How does KibbleIQ classify pet food recall severity?

KibbleIQ assigns each recall or controversy a severity tier: F (critical — pathogen outbreaks tied to confirmed pet illness or death, or major regulatory action causing recalls across multiple SKUs), D (significant — confirmed contamination or formulation errors driving multi-product recalls or significant regulatory response), and C (precautionary — single-lot withdrawals, industry-pattern overviews, and framework controversies without confirmed harm). Tier is editorially assigned at coverage time based on FDA-CVM enforcement level, illness count, recall scope, and Reportable Food Registry classification.

Where does this recall data come from?

Each recall page cites primary sources: FDA-CVM recall announcements, FDA Reportable Food Registry filings, Class I/II/III recall classifications, USDA enforcement actions, manufacturer press releases, and state Department of Agriculture filings. Industry-pattern controversies additionally cite primary research — AAFCO model regulations, NRC 2006 nutrient profiles, WSAVA 2018 global nutrition guidelines, ACVIM consensus statements, and peer-reviewed veterinary literature. Citation density on most pages exceeds 15 primary references.

Does a brand recall lower its KibbleIQ rubric score?

Not currently in the dry rubric v15 scoring algorithm — recall history is editorially noted in brand review prose but does not produce a numerical deduction. A recall-history scoring layer is on the roadmap (RISK_REGISTER R9 mitigation) and will ship when the rubric upgrades to v16. Until then, the brand-review page links to relevant recalls for owner awareness, and FDA-CVM recall pages remain the authoritative source for active product withdrawals.

What is an "industry-pattern" controversy versus a brand-specific recall?

A brand-specific recall is a discrete withdrawal event tied to a single manufacturer (e.g., "Blue Buffalo 2010 Vitamin D Recall"). An industry-pattern controversy covers a multi-year, multi-brand phenomenon (e.g., "FDA-CVM 2018-2024 DCM Investigation" or "Pulse Legume DCM Mechanistic Hypothesis"). Industry-pattern pages cite multiple brands, multiple regulatory filings, and primary research literature, providing context that single-brand pages cannot.

How often does KibbleIQ update this recall archive?

New FDA-CVM recalls and Reportable Food Registry filings are added within 1-2 weeks of public announcement. Industry-pattern controversies are added when meaningful regulatory developments, peer-reviewed publications, or class-action outcomes warrant new coverage. The archive expands at approximately 12-18 pages per editorial session and aims for ~325 total entries by end of 2026.

Pet Food Recall Encyclopedia

215 pet food recalls and industry-pattern controversies, severity-tiered and cross-referenced to FDA-CVM filings, AAFCO model regulations, WSAVA guidelines, and primary veterinary research. 66 brand-specific recalls plus 149 multi-year industry-pattern overviews.

Pet Food Recall Encyclopedia

FCritical — Life-Threatening (28)

DSignificant — Regulatory Action (126)

CPrecautionary — Single-Lot / Industry Pattern (61)

Salmonella (33)

Listeria (6)

E. coli & Other Pathogens (1)

Melamine (2007 Event) (3)

Antibiotic Residue (Chicken Jerky) (7)

Vitamin D Excess (7)

Aflatoxin / Mycotoxin (10)

Pentobarbital (6)

Heavy Metals (7)

DCM & Cardiac (7)

Nutrient Deficiency / Excess (26)

Manufacturing Defects (18)

Preservative & Additive Controversy (8)

Protein Sourcing & Plant Protein (12)

Probiotics, Enzymes & B-Vitamins (4)

Sustainability & Certification (9)

Raw & Freeze-Dried Safety (9)

Regulatory & AAFCO Framework (18)

Industry-Pattern Overview (24)