Samples of the products contain ‘very high levels’ of aflatoxin, the FDA said.
Several pet food products have been recalled after 28 dogs died, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced Wednesday.
Three brands of Sportmix products for dogs and cats manufactured by Midwestern Pet Foods could contain lethal levels of the toxin aflatoxin, according to the FDA.
The FDA said it was aware of at least 28 deaths and eight illnesses in dogs that ate the pet food.
The Missouri Department of Agriculture has tested several samples of the food and found ‘very high levels’ of aflatoxin, which is produced by a mold that can grow on wheat and other grains used in pet food, the FDA said.
Midwestern Pet Foods has committed to launching nine many Sportmix products, the FDA said. The FDA and the Missouri Department of Agriculture are working to determine if any other action should be revoked.
The lot code, which begins with the letters “Exp”, is located on the back of the bag.
On December 30, the recalled products are:
Sportmix Energy Plus
Bag of £ 50:
Exp 03/02/22/05 / L2
Exp 03/02/22/05 / L3
Exp 03/03/22/05 / L2
Bag of £ 7:
Exp 03/02/22/05 / L3
Sportmix Premium high energy
Bag of £ 50:
Exp 03/03/22/05 / L3
Bag of £ 7:
Exp 03/03/22/05 / L3
Sportmix Original Cat
31 lb bag:
Exp 03/03/22/05 / L3
15 lb bag:
Exp 03/03/22/05 / L2
Exp 03/03/22/05 / L3
The products are distributed nationwide to online retailers and stores, the FDA said.
Pet owners who have the recalled products should contact the company for further instructions or dispose of the products so that children, pets and wild animals do not have access to them.
Signs of aflatoxin poisoning include lethargy, loss of appetite, vomiting, jaundice and diarrhea. There is no evidence that pet owners handling the products are at risk of aflatoxin poisoning, the FDA said.
If your pet has symptoms of aflatoxin poisoning, contact a veterinarian immediately.