- Pet food from Midwestern Pet Company is voluntarily recalled.
- 70 dogs were reportedly killed, and more than 80 became ill.
- The food has been found to contain dangerous levels of aflatoxins produced by mold.
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The FDA warns veterinarians and animal owners that Sportmix pet food from Midwestern Pet Foods can be toxic.
The dog food can contain dangerous aflatoxins, a toxin that is caused by certain types of mold. So far, 70 dogs have died and more than 80 have become ill after eating Sportmix food, although not all cases of aflatoxins.
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Midwestern Pet Foods has issued a voluntary recall of food produced at the Oklahoma plant, and owners must immediately stop feeding pet food and consult a veterinarian. They can also report cases of aflatoxin poisoning to the FDA, which investigates Midwestern Pet Foods in collaboration with departments of agriculture in ten countries.
According to the FDA, aflatoxin poisoning can ’cause inertia, loss of appetite, vomiting, jaundice (yellow tint on the eyes, gums or skin due to liver damage) and / or diarrhea’. It can also cause long-term liver damage and death. No diseases have been reported in cats or humans, reports The New York Times, although people are advised to wash their hands after handling.
The pet food business first issued a voluntary recall in December when tests showed high levels of aflatoxin. On January 11, Midwestern Pet Foods is expanding its recall to other products, and the full list can be found on the FDA’s website.
“As a fourth generation family business, Midwestern Pet Foods is committed to ensuring that our products are safe and nutritious for almost 100 years. Until recently, during our long history, we have never recalled a product,” the company said in a statement. “We are continuing a thorough review of our facilities and practices in full cooperation with the FDA in an effort to better serve our customers and parents for pets who place their trust in us.”
MPF listed the codes of all the relevant pet foods here.