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The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced in an updated notice on Monday that Midwestern Pet Foods has expanded the recall of certain pet food products due to the potentially lethal levels of aflatoxin after more than 70 dogs died and 80 due to consumption of the product.
The company is now recalling all pet food products containing corn produced in the Oklahoma manufacturing plant and having an expiration date on or before July 9, 2022. This includes 19 products that are “still on store shelves, online or in pet owners’ homes,” according the FDA.
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Aflatoxin is a by-product of mold that has the ability to grow on corn and other grains, commonly used as ingredients in pet food. At very high levels, ‘aflatoxins can cause disease and death in pets,’ the FDA said.
Midwestern initially issued a recall of nine different Sportmix dry cat and dog foods last month after the Missouri Department of Agriculture discovered ‘very high levels’ of the toxin in several samples at the company’s Oklahoma plant.
The voluntary recall was started after the FDA received reports that at least 28 dogs had died and eight were ill after consuming the pet food.
However, not all of these cases have been officially confirmed as aflatoxin poisoning, the FDA said.
The agency and Midwestern Pet Foods are appealing to pet owners to dispose of the products safely due to toxins, which according to the agency can occur even if the form is not visible.
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Pets poisoned by the toxin may look sluggish and lose their appetite. They may also experience vomiting, jaundice (yellow tint in the eyes or gums due to liver damage) and / or diarrhea, the FDA said. In some cases, pets can also suffer from liver damage without first showing symptoms.
Unlike humans, according to the FDA, pets are “very susceptible” to aflatoxin poisoning because they generally eat the same food.
“If a pet’s food contains aflatoxin, the toxin can accumulate in the pet’s system as they continue to eat the same food,” the FDA said.
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Midwestern also appeals to customers to wash and disinfect pet bowls and areas where food is stored. The company also encourages retailers to contact customers who have purchased the products in question.
Pet owners should also consult their veterinarians about any problems, especially if their pet is showing symptoms, the FDA said.
To date, the FDA says there is no evidence that handling food poses any risk to pet owners, although they are encouraged to wash their hands after contact.
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The investigation into the case continues. The FDA will continue to work with veterinarians and state partners to follow up on suspected cases of aflatoxin poisoning and plans to carry out follow-up activities at the manufacturing facility.
The agency will update the public when more information is available.
Midwestern Pet Foods did not immediately respond to FOX Business’ request for comment.