The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has recalled certain varieties of Sportmix pet foods due to toxic levels of aflatoxin. Regulators said Wednesday they are aware of at least 28 dogs that have died from the toxic mold and at least eight that have been sick.
Alfatoxin is produced through a mold that can grow on corn and other grains used as ingredients in pet food. The Missouri Department of Agriculture tested samples of Sportmix varieties and found very high levels of toxin.
Symptoms of alphatoxin poisoning in pets include slowness, loss of appetite, vomiting, jaundice, and / or diarrhea. It is recommended that you call your veterinarian for people with pets who have consumed Sportmix products, especially if your pets have symptoms.
According to the FDA, there is no evidence that humans who handle food are at risk for alphatoxin poisoning. For more information on the withdrawal, click here.
In October, pet food company Sunshine Mills Inc. “target =” _ blank “rel =” noopener “> expanded its recall of products that may contain high levels of alfatoxin.