Midwestern Pet Foods Expands Recall After More Than 70 Dogs Die, FDA Says

Midwestern Pet Foods has expanded its recall of certain pet food products due to potentially fatal levels of aflatoxin after the deaths of more than 70 dogs and 80 were sickened by the consumption of the product, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in an updated advisory.

The company is now recalling all corn-containing animal feed products that were manufactured at its manufacturing facility in Oklahoma and that have an expiration date on or before July 9, 2022. This includes 19 products that “may still be found. on store shelves, online or in the homes of pet owners, ”according to the FDA.

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Aflatoxin is a mold byproduct that has the ability to grow on corn and other grains, which are commonly used as ingredients in pet foods. At very high levels, “Aflatoxins can cause illness and death in pets,” the FDA said.

The Midwest initially recalled nine different lots of Sportmix dry food for cats and dogs last month after the Missouri Department of Agriculture found “very high levels” of the toxin in several samples at the plant. the company in Oklahoma.

The voluntary recall was initiated after the FDA received reports that at least 28 dogs died and eight were sick after consuming the recalled pet food.

However, not all of these cases have been officially confirmed as aflatoxin poisoning, the FDA said.

Still, the agency and Midwestern Pet Foods are urging pet owners to safely throw away products because of the toxin, which may be present even if mold isn’t visible, according to the agency.

PET FOOD RECALLED FOLLOWING 28 DOGS DEATH, Says FDA

Animals that have been poisoned by the toxin may appear sluggish and have a loss of appetite. They may also suffer from vomiting, jaundice (yellowish tinge to the eyes or gums due to liver damage) and / or diarrhea, the FDA said. In some cases, animals can also suffer from liver damage without even showing any symptoms.

Unlike humans, animals are “very sensitive” to aflatoxin poisoning because they generally eat the same food, according to the FDA.

“If an animal’s food contains aflatoxin, the toxin could build up in the animal’s system as it continues to eat the same food,” the FDA said.

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The Midwest is also urging customers to wash and sanitize pet bowls and areas where food has been stored. The company also encourages retailers to contact customers who have purchased the affected products.

Pet owners should also see their vets if there’s a problem, especially if their pet is showing symptoms, the FDA said.

To date, the FDA says there is no evidence showing that handling food poses a risk to pet owners, although they are encouraged to wash their hands after contact.

RECALL OF FOOD FOR DOGS ABOVE HIGH LEVELS OF MOLD IS GROWING

The investigation into the case is ongoing. The FDA will continue to work with veterinarians and state partners to track suspected cases of aflatoxin poisoning and plans to conduct follow-up activities at the manufacturing facility.

The agency will notify the public when more information becomes available.

Midwestern Pet Foods did not immediately respond to FOX Business’s request for comment.