or had signs of elevated vitamin D such as vomiting, diarrhea, stops eating, increased thirst, increased urination and joint issues.

Q: Why is Vitamin D toxic when ingested in excessive amounts?

A: If Vitamin D intake greatly exceeds the body's needs, it is stored and when consumed in excessive amounts over a period of time, can result in excess absorption of calcium from the skeleton and food. This may lead to the clinical signs such as vomiting, loss of appetite, increased thirst, increased urination, excessive drooling, weight loss and joint issues. Prolonged and high exposure can potentially lead to calcification of soft tissues such as kidneys and resolving on renal dysfunction.

Q: What will my veterinarian do when I contact them?

A: Your veterinary healthcare provider will ask some questions to help identify the signs that are associated with increased intake of vitamin D. Based on these results, they may recommend some additional tests be conducted on blood and urine samples. If any treatment is needed, it would be based upon your veterinarian's assessment and what is best for your pet.