Pet owners have been warned not to purchase or feed their animals condemned pet food stolen en route to a specialist waste management facility in eastern Gauteng.
This is after manufacturer RCL Foods confirmed the products may pose serious health risks.
The company said the stolen stock, originally earmarked for destruction, could be contaminated with salmonella, posing a potential risk to both pets and humans.
The affected products formed part of limited batches withdrawn and condemned during late January and February.
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The company became aware earlier this week that some of the condemned pet food was being sold through unofficial channels, including Facebook Marketplace, in areas such as Germiston, Boksburg, Benoni and Alberton.
RCL stressed that all pet food currently supplied through retailers, pet shops and veterinary practices meets stringent quality standards and is safe for animal consumption.
“At this stage, we are not aware of any animals or people having been affected. However, shoppers are advised to exercise caution,” said RCL Foods CEO Paul Cruickshank.
“Our overriding concern is the health and well-being of shoppers and their pets. Our immediate priority is to remove all stolen products we can find in circulation to reduce the risk to pets and their owners.
Together with independent forensic experts and the relevant authorities, we are urgently investigating how this product entered the market. RCL Foods will lay criminal charges against any parties identified as responsible for the theft,” he added.
Limited batches affected
RCL confirmed that the condemned stock represented a very small portion of overall production. Production at the affected plant was halted, and the facility underwent thorough cleaning and sanitisation.
Restart processes have commenced, with full production expected to resume shortly under enhanced monitoring measures.
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The affected product is limited to specific batch numbers within the following dry pet food ranges:
• Canine Cuisine
• Bonzo
• Bobtail
• Catmor
• Optimizor
• Ultra Pet Dog Food
Traces of Salmonella were detected during RCL’s in-production quality control checks. None of the affected products was approved for sale; all were condemned and sent for controlled destruction at a specialist facility, with certificates of destruction issued as part of standard procedure.
The company expressed concern that criminals are selling pet food that was never intended for the market and may be unsafe.
What shoppers should do
Shoppers who believe they may have purchased products from the condemned batches are advised not to feed them to pets or any other animals and not to donate or resell them.
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Anyone who bought pet food outside established retail stores or distributors, or via social media platforms, since mid-January, should immediately contact the RCL Foods customer care team:
• Tel: 0860 103 764 (24 hours)
• WhatsApp: 087 359 0476
• Email: RCLConsumerCare@rclfoods.com (business hours)
The customer care team will check the batch number on the packaging and arrange collection for safe disposal. RCL also encouraged anyone with information that could assist the investigation to contact its anonymous Hayibo tip-off line on 0800 003 224.
Health advisory
RCL strongly advises shoppers to purchase pet food only from recognised retailers, pet shops and veterinary practices. Significantly discounted products sold through informal channels should raise concern.
If pets show signs of illness after consuming dry pet food bought from informal sellers, owners should consult a veterinarian immediately. Symptoms of Salmonella in animals and humans may include diarrhoea, stomach cramps, fever, nausea, vomiting, dehydration and fatigue.
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Washing hands thoroughly with soap and water after handling pet food is essential to prevent possible transmission.
Anyone who believes they may have become ill after handling the condemned product or after contact with an affected animal should seek medical advice promptly.
RCL reiterated that ensuring the quality and safety of its products remains its highest priority. All products are tested throughout production, and any that do not meet quality standards are condemned and destroyed.
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