More than two dozen dogs have died after consuming many Sportmix pet foods that may contain lethal levels of aflatoxin, the Food and Drug Administration said this week.
Midwestern Pet Foods, the maker of Sportmix in Indiana, has a voluntary revocation of specific types of dog and cat foods that have been found to contain high levels of aflatoxin, a toxin produced by the Aspergillus flavus form that can cause diseases and possibly deaths in pets at high levels. While the FDA has said there have been no incidents involving humans or cats, eight dogs are sick and at least 28 have died after consuming some types of Sportmix pet food.
The FDA said there was no evidence to support the belief that pet owners who handle the toxic food are at risk of getting sick – pets get sick by eating the food over time – but the agency added that they should normally be mindful of laundry. their hands after handling pet food anyway.
This week, four lots of Sportmix dog foods and two extra Sportmix cat foods were recalled. The codes for pet food that are toxic are as follows:
- 50 # Sportmix Energy Plus Baie Exp 03/02/22/05 / L2, 03/02/22/05 / L3, 03/03/22/05 / L2
- 44 # Sportmix Energy Plus Baie 03/02/22/05 / L3
- 50 # Sportmix Premium High energy lot 03/03/22/05 / L3
- 44 # Sportmix Premium High energy lot 03/03/22/05 / L3
- 31 # Sportmix Original Cat Lots 03/03/22/05 / L3
- 15 # Sportmix Original Cat Lots 03/03/22/05 / L2, 03/03/22/05 / L3
The FDA said the situation was evolving, adding that it was continuing the activity at the place where the food was manufactured.
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Symptoms of aflatoxin poisoning include vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, loss of interest in food or yellowing of the eyes, gums or skin due to jaundice, although the agency said that it is possible for pets to suffer liver damage without showing unusual symptoms. . . The agency advises anyone who suspects their pet has been exposed to the toxic food to contact their veterinarian as soon as possible and suspect cases through the complaints portal.
Retailers are advised to take the specific food pots off the shelves, and pet owners are asked to remove the remaining lot-specific products they may have in a way that prevents access by pets, children or wildlife. In addition, pet food bowls and storage containers must be thoroughly cleaned and purified.