RECALL: ZuPreen FruitBlend Bird Foods Recalled for Dangerous Levels of Supplements

Nationwide recall of bird food due to dangerous levels of calcium, phosphorus & vitamin D.

An ongoing recall of ZuPreem FruitBlend, a bird food formulated for various species of adult psittacines and passerines, has been updated to include a new information that the products contain a potentially lethal combination of “exceedingly high calcium levels, low phosphorus, and high vitamin D concentration” resulting in a “significant health risk” to pet birds. Feeding the recalled products to your pet birds may make your birds sick and even die.

The recalled ZuPreem Medium/Large and Large FruitBlend bird food formula is for medium to large birds such as Conures, Amazons, Greys, Pionus, Caiques, Senegals, Macaws, Cockatoos, and other medium to large parrots

This recall is an update of a previous recall of ZuPreem bird foods in late September in which ZuPreem originally stated “may contain calcium levels higher than the recommended level”. Today’s update points to a decidedly more serious problem than they initially reported, according to the updated press release.

Normally, when manufacturers issue a recall notice, they attempt to minimize their risk by peppering their press releases with soothing phrases meant to obfuscate the possibility of danger so as not to alarm people. So, when a manufacturer uses strong language like, “significant health risk”, “exceedingly high levels” and “may be fatal” that ZuPreem used this recall notice, alarm bells go off. Big, loud bells. Sirens.

Taking this as a message as a sign of a clear and present danger, it is important to pay close attention to your bird and to be aware of the symptoms to watch for: decreased activity level, decreased appetite, increase in water consumption or watery droppings. I think it goes without saying that pet bird parents whose birds exhibit any of these symptoms should immediately contact their veterinarian.

No word yet on how the formulation foul-up occurred and why it took them a month to figure out it wasn’t just the calcium level they screwed up on is beyond me. Unfortunately, the recalled products have been distributed nationwide through pet retailers, veterinary clinics, online pet supply merchants, breeder, and to zoological parks.

The following updated notice appeared today on the FDA website:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – October 26, 2012 – On September 27, 2012, Premium Nutritional Products, Inc. initiated a voluntary recall of ZuPreem FruitBlend™ With Natural Fruit Flavors maintenance formula bird foods for medium/large birds and for large birds with use by date codes of 11/30/13 or 11/13 and lot numbers 598405052 or 598405072. The recall is being conducted due to the product containing the combination of exceedingly high calcium levels, low phosphorus, and high vitamin D concentration resulting in a significant health risk to the birds. Consumption of food from these particular lots may make birds sick and, in some cases, may be fatal. Symptoms include decreased activity level or appetite, increase in water consumption or watery droppings. Customers whose birds exhibit these symptoms should immediately contact their veterinarian.

The two voluntarily recalled lots are 598405052 and 598405072. The lot and expiration dates by sku, are listed below:

SKU	Net Weight	Description	UPC	Use By	Lot Code
83020	2 lbs.	ZuPreem FruitBlend with Natural Fruit Flavors Premium Daily Bird Food for medium/large birds	762177830209	Use By 11/30/13	598405052
83030	3.5 lbs.	ZuPreem FruitBlend with Natural Fruit Flavors Premium Daily Bird Food for medium/large birds	762177830308	Use By 11/30/13	598405052
83120	12 lbs.	ZuPreem FruitBlend with Natural Fruit Flavors Premium Daily Bird Food for medium/large birds	762177831206	Use By 11/30/13	598405052
83170	17.5 lbs.	ZuPreem FruitBlend with Natural Fruit Flavors Premium Daily Bird Food for medium/large birds	762177831701	Best By 11/13	598405052
83350	35 lbs.	ZuPreem FruitBlend with Natural Fruit Flavors Premium Daily Bird Food for medium/large birds	762177833507	Best By 11/13	598405052
84020	2 lbs.	ZuPreem FruitBlend with Natural Fruit Flavors Premium Daily Bird Food for large birds	762177840208	Use By 11/30/13	598405072
84030	3.5 lbs.	ZuPreem FruitBlend with Natural Fruit Flavors Premium Daily Bird Food for large birds	762177840307	Use By 11/30/13	598405072
84120	12 lbs.	ZuPreem FruitBlend with Natural Fruit Flavors Premium Daily Bird Food for large birds	762177841205	Use By 11/30/13	598405072
84170	17.5 lbs.	ZuPreem FruitBlend with Natural Fruit Flavors Premium Daily Bird Food for large birds	762177841700	Best By 11/13	598405072
84350	35 lbs.	ZuPreem FruitBlend with Natural Fruit Flavors Premium Daily Bird Food for large birds	762177843506	Best By 11/13	598405072

The products were shipped by the company between the dates of 5/21/12 and 8/23/12 for distribution nationwide through pet retailers, veterinary clinics, on line pet supply merchants and to breeders, and zoological parks.

Consistent with this voluntary recall, the company is reminding bird owners to check the expiration dates and lot numbers of any product they may still have in their possession. Consumers should dispose of any remaining food and return the packaging to the store where they purchased it for replacement or refund.

The issue was discovered as a result of product testing.

For additional information, interested parties should contact the ZuPreem Customer Service line at 1-800-345-4767 (Monday through Friday 8 AM – 5 PM Central Time) or visit the ZuPreem website or the ZuPreem Recall Page .

If you suspect a problem

If you suspect a problem with a pet food, please retain lot numbers and samples of the treats and report the information to the FDA using the link below.