NEWS

MARYLAND, USA: The US Food and Drug Administration is alerting pet owners and veterinary professionals about certain Sportmix pet food products manufactured by Midwestern

Pet Foods in their Oklahoma plant that may contain potentially fatal levels of aflatoxins.

Midwestern Pet Foods has expanded the recall to include additional products that contain corn and were made in their Oklahoma manufacturing plant.

As of 11 Jan 2021, FDA reported that more than 70 pets have died and more than 80 pets were stricken. Aflatoxins are toxins produced by the mould Aspergillus flavus, which can grow on corn and other grains used as ingredients in pet food.

Pets experiencing aflatoxin poisoning may have symptoms such as sluggishness, loss of appetite, vomiting, jaundice (yellowish tint to the eyes or gums due to liver damage), and/or diarrhoea. In severe cases, this toxicity can be fatal. In some cases, pets may suffer liver damage but not show any symptoms.

Pet owners should stop feeding their pets the recalled products listed below and consult their veterinarian, especially if the pet is showing signs of illness.

Symptoms to look out for include: sluggishness, loss of appetite, vomiting, jaundice (yellowish tint to the eyes, gums or skin due to liver damage), and/or diarrhoea. Some pets suffer liver damage without showing any symptoms. Pet owners whose pets have been eating the recalled products should contact their veterinarians.

There is no evidence to suggest that pet owners who handle products containing aflatoxin are at risk of aflatoxin poisoning. However, pet owners should always wash their hands after handling pet food.