Recall Expanded On Potentially Deadly Pet Food

At the beginning of January I reported on the recall of certain lots of Sportmix pet food. The Food and Drug Administration enacted the recall due to potentially fatal levels of Aflatoxin, which are poisonous carcinogens that are produced by certain molds which grown in soil, on corn and on other grains. Within the last 24 hours that recall has been expanded.

In an updated statement the FDA states "The U.S. Food and Drug Administration, in cooperation with the state departments of agriculture for Missouri, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oregon, Texas and Washington, is investigating certain Sportmix pet food products manufactured by Midwestern Pet Foods, Inc. that may contain potentially fatal level of aflatoxins."

In early January, Midwestern Pet Food, Inc. voluntarily recalled these lots of Sportmix pet food: Here are the products originally 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

Here is the EXPANDED LIST.

By December, 2020 the FDA was aware of 28 deaths and eight illnesses in dogs that ate the recalled product. By January 11, 2021 the FDA is aware of more that 70 deaths and 80 illnesses.

These products were distributed nationally to online distributors and retail stores. This means these products may have been purchased here in the Capital Region. 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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