5 years ago

Sportmix Pet Food Issues Recall

The Food & Drug Administration (FDA) published a notice from Midwestern Pet Foods, Inc. after the company recalled dog and cat food products due to high levels of Aflatoxins. The brand name of the pet food is Sportmix.

Source: CBS New York/YouTube

The New York Times reported that 28 dogs had died and eight got sick, with a link to the food. Aflatoxin comes from a mold that can grow on corn and grains, common pet food ingredients. The toxin can cause illness or death, and can cause liver damage.

“Pets are highly susceptible to aflatoxin poisoning because, unlike people, who eat a varied diet, pets generally eat the same food continuously over extended periods of time,” per the FDA. “If a pet’s food contains aflatoxin, the toxin could accumulate in the pet’s system as they continue to eat the same food.”

According to the FDA, “If your pet shows signs of aflatoxin poisoning including sluggishness, loss of appetite, vomiting jaundice (yellowish tint to the eyes, gums, or skin due to liver damage), and/or diarrhea, contact a veterinarian immediately. Provide a full diet history to your veterinarian. It may be helpful to take a picture of the pet food label, including the lot number.”

The agency also recommended that people wash and sanitize pet food bowls, as well as wash their own hands after handling pet food.

You can read more about the recall here. Read more about pet food in One Green Planet, including a review of commercial pet food and “lab-cultured” pet food.