Merrick Cat Recall History 2026: Complete Safety Record
Manufacturer: Nestlé Purina
Tier: Mid
Overall Safety Rating: Good
Overview
Merrick Cat is a mid-tier cat food brand manufactured by Nestlé Purina. This page documents the brand’s complete recall history based on publicly available records from the [FDA’s Pet Food Recall Database](https://www.fda.gov/animal-veterinary/safety-health/recalls-withdrawals), the [AVMA recall tracker](https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/pet-owners/petcare/pet-food-recalls-and-safety), and [DogFoodAdvisor](https://www.dogfoodadvisor.com/). Always verify current recall status directly with the FDA.
Complete Recall History
Merrick Cat has had 1 documented recall event since 2000, all of which were voluntary, demonstrating proactive consumer protection practices. The most recent recall was in 2010.
| Year | Reason | Type | Scope |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | Salmonella contamination (treats) | Voluntary | Limited production lots |
*Sources: [FDA Recalls & Withdrawals](https://www.fda.gov/animal-veterinary/safety-health/recalls-withdrawals) | [DogFoodAdvisor Recall Center](https://www.dogfoodadvisor.com/dog-food-recalls/) | [TruthAboutPetFood](https://truthaboutpetfood.com/)*
Safety Record Assessment
Safety Rating: Good
One voluntary recall is documented. The brand acted promptly and has maintained a clean record since.
Key safety indicators for Merrick Cat:
| Factor | Assessment |
|---|---|
| Total recalls (all time) | 1 |
| Most recent recall | 2010 |
| Recall type(s) | Voluntary |
| Manufacturing transparency | Varies |
| AAFCO compliance | Yes — meets or exceeds nutritional standards |
| NASC member | Not confirmed |
All known recalls were addressed promptly, and the brand continues to market under current FDA good manufacturing practice guidelines.
For real-time recall alerts, sign up at [DogFoodAdvisor’s Recall Alert Service](https://www.dogfoodadvisor.com/dog-food-recalls/) — it’s free and notifies you instantly when a recall is issued.
Understanding the 2007 Menu Foods / Melamine Recall
The 2007 Menu Foods recall was the largest pet food safety event in U.S. history, affecting hundreds of brands whose wet food was co-manufactured by Menu Foods. Melamine-contaminated wheat gluten from China was the root cause. Brands affected were not necessarily at fault for sourcing decisions but suffered shared liability. Merrick Cat was not involved in the 2007 Menu Foods recall.
What To Do If Your Pet Food Is Recalled
1. Stop feeding the product immediately. Even if your pet shows no symptoms, discontinue use.
2. Check the lot code. Not all lots in a brand are always affected. Locate the lot number on the bag or can and compare it against the FDA recall notice at [fda.gov](https://www.fda.gov/animal-veterinary/safety-health/recalls-withdrawals).
3. Contact your veterinarian if your pet has consumed the recalled product — especially if showing signs of illness (vomiting, lethargy, excessive thirst).
4. Report to the FDA. Use the [Safety Reporting Portal](https://www.safetyreporting.hhs.gov/) to document your experience.
5. Request a refund or replacement. Contact the manufacturer directly. Most brands offer full refunds for recalled products.
6. Dispose safely. Seal recalled food in a bag before placing in the trash to prevent wildlife or stray animals from accessing it.
Alternative Brands With Clean Safety Records
If you’re looking for brands with no documented recalls, consider these options:
| Brand | Tier | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Orijen | Premium | High-protein, biologically appropriate diets |
| The Farmer’s Dog | Fresh | Human-grade fresh-cooked meals |
| Fromm | Premium | Family-owned, 4th-generation quality control |
| Open Farm | Premium | Ethical sourcing with full traceability |
| Ziwi Peak | Premium | Air-dried New Zealand ingredients |
Compare brands side-by-side at [DogFoodAdvisor](https://www.dogfoodadvisor.com/) and check ingredient quality scores at [Dog Food Analysis](https://www.dogfoodanalysis.com/).
How to Stay Informed About Pet Food Recalls
- FDA Recall Alerts: [Subscribe to FDA email updates](https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts)
- DogFoodAdvisor: [Free recall alerts by email](https://www.dogfoodadvisor.com/dog-food-recalls/)
- TruthAboutPetFood: [Weekly newsletter](https://truthaboutpetfood.com/) with recall and safety news
- AVMA: [Pet food recall tracker](https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/pet-owners/petcare/pet-food-recalls-and-safety)
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Has Merrick Cat ever been recalled?
A: Yes — Merrick Cat has had 1 documented recall event, most recently in 2010. All were handled through voluntary recalls with full consumer notification.
Q: Is Merrick Cat safe to feed my cat right now?
A: No active recalls are affecting this brand as of April 2026. Always double-check current status at the [FDA recall database](https://www.fda.gov/animal-veterinary/safety-health/recalls-withdrawals) before purchasing any new bag or case.
Q: How do I find out if my specific bag is part of a recall?
A: Locate the lot/batch code printed on the bag or can (usually on the bottom or side). Compare it against the specific lot codes listed in the official recall notice on the [FDA website](https://www.fda.gov/animal-veterinary/safety-health/recalls-withdrawals). If your lot code is not listed, your product is not affected.
Q: What is the safest type of cat food?
A: Safety correlates more with manufacturing standards than food type. Look for brands with AAFCO feeding trials (not just formulation), transparent manufacturing facilities, and NASC membership. Fresh, lightly processed foods like those from The Farmer’s Dog or Ollie are made in USDA-inspected facilities, providing an additional layer of oversight.
Final Verdict
Merrick Cat has experienced 1 recall event over the years, all handled responsibly. The brand continues to be a widely trusted option, but vigilant pet owners should register for recall alerts.
Compare Merrick Cat vs. competitors: [Chewy](https://www.chewy.com/s?query=Merrick+Cat) | [Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Merrick+Cat+cat+food) | [PetSmart](https://www.petsmart.com/search?q=Merrick+Cat)
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