The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has recalled certain variants of Sportmix pet foods due to toxic levels of aflatoxin. Regulators said Wednesday they are aware of at least 28 dogs who have died as a result of the poisonous fungus and at least eight who fell ill.
Alpha toxin is produced by a fungus that can grow on corn and other grains used as an ingredient in pet food. The Missouri Department of Agriculture has tested samples of Sportmix varieties and found very high levels of the toxin.
Symptoms of alpha toxin poisoning in pets include sluggishness, loss of appetite, vomiting, jaundice and / or diarrhea. Those whose pets have eaten Sportmix products are advised to call their veterinarian, especially if their pets show symptoms.
According to the FDA, there is no evidence that people handling the food are at risk for alpha toxin poisoning. Click here for more information about the recall.
In October, pet food company Sunshine Mills Inc “target =” _ blank “rel =” noopener “> expanded its recall for products that may contain high levels of alpha toxin.