Five pet food products have been recalled over concerns they contain unsafe levels of metals, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced (FDA) reports.

The recall, launched on October 14, has now been rated the second highest risk by the FDA.

The products are four swine feeds and one guinea fowl feed produced by Kreamer Feed, Inc., based in Kreamer, Pennsylvania.

The recall was initiated by the company due to “potential contamination with foreign materials (metal).” However, the specific metals involved were not mentioned.

On October 29, the recall was classified as a Class II recall by the FDA, a situation in which “use of or exposure to a noncompliant product may result in temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences or where the “probability of serious adverse health consequences” is remote.”

News week contacted Kreamer Feed Inc by email for comment Thursday.

The table below lists the exact products affected by the recall:

Heavy metals can be toxic even when consumed in small amounts and can build up in animals’ bodies over time. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, not only can these metals interfere with an animal’s metabolism, but they can also be transmitted along the food chain and eventually affect humans.

Examples of these heavy metals include:

• Cadmium — this metal, which tends to accumulate in the kidneys and liver, has been linked to an increased risk of various cancers and can also lead to kidney and liver disease and bone weakness.
• Arsenic: This metal, which can be found in animal milk, has been linked to various cancers, heart disease and infant mortality.
• Lead: This metal has been linked to brain damage and interferes with the metabolism of our bones and teeth. It also harms our kidneys and can lead to high blood pressure later in life.

Metals can end up in pet food through contaminated soil or during the manufacturing process.

This recall comes shortly after 15 pet food products, sold by Vita Plus Corporation of Wisconsin, were recalled due to excess minerals. Although minerals are an essential part of a healthy, balanced diet and play an important role in a range of biological processes, excess minerals can be seriously harmful to animals and human health.

News week previously contacted Vita Plus Corporation via email for comment.

“A safe supply of animal food helps ensure the good health of animals and people,” the FDA said in a statement.

To meet these standards, the agency’s Center for Veterinary Medicine strives to ensure animal welfare in the United States. The measures include reviewing ingredients used in animal food products before they hit the market and approving food additives that are safe for animal consumption.

The center also manages the FDA’s oversight of animal foods through “a comprehensive risk-based inspection and enforcement program” – which includes coordinating responses to complaints, emergencies and recalls relating to animal feed.

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