Dry pet foods products have been recalled by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration after 28 dogs have died. Eight dogs are sick and the FDA has asked pet owners to report in, if their dogs got sick. It believes the number of cases could expand.
Pets may suffer from symptoms including sluggishness, loss of appetite, vomiting and diarrhea. Some may exhibit a yellowish tint in their eyes and gums due to jaundice, which causes liver damage. Some pets may not show symptoms but still have liver damage.
Pet handlers are not likely to fall ill but need to follow precautions when handling pet food and maintain high hygiene standards. They must always wash their hands after they handle pet food as per the FDA.
As of now, nine total lots of Sportsmix Energy Plus manufactured by Midwestern Pet Food Inc., have been recalled by the company on December 30 as per FDA guidelines. There may be more recalls if necessary. These products have been distributed across the nation to stores as well as to online retailers.
The FDA said that it was sharing information as the recall was unfolding as potentially fatal levels of aflatoxin have been found in these dry mixes. The FDA is updating information as available in response to its mission “to protect human and animal health.”
This toxin is produced by a mold called Aspergillus flavus and can be found on grains including corn.
