More than two dozen dogs have died after ingesting specific batches of Sportmix pet foods that contained potential deadly levels of aflatoxin, the Food and Drug Administration said this week.
Midwestern Pet Foods, the Indiana-based maker of Sportmix, has a voluntary recall specific types of dog and cat foods found to contain high levels of aflatoxin, a toxin produced by the Aspergillus flavus fungus that can cause disease and possibly death in pets at high levels. Although the FDA said no incidents involving humans or cats had yet been reported, eight dogs were sick and at least 28 died after ingesting some types of Sportmix pet foods.
The FDA said there isn’t any evidence to support the idea that pet owners who handle the toxic food are at risk of getting sick – pets get sick from eating the food over time – but the agency added add that they should normally be careful with washing their hands after handling pet food.
As of this week, four batches of Sportmix dog food and two extra batches of Sportmix cat food have been recalled. The codes for pet food that have been found to be toxic are as follows:
- 50 # Sportmix Energy Plus Lot Exp 03/02/22/05 / L2, 03/02/22/05 / L3, 03/03/22/05 / L2
- 44 # Sportmix Energy Plus Lot 03/02/22/05 / L3
- 50 # Sportmix Premium High Energy Lots 03/03/22/05 / L3
- 44 # Sportmix Premium High Energy Lots 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 “evolving,” adding that it is continuing its operations where the food was manufactured.
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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 due to jaundice, although the agency said it is possible that pets can sustain liver damage without any unusual symptoms to show. . The agency advises anyone who suspects their pet has been exposed to the toxic food to contact their vet as soon as possible and to report suspected cases to the FDA through the FDA. complaints portal.
Retailers are advised to remove the specific food lots from the shelves, and pet owners are asked to dispose of any remaining lot-specific products they have in their home in a way that prevents access by pets, children or wildlife. In addition, pet food bowls and storage containers must be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized.