A pet food company is recalling several types of its Sportmix-brand dry foods for dogs and cats after 28 dogs died and eight others fell ill, possibly from ingesting fatal levels of a toxin that is produced by mold.
The company, Midwestern Pet Foods Inc. of Evansville, Ind., announced the voluntary recall on Wednesday of some of its Sportmix products distributed nationally online and in retail stores after tests showed that levels of the toxin, aflatoxin, exceeded acceptable limits.
Aflatoxin is produced by the mold Aspergillus flavus, which can grow on corn and grains that are used as ingredients in pet food, the F.D.A.
At high levels, the toxin can cause pets to become ill or die, or cause liver damage without symptoms, the department said.
“If a pet’s food contains aflatoxin, the toxin could accumulate in the pet’s system as they continue to eat the same food.”
Persons:
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Organizations:
Midwestern Pet Foods Inc
Locations:
Evansville, Ind