RCL Foods is notifying the public of a voluntary recall concerning its dry cat and dog food. This decision follows internal quality control procedures that identified the presence of Deoxynivalenol at levels slightly above their stringent internal standards.
While the probability of adverse health effects is considered low, they are initiating this recall as a precautionary measure to ensure the highest level of consumer confidence and safety.
For comprehensive information regarding the affected products, reasons for the recall, and steps for consumers, please refer to the official response and guidelines from RCL Foods provided below.
During the verification of testing results, we identified elevated levels of naturally occurring mycotoxin, Deoxynivalenol (DON) in certain batches of maize used to produce dry pet foods manufactured on 26 – 29 May and 4 – 5 and 17 June 2025.
Linden Vet stocks the following affected lines:
- Ultra Pet Optiwoof Adult Beef & Rice 25kg
- Ultra Pet Optiwoof Puppy 20kg
- Ultra Pet Superwoof Large Dog Beef & Rice 8kg
- Ultra Pet Superwoof Large Dog Turkey & Rice 8kg
- Ultra Pet Superwoof Large Dog Turkey & Rice 20kg
- Ultra Pet Superwoof Small Dog Turkey & Rice 3kg
What is Deoxynivalenol (DON)?
Deoxynivalenol is a naturally occurring compound produced by certain moulds (Fusarium species) that can grow on grains such as maize, wheat, and barley.
What are regulatory limits for DON in pet food?
Fertilizers, Farm Feeds, Agricultural Remedies and Stock Remedies Act (Act 36 of 1947) as well as amendments published in Government Notice No R.70 of 12 February 2010, stipulates a limit of 1 000 ppb (parts per billion), equivalent to 1ppm (part per million) in products intended for consumption by pets.
Why is DON a concern in pet food?
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 temporary digestive upset.
How did RCL FOODS initially miss the DON
Deoxynivalenol (DON) is found in pockets within a batch of maize (e.g. in an incoming truck). These pockets, if not picked up during sampling, can be transferred through the manufacturing process and sporadically found in final product. Product analysed at the time of production was found to be compliant with regulatory requirements based on pocket samples analysed at the time.
What do you mean by verification of testing results?
Verification of testing results means reviewing past test data and performing random checks on retained samples. This ensures our food safety controls remain effective and continuously improve as part of our management system.
Have you received any product complaints of animal illness arising from these elevated levels of DON
No. We have received 2 complaints during the investigation period, where pets refused to eat their food. No severe health issues or illness has been reported.
Why did you recall?
We recalled products in affected batches because DON levels exceeded legal limits. We have adopted a conservative approach in identifying the affected range because it is not possible to test for elevated DON levels with absolute certainty, due to the fact that it occurs in pockets.
What steps are you taking to prevent this from happening again?
Our testing frequency, which is in line with regulatory requirements, has been increased. This will increase our ability to detect elevated levels of DON, helping to ensure only ingredients that meet our strict standards are utilised in our pet food products, whilst outgoing products are also strictly monitored.
Where do I find the manufacture dates on the packaging?
The manufacture date is found on the back of the packaging. It has the code “MNF:” and then the date on which it was produced in the format Day.Month.Year
What should I do if I think I have one of the products affected?
1. Check your bag’s manufacturing date against dates listed on our recall communication.
2. If you have an affected product, manufactured on one of the dates specified, stop feeding your pet the product immediately.
3. Return your affected product to where you bought it, to get a refund or replacement.
What symptoms should I look for in my pet?
Most pets will not experience any symptoms as they typically refuse to eat affected food. However, if they have consumed food with elevated DON levels for a prolonged period, you might notice:
* Refusal to eat or loss of appetite
* Digestive upset
Will this make my pet seriously ill?
Serious illness is unlikely, unless very large amounts are consumed consistently over time. Most pets recover quickly once exposure stops. We are recalling these products as a precaution, even though no widespread health issues have been reported.
Is it safe to feed other RCL FOODS pet food products?
Yes. Only the listed batches produced on 26 – 29 May and 4 – 5 and 17 June 2025 are affected. All other RCL FOODS products have been thoroughly tested and are safe to feed your pet.
How are you making sure that pet food available for sale is not part of the recall?
We are working with merchandisers, distributors and retailers to remove any affected products, manufactured on the specified dates, from shelves. All products still available on shelf are not part of the recall and are safe to feed to your pet.
Who can I contact for more information?
You can reach our customer care team:
* Telephone: 0860 103 764 (24 hours)
* WhatsApp: 087 359 0476
* Email: RCLConsumerCare@rclfoods.com (Business hours)
We will respond promptly to support you and your pet.
You can also contact us to connect you with our RCL Foods representative if you have any further questions.
We appreciate your understanding in this matter.
Kind regards,
The Linden Veterinary Clinic Team