More than two dozen dogs have died after ingesting specific batches of Sportmix pet food that potentially contained deadly levels of aflatoxin, the Food and Drug Administration said this week.
Midwestern Pet Foods, the Indiana-based Sportmix maker, has released a voluntary withdrawal specific types of dog and cat food that were found to have high levels of aflatoxin, a toxin produced by the Aspergillus flavus mold that at high levels can cause disease and potentially death in pets. Although the FDA said no human or cat-related incidents had yet been reported, eight dogs were sick and at least 28 had died after ingesting some type of Sportmix pet food.
The FDA said there is no evidence to support the notion that pet owners who handle toxic foods are at risk for disease (pets are sick from eating them over time), but the agency added that they should normally consider washing. anyway after handling pet food.
As of this week, four batches of Sportmix dog food and two additional batches of Sportmix cat food had been recalled. The codes for pet foods that are considered toxic are as follows:
- 50 # Lots Sportmix Energy Plus Exp 03/02/02 / 05 / L2, 03/02/22/05 / L3, 03/03/22/05 / L2
- 44 # Sportmix Energy Plus Lots 03/02/22/05 / L3
- 50 # Lots of high energy Premium Sportmix 03/03/22/05 / L3
- 44 # Lots of high energy Premium Sportmix 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 “is developing,” adding that it continues its activity at the site where the food was made.
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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 as a result of jaundice, although the agency said it is possible that the pets can suffer liver damage without showing unusual symptoms. . The agency advises anyone who suspects that their pet has been exposed to toxic foods to contact their veterinarian as soon as possible and to report suspicious cases to the FDA through their complaints portal.
Retailers are encouraged to remove specific batches of food from shelves and pet owners are asked to remove any remaining batch-specific products they may have at home in a manner that prevents access by pets, children or wild animals. In addition, pet food bowls and storage containers should be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized.