Samples of the products contained “very high levels” of aflatoxin, the FDA said.
Several pet food products were collected after the deaths of 28 dogs, the US Food and Drug Administration announced on Wednesday.
Three brands of Sportmix products for dogs and cats manufactured by Midwestern Pet Foods may contain potentially fatal levels of the aflatoxin toxin, according to the FDA.
The FDA said it was aware of at least 28 deaths and eight illnesses in dogs that ate the collected feed.
The Missouri Department of Agriculture tested several samples of the food and found “very high levels” of aflatoxin, which is produced by a fungus that can grow on corn and other grains used in feed, the FDA said.
Midwestern Pet Foods has committed to recall nine batches of Sportmix products, the FDA said. The FDA and the Missouri Department of Agriculture are working to determine whether any others should be withdrawn.
The lot code, which begins with the letters “Exp”, is located on the back of the bag.
On December 30, the products collected are:
Sportmix Energy Plus
50 pound bag:
Exp. 2/3/22/05 / L2
Exp. 2/3/22/05 / L3
Exp. 03/03/22/05 / L2
44 pound bag:
Exp 03/02/22/05 / L3
High Energy Premium Sportmix
50 pound bag:
Exp. 03/03/22/05 / L3
44 pound bag:
Exp. 03/03/22/05 / L3
Sportmix Original Cat
31 pound bag:
Exp. 03/03/22/05 / L3
15 pound bag:
Exp. 03/03/22/05 / L2
Exp. 03/03/22/05 / L3
The products were distributed to online retailers and stores across the country, the FDA said.
Pet owners who have the products collected should contact the company for further instructions or to dispose of the products so that children, pets and wild animals cannot access them.
Signs of aflatoxin poisoning include sluggishness, loss of appetite, vomiting, jaundice and diarrhea. There is no evidence that pet owners who handle the products are at risk of aflatoxin poisoning, the FDA said.
If your pet shows symptoms of aflatoxin poisoning, contact a veterinarian immediately.