Kroger® Company announced a recall on December 18, 2010, for a variety of its pet food products sold in select states across the United States. Included in this recall are Kroger® stores in the following states: Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, Ohio, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, and West Virginia.

Also included in the recall are Gerbes® and Dillons® stores in the states of Missouri and Kansas; Baker’s ® stores in Nebraska; Food 4 Less® stores Indiana, Illinois, and Nebraska; and Pay Less®, Scott’s®, Owen’s®, Jay C®, and Hilander® stores in Illinois and Indiana.

The affected products are being recalled due to the possibility of the presence of aflatoxin. The products on recall include Pet Pride® Cat Food in 3.5-lb packages with “best by” dates of OCT 23 1 DP and OCT23 11 DP with UPC 1111088128; Pet Pride® Cat Food in 18-lb packages with “best by” dates of OCT 23 11 DP and OCT 24 11 DP with UPC 1111071357; Pet Pride® Tasty Blend Poultry & Seafood Cat Food in 3.5 packages with “best by” dates of OCT 23 11 DP and OCT 24 11 DP with UPC 1111088152; Pet Pride® Tasty Blend Poultry & Seafood Cat Food in 18-lb packages with “best by” dates of OCT 23 11 DP and OCT 24 11 DP with UPC 1111074580; and Pet Pride® Kitten Formula Food in 3.5-lb packages with a “best by” date of OCT 23 11 DP and OCT 24 11 DP with UPC 1111071903.

Also included in the recall are 22- and 50-lb packages of Old Yeller® Chunk Doll Food with “best by” dates of OCT 23 11 DP and OCT 24 11 DP. The 22-lb bags have UPC 1111074566, and the 50-lb bags have UPC 1111074563. A final product affected by the recall includes Kroger® Value Cat food, sold in 3-lb packages with “best by” dates of OCT 23 11 DP and OCT 24 11 DP with UPC 1111000018; and 15- and 50-lb packages of Kroger® Value Chunk Dog Food, both with “best by” dates of OCT 23 11 DP and OCT 24 11 DP. The 15-lb bag has UPC 1111071559 and the 50-lb bag has UPC 1111000108.

Aflatoxin is a by-product of fungus on corn and other crops used in the production of pet food. It can cause lethargy or sluggishness, as well as yellow-tinted eyes or gums and a reluctance to eat. Some other symptoms include severe diarrhea or bloody stool. Consumers should seek the help of a veterinarian immediately if they think their pets have been exposed to aflatoxin.

Customers who purchased the recalled products should return 
it to the store of purchase for replacement or a full refund. 
If customers have questions, they can contact Kroger® by phone at 
1-800-632-6900, or they can visit the company’s website at Kroger Recalls.