FDA Recalls Potentially Fatal Dog Food

The Food and Drug Administration recalled certain lots of Sportmix pet food due to potentially fatal levels of Aflatoxin. Aflatoxins are poisonous carcinogens that are produced by certain molds which grown in soil, on corn and on other grains.

Sportmix is a product of Midwestern Pet Food, Inc. and, along with the FDA, have voluntarily recalled to products at issue. Here are the products currently recalled:

• 50# Sportmix Energy Plus
• 44# Sportmix Energy Plus
• 50# Sportmix Premium High Energy
• 44# Sportmix Premium High Energy
• 31# Sportmix Original Cat
• 15# Sportmix Original Cat

There are a total of 9 lots of Sportmix products recalled so far. For a detailed list of products and specific "Lot Codes" click HERE. These products were distributed nationally to online distributors and retail stores. This means these products may have been purchased here in the Capital Region.

There have been reports of illnesses and nearly 30 deaths in dogs associated with Sportmix High Energy. No cat or human illnesses have been reported at the time of this writing.

According to the FDA if your pet is experiencing symptoms such as sluggishness, loss of appetite, vomiting, jaundice (yellowish tint to the eyes or gums due to liver damage), and/or diarrhea you should see your veterinarian as soon as possible. In severe cases, this toxicity can be fatal. In some cases, pets may suffer liver damage but not show any symptoms. Pet owners should remove the food and make sure no other animals have access to the recalled product.

Veterinarians that suspect Aflatoxin poisoning in their patients are encouraged to report the cases through the Safety Reporting Portal or call the New York Consumer Complaint Coordinator at 866-446-9055.

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