The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has given the highest risk classification to several recalled animal feed products for beef and dairy cattle, lambs and deer.
The 15 products—all sold by the Vita Plus Corporation of Wisconsin—were recalled by the firm on August 7 after it was discovered they may contain excess minerals.
Just as with humans, animals need a supply of minerals in their diets to support various fundamental bodily functions, from forming bones and teeth to supporting metabolism. However, an excess of minerals can be as or even more harmful than not getting enough.
For example, sulfur-based minerals are vital in cattle for the normal growth and reproduction of the essential bacteria found in their first stomach, the rumen.
Too much, however, can interfere with the uptake of other key minerals and even cause “polioencephalomalacia,” a disorder which softens the gray matter of the animals’ brains, leading to a loss of appetite, staggering, and unusual behaviors—and in severe cases, blindness, seizures and the onset of coma.
A stock image of a farmer feeding his cattle. Several animal feeds products have been recalled after it was discovered they may contain excess minerals.
pamela_d_mcadams/iStock / Getty Images Plus
The recalled animal feed products were distributed within the states of Michigan, Minnesota, and Wisconsin.
The recalled products include those sold under the labels “Cattle’s Choice,” “TNI Beef Cow Mineral,” “Bader Breeder Mineral for Cattle,” “Kowalski Quality Feeds,” “Litchfield Beef Cow Mineral,” and others.
In total, the recall applies to more than 800 bags on feed.
Newsweek has reached out to the Vita Plus Corporation via email for comment.
Full details on the recalled products and their lot/batch codes can be found in the table below.
The FDA assigned the products a “Class I” risk classification on Monday and Tuesday this week.
This categorization means that use of, or exposure to, the product in question is likely to cause the animals to which it is fed serious health consequences or even death.
In addition, another recalled product—”TNI Beef Cow Mineral-RUM/DBZ Medicated For Mature Reproducing Cows”—was given a “Class II” risk classification, meaning that it may cause temporary or reversible health consequences, or where the risk of serious effects is minimal.
“A safe animal food (feed) supply helps ensure healthy animals and people,” the FDA explains on its website.
Accordingly, the agency’s Center for Veterinary Medicine performs a number of functions to ensure animal welfare in the United States.
These 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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