More than two dozen dogs have died after ingesting specific batches of Sportmix pet food that contained potential lethal levels of aflatoxin, the Food and Drug Administration said this week.
Midwestern Pet Foods, the maker of Sportmix in Indiana, issued a voluntary withdrawal specific types of food for dogs and cats that have been shown to contain high levels of aflatoxin, a toxin produced by Aspergillus flavus mold that at high levels can cause disease and potential death in pets. While the FDA said no incidents involving humans or cats have been reported, eight dogs were sick and at least 28 died after ingesting some Sportmix pet food.
The FDA said there was no evidence to support the idea that pet owners dealing with toxic foods risk getting sick – pets get sick by eating food over time – but the agency added that they should normally be careful when washing their hands after handling pet food anyway.
As of this week, four batches of Sportmix dog food and two additional batches of Sportmix cat food had been recalled. The pet food codes considered toxic are the following:
- 50 # Sportmix Energy Plus Lots Exp 03/02/22/05 / L2, 03/02/22/05 / L3, 03/03/22/05 / L2
- 44 # Sportmix Energy Plus Lots 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 Lots 03/03/22/05 / L3
- 15 # Sportmix Original Loturi 03/03/22/05 / L2, 03/03/22/05 / L3
The FDA said the situation was “developing”, adding that it was continuing to operate 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 pets may suffer liver damage without unusual symptoms. . The agency advises anyone who suspects that the pet has been exposed to toxic food to contact their veterinarian as soon as possible and to report suspicious cases to the FDA through complaints portal.
Retailers are advised to remove specific batches of food from the shelves and pet owners are asked to dispose of any remaining specific products they may have in their homes in a way that prevents pets from accessing, children or wildlife. In addition, any pet food bowls and storage containers must be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized.