Kent Nutrition Group, Inc. conducts nationwide voluntary recall of Kent Feeds swine products

Kent Nutrition Group, Inc. (KNG) is voluntarily recalling some Kent Feeds swine feed products due to insufficient vitamin D levels in premixes it purchased from Tri Ag Supply, Inc. that were used in those swine feed products. The recall is being implemented in order to prevent health problems in swine consuming feed products where there is a vitamin D3 deficiency.

The effects of vitamin D deficiency are altered calcium and phosphorus metabolism and the subsequent mineralization of bones. It generally takes 4 to 6 months for signs to show in mature pigs. Signs in mature pigs include poor growth, stiffness, lameness, stiff gait and broken/fractured bones. In young pigs, vitamin D deficiency causes rickets, which is characterized by weak bending bones and rear leg problems, and may lead to animal death. Swine having sufficient exposure to natural sunlight and/or other vitamin D3 supplements may not be affected by dietary vitamin D3 deficiency.

The firm has been notified by its former vitamin supplier, Tri Ag Supply, Inc., that premixes containing insufficient levels of vitamin D3 were sold to KNG. KNG also has received some reports of swine deaths and rickets in swine that may have consumed Kent Feeds swine products containing the vitamin-deficient ingredients from Tri-Ag. As a result, KNG is voluntarily recalling certain Kent Feeds swine feed products. A list of the affected products is posted at www.kentfeeds.com.

The recalled swine feed products are sold in 50-lb. bags or in bulk. The affected lot numbers are 09335 through 09365 and 10001 through 10158. For bagged products, the lot number is located on the tape of the sewed end of the Kent Feeds' bag. For the products distributed in bulk, the lot number can be found on the product label accompanying the shipment and on the invoice. The recalled products were manufactured between December 1, 2009, and June 7, 2010, at KNG plants located in Altoona, Sioux City, and Waterloo, Iowa; Columbus, Nebraska; Marshall, Missouri; Logansport, Indiana; Louisville, Kentucky; Mason, Michigan; and Beardstown and Rockford, Illinois.

A line of Kent Feeds swine show feed products with the affected recalled lot numbers were also sold from the KNG plant in El Reno, Oklahoma. Products manufactured after June 7, 2010 are not subject to this recall.

Distribution of the swine feeds were made to the following states: South Dakota, Minnesota, Iowa, Nebraska, North Dakota, Illinois, Wisconsin, Oklahoma, Missouri, Tennessee, Indiana, Ohio, Kentucky, Michigan, Kansas, Arkansas, Colorado, New Hampshire, and Texas.

Customers who have purchased Kent Feeds swine products with lot numbers from 09335 through 09365 or 10001 through 10158 are urged to return them to their nearest Kent Dealer for product replacement. Customer questions or concerns may be directed to the company at 1-800-552-9620, extension 4541, Monday through Friday, during the hours of 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.