Wilko recalls dry cat food supplied by Fold Hill Foods over pancytopenia fears

Budget retailer Wilko has confirmed that it has voluntarily recalled a number of its products supplied by manufacturer Fold Hill Foods - which last week began to recall products over pancytopenia fears.

Fold Hill Foods, which provides dry food for Applaws, AVA (sold exclusively at Pets at Home) and Sainsbury’s, voluntarily began to recall several hypoallergenic products as “a precautionary measure” after an increase in pancytopenia cases in cats.

A full list of Applaws, AVA and Sainsbury's food recalled can be found in the article we published last week:
 

Read more: Cat food recall as ‘precautionary measure’ after safety concernsPublished: 16 June 2021

Pancytopenia is a very rare condition where the number of blood cells (red, white and platelets) rapidly decreases, causing serious illness including bone marrow failure. Common signs include lethargy and loss of appetite, although in some cases there are signs of spontaneous bleeding or bruising. 

According to the Royal Veterinary College (RVC), there has been an in increase in fatal cases of the illness since May.

Now Wilko, which has a store in Middleton, has joined the precautionary recall.

The Wilko recall applies to the following item codes:

• 0267053, 0463508, 0463507, 0470811, 0481421, 0481422, 0470808, 0470809, 0470807 and 0470810

A spokesperson for Wilko said: “Our priority is the safety of our customer and their pets. We are supporting an investigation by the food and veterinary authorities into a possible safety issue affecting cats. 

“Whilst there is no evidence our products have been affected we are voluntarily recalling a selection of Wilko branded dry products as a precautionary measure. 

“For now, we recommend that you do not feed them to your cat. If you have bought any of these products please return them to store for a full refund. 

“We have a wide range of alternative dry cat food brands available in store and online for your convenience. 

“Nothing matters more to us than our customer safety so if you’ve purchased this product from us, please return it to any of our stores for a full refund of the purchase price.”

Point of sale notices will be displayed in all retail stores that are selling these products.

If you are concerned about the health of your cat, seek immediate advice from your vet.