Pancytopenia in cats: Update

1 September 2021

The Food Standards Agency (FSA) and Food Standards Scotland have issued an update following an investigation of recalled cat food over concerns of a potential link to feline pancytopenia.

In June 2021, Fold Hill Foods took the precautionary action of recalling several cat food products due to safety concerns. The FSA and Food Standards Scotland have now advised that no causative link between pancytopenia and the recalled cat food products has been established.

The results of extensive testing identified some higher levels of mycotoxins, including specific compounds known as T2 and HT2, in some samples of the recalled cat food that are no longer on sale. The FSA and Food Standards Scotland advised that mycotoxins are found in some types of feed and food and do not, in themselves, indicate that they are the cause of feline pancytopenia.

As a result of these findings, Fold Hill Foods is working with its local authority to take some steps to resume production. A multi-agency approach will continue to try and ascertain the causes of pancytopenia. Industry will be informed of any new information as it arises so that they can take any required action.

The FSA and Food Standards Scotland have published a consumer facing Q&A which is available here.

The Pet Food Manufacturers Association (PFMA) has also issued an updated statement which is available here.