FDA Cautions Pet Owners Not to Feed Texas Tripe Inc. Raw Pet Food Due to Salmonella, Listeria monocytogenes
August 14, 2019
PLEASE NOTE:
The recalled Texas Tripe Inc. products are sold frozen in 20-pound and 40-pound cases. These cases contain multiple plastic pouches. Lot codes to help identify recalled product are printed on the outside of the cases, but the lot codes are not printed on the individual sealed plastic pouches, also known as chubs. Therefore, if the case has been discarded, there are no unique identification numbers on the individual chubs that allow customers to determine that they possess the recalled products.
If you have any of the product varieties listed (included in link below) and cannot determine whether it is affected by the recall, FDA recommends that you exercise caution and throw the product away.
* The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is cautioning pet owners not to feed their pets certain lots of Texas Tripe Inc. raw pet food after samples from some of these lots tested positive for Salmonella and/or Listeria monocytogenes (L. mono).
* Texas Tripe Inc. has recalled 35 lots for each of 23 product varieties. A list can be found under “What products are involved?”
* If you have any of the recalled Texas Tripe Inc products, throw them away.
* FDA is issuing this alert because these lots of Texas Tripe Inc. raw pet food represent a serious threat to human and animal health. Because these products are sold and stored frozen, FDA is concerned that people may still have them in their possession.
* Salmonella and L. mono can affect both human and animal health. People with symptoms of Salmonella and L. mono infection should consult their health care providers. Consult a veterinarian if your pet has symptoms of Salmonella or L. mono infection.
CONTINUE READING FOR MORE INFORMATION ...
https://www.fda.gov/animal-veterinary/n ... ocytogenes
ALL POSTS RE: PET FOOD RECALLS GO HERE IN THIS THREAD
Re: ALL POSTS RE: PET FOOD RECALLS GO HERE IN THIS THREAD
..........Traci
Re: ALL POSTS RE: PET FOOD RECALLS GO HERE IN THIS THREAD
FDA Cautions Pet Owners Not to Feed Certain Lots of Aunt Jeni’s Home Made Frozen Raw Pet Food Due to Salmonella, Listeria monocytogenes
August 30, 2019 -
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is cautioning pet owners not to feed their pets certain lots of Aunt Jeni’s Home Made frozen raw pet food after samples from some of these lots tested positive for Salmonella and/or Listeria monocytogenes (L. mono).
Two samples of finished product collected during an inspection of Aunt Jeni’s Home Made tested positive for Salmonella, and/or L. mono. The products are: Aunt Jeni’s Home Made, Turkey Dinner Dog Food, 5 lb (2.3kg), lot 175199 JUL2020, and Aunt Jeni’s Home Made, Chicken Dinner Dog Food, 5 lb (2.3kg), lot 1152013 JUL2020.
If you have any of the affected Aunt Jeni’s Home Made products, throw them away.
FDA is issuing this alert because these lots of Aunt Jeni’s Home Made frozen raw pet food represent a serious threat to human and animal health. Because these products are sold and stored frozen, FDA is concerned that people may still have them in their possession.
Salmonella and L. mono can affect both human and animal health. People with symptoms of Salmonella or L. mono infection should consult their health care providers. Consult a veterinarian if your pet has symptoms of Salmonella or L. mono infection.
Please read more from the FDA/CVM's alert:
https://www.fda.gov/animal-veterinary/n ... t-food-due
August 30, 2019 -
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is cautioning pet owners not to feed their pets certain lots of Aunt Jeni’s Home Made frozen raw pet food after samples from some of these lots tested positive for Salmonella and/or Listeria monocytogenes (L. mono).
Two samples of finished product collected during an inspection of Aunt Jeni’s Home Made tested positive for Salmonella, and/or L. mono. The products are: Aunt Jeni’s Home Made, Turkey Dinner Dog Food, 5 lb (2.3kg), lot 175199 JUL2020, and Aunt Jeni’s Home Made, Chicken Dinner Dog Food, 5 lb (2.3kg), lot 1152013 JUL2020.
If you have any of the affected Aunt Jeni’s Home Made products, throw them away.
FDA is issuing this alert because these lots of Aunt Jeni’s Home Made frozen raw pet food represent a serious threat to human and animal health. Because these products are sold and stored frozen, FDA is concerned that people may still have them in their possession.
Salmonella and L. mono can affect both human and animal health. People with symptoms of Salmonella or L. mono infection should consult their health care providers. Consult a veterinarian if your pet has symptoms of Salmonella or L. mono infection.
Please read more from the FDA/CVM's alert:
https://www.fda.gov/animal-veterinary/n ... t-food-due
..........Traci
Re: ALL POSTS RE: PET FOOD RECALLS GO HERE IN THIS THREAD
FDA Cautions Pet Owners Not to Feed Performance Dog Raw Pet Food Due to Salmonella, Listeria monocytogenes
September 26, 2019 -
* The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is cautioning pet owners not to feed their pets any Performance Dog frozen raw pet food after a sample tested positive for Salmonella and Listeria monocytogenes (L. mono).
* Two samples of different finished products collected during an inspection of Bravo Packing, Inc., the manufacturer of Performance Dog raw pet food, tested positive for Salmonella and/or L. mono. One of the products sampled had not yet been distributed.
* The product that entered the marketplace is Performance Dog raw pet food, lot code 072219, sold to customers frozen in two-pound pouches. However, the FDA is cautioning about all Performance Dog frozen raw pet food produced on or after July 22, 2019 because the products do not have lot codes printed on retail packaging. If you have any Performance Dog product that you purchased after July 22, 2019, throw it away.
* FDA is issuing this alert because Performance Dog raw pet food represents a serious threat to human and animal health. Because these products are sold and stored frozen, FDA is concerned that people may still have them in their possession.
* Salmonella and L. mono can affect both human and animal health. People with symptoms of Salmonella or L. mono infection should consult their health care providers. Consult a veterinarian if your pet has symptoms of Salmonella or L. mono infection.
This is the second time Bravo Packing, Inc. product has tested positive for pathogen contamination. In September 2018, Bravo Packing, Inc. recalled all Performance Dog frozen raw pet food due to Salmonella. Also, during a 2016 inspection, the FDA collected samples of Bravo Packing, Inc. horse meat chunk animal food that tested positive for the drugs pentobarbital and phenytoin.
Continue reading for more information:
https://www.fda.gov/animal-veterinary/n ... ocytogenes
September 26, 2019 -
* The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is cautioning pet owners not to feed their pets any Performance Dog frozen raw pet food after a sample tested positive for Salmonella and Listeria monocytogenes (L. mono).
* Two samples of different finished products collected during an inspection of Bravo Packing, Inc., the manufacturer of Performance Dog raw pet food, tested positive for Salmonella and/or L. mono. One of the products sampled had not yet been distributed.
* The product that entered the marketplace is Performance Dog raw pet food, lot code 072219, sold to customers frozen in two-pound pouches. However, the FDA is cautioning about all Performance Dog frozen raw pet food produced on or after July 22, 2019 because the products do not have lot codes printed on retail packaging. If you have any Performance Dog product that you purchased after July 22, 2019, throw it away.
* FDA is issuing this alert because Performance Dog raw pet food represents a serious threat to human and animal health. Because these products are sold and stored frozen, FDA is concerned that people may still have them in their possession.
* Salmonella and L. mono can affect both human and animal health. People with symptoms of Salmonella or L. mono infection should consult their health care providers. Consult a veterinarian if your pet has symptoms of Salmonella or L. mono infection.
This is the second time Bravo Packing, Inc. product has tested positive for pathogen contamination. In September 2018, Bravo Packing, Inc. recalled all Performance Dog frozen raw pet food due to Salmonella. Also, during a 2016 inspection, the FDA collected samples of Bravo Packing, Inc. horse meat chunk animal food that tested positive for the drugs pentobarbital and phenytoin.
Continue reading for more information:
https://www.fda.gov/animal-veterinary/n ... ocytogenes
..........Traci
Re: ALL POSTS RE: PET FOOD RECALLS GO HERE IN THIS THREAD
FDA Cautions Pet Owners Not to Feed One Lot of Aunt Jeni’s Home Made Frozen Raw Pet Food Due to Salmonella
February 14, 2020
- The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is cautioning pet owners not to feed their pets one lot of Aunt Jeni’s Home Made frozen raw pet food after a sample collected from a store in the District of Columbia tested positive for Salmonella.
- The product is Aunt Jeni’s Home Made All-Natural Raw Turkey Dinner Dog Food, 5 lb. (2.3 kg), lot 175331 NOV2020.
- If you have any of the affected Aunt Jeni’s Home Made product, stop feeding it to your pet, throw it away, and sanitize surfaces that may have come in contact with the product.
- FDA is issuing this alert because this lot of Aunt Jeni’s Home Made frozen raw pet food represents a serious threat to human and animal health. Because the product is sold and stored frozen, FDA is concerned that people may still have it in their possession.
- Salmonella can affect both human and animal health. People with symptoms of Salmonella infection should consult their health care providers. Consult a veterinarian if your pet has symptoms of Salmonella infection.
MORE INFORMATION HERE:
https://www.fda.gov/animal-veterinary/n ... salmonella
February 14, 2020
- The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is cautioning pet owners not to feed their pets one lot of Aunt Jeni’s Home Made frozen raw pet food after a sample collected from a store in the District of Columbia tested positive for Salmonella.
- The product is Aunt Jeni’s Home Made All-Natural Raw Turkey Dinner Dog Food, 5 lb. (2.3 kg), lot 175331 NOV2020.
- If you have any of the affected Aunt Jeni’s Home Made product, stop feeding it to your pet, throw it away, and sanitize surfaces that may have come in contact with the product.
- FDA is issuing this alert because this lot of Aunt Jeni’s Home Made frozen raw pet food represents a serious threat to human and animal health. Because the product is sold and stored frozen, FDA is concerned that people may still have it in their possession.
- Salmonella can affect both human and animal health. People with symptoms of Salmonella infection should consult their health care providers. Consult a veterinarian if your pet has symptoms of Salmonella infection.
MORE INFORMATION HERE:
https://www.fda.gov/animal-veterinary/n ... salmonella
..........Traci
Re: ALL POSTS RE: PET FOOD RECALLS GO HERE IN THIS THREAD
Sunshine Mills, Inc. Issues Voluntary Recall of Nature’s Menu® Super Premium Dog Food with a Blend of Real Chicken & Quail Because of Possible Salmonella Health Risk
August 24, 2020
Sunshine Mills, Inc. is issuing a voluntary recall of Nature’s Menu® Super Premium Dog Food with a Blend of Real Chicken & Quail because of the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella. Salmonella can affect animals eating the products and there is risk to humans from handling contaminated products, especially if they have not thoroughly washed their hands after having contact with the products or any surfaces exposed to these products.
Healthy people infected with Salmonella should monitor themselves for some or all of the following symptoms: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramping and fever. Rarely, Salmonella can result in more serious ailments, including arterial infections, endocarditis, arthritis, muscle pain, eye irritation, and urinary tract symptoms. Consumers exhibiting these signs after having contact with this product should contact their healthcare providers.
Pets with Salmonella infections may be lethargic and have diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever, and vomiting. Some pets will have only decreased appetite, fever and abdominal pain. Infected but otherwise healthy pets can be carriers and infect other animals or humans. If your pet has consumed the recalled product and has these symptoms, please contact your veterinarian.
The recalled products were distributed in retail stores nationally and can be identified with the following UPC 7015514363 and UPC 7015514365
The product comes in a 3-pound bag with the following lot codes:
TE1 20/April /2020, TE1 21/April/2020, TE1 22/April/2020, TE2 20/April /2020, TE2 21/April/2020,
TE2 22/April/2020, TE3 20/April/2020, TE3 21/April/2020, TE3 22/April/2020.
The product comes in a 13.5-pound bag with the following lot codes:
TB1 20/April /2020, TB1 21/April/2020, TB1 22/April/2020, TB2 20/April /2020, TB2 21/April/2020,
TB2 22/April/2020, TB3 20/April/2020, TB3 21/April/2020, TB3 22/April/2020..
There are no other Nature’s Menu® products or other lot codes of the Nature’s Menu® Super Premium Dog Food with a Blend of Real Chicken & Quail affected by this precautionary recall.
No illnesses, injuries or complaints have been reported to date.
The potential for contamination was noted after the firm was notified by the Georgia Department of Agriculture when a sample of a single 3-pound bag of the product was collected and tested positive for Salmonella. The firm conducted testing of multiple samples of the same lot which all tested negative for Salmonella. Salmonellamay not be evenly distributed throughout a lot which is why it could have been found on one sample and not on multiple other samples of the same lot. However, out of an abundance of caution, Sunshine Mills, Inc. has chosen to issue a voluntary recall of the above-referenced lots of Nature’s Menu® Super Premium Dog Food with a Blend of Real Chicken & Quail in furtherance of its commitment to the safety and quality of its products.
Retailers who received the recalled lots have been contacted and asked to pull these lots from their inventory and shelves. Consumers who have purchased Nature’s Menu® Super Premium Dog Food with a Blend of Real Chicken & Quail from the recalled lots should discontinue use of the product and may return the unused portion to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers may contact Sunshine Mills, Inc. customer service at (800) 705-2111 from 7AM to 4PM Central Time, Monday through Friday, or by email at customer.service@sunshinemills.com for additional information.
This is a voluntary recall being conducted in cooperation with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
Company Contact Information
Sunshine Mills, Inc. Customer Service
(800) 705-2111
This announcement at FDA including product photos:
https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-mark ... al-chicken
August 24, 2020
Sunshine Mills, Inc. is issuing a voluntary recall of Nature’s Menu® Super Premium Dog Food with a Blend of Real Chicken & Quail because of the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella. Salmonella can affect animals eating the products and there is risk to humans from handling contaminated products, especially if they have not thoroughly washed their hands after having contact with the products or any surfaces exposed to these products.
Healthy people infected with Salmonella should monitor themselves for some or all of the following symptoms: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramping and fever. Rarely, Salmonella can result in more serious ailments, including arterial infections, endocarditis, arthritis, muscle pain, eye irritation, and urinary tract symptoms. Consumers exhibiting these signs after having contact with this product should contact their healthcare providers.
Pets with Salmonella infections may be lethargic and have diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever, and vomiting. Some pets will have only decreased appetite, fever and abdominal pain. Infected but otherwise healthy pets can be carriers and infect other animals or humans. If your pet has consumed the recalled product and has these symptoms, please contact your veterinarian.
The recalled products were distributed in retail stores nationally and can be identified with the following UPC 7015514363 and UPC 7015514365
The product comes in a 3-pound bag with the following lot codes:
TE1 20/April /2020, TE1 21/April/2020, TE1 22/April/2020, TE2 20/April /2020, TE2 21/April/2020,
TE2 22/April/2020, TE3 20/April/2020, TE3 21/April/2020, TE3 22/April/2020.
The product comes in a 13.5-pound bag with the following lot codes:
TB1 20/April /2020, TB1 21/April/2020, TB1 22/April/2020, TB2 20/April /2020, TB2 21/April/2020,
TB2 22/April/2020, TB3 20/April/2020, TB3 21/April/2020, TB3 22/April/2020..
There are no other Nature’s Menu® products or other lot codes of the Nature’s Menu® Super Premium Dog Food with a Blend of Real Chicken & Quail affected by this precautionary recall.
No illnesses, injuries or complaints have been reported to date.
The potential for contamination was noted after the firm was notified by the Georgia Department of Agriculture when a sample of a single 3-pound bag of the product was collected and tested positive for Salmonella. The firm conducted testing of multiple samples of the same lot which all tested negative for Salmonella. Salmonellamay not be evenly distributed throughout a lot which is why it could have been found on one sample and not on multiple other samples of the same lot. However, out of an abundance of caution, Sunshine Mills, Inc. has chosen to issue a voluntary recall of the above-referenced lots of Nature’s Menu® Super Premium Dog Food with a Blend of Real Chicken & Quail in furtherance of its commitment to the safety and quality of its products.
Retailers who received the recalled lots have been contacted and asked to pull these lots from their inventory and shelves. Consumers who have purchased Nature’s Menu® Super Premium Dog Food with a Blend of Real Chicken & Quail from the recalled lots should discontinue use of the product and may return the unused portion to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers may contact Sunshine Mills, Inc. customer service at (800) 705-2111 from 7AM to 4PM Central Time, Monday through Friday, or by email at customer.service@sunshinemills.com for additional information.
This is a voluntary recall being conducted in cooperation with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
Company Contact Information
Sunshine Mills, Inc. Customer Service
(800) 705-2111
This announcement at FDA including product photos:
https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-mark ... al-chicken
..........Traci
Re: ALL POSTS RE: PET FOOD RECALLS GO HERE IN THIS THREAD
Sunshine Mills, Inc. Issues Voluntary Recall of Certain Dog Food Products Due to Potentially Elevated Levels of Aflatoxin
September 2 2020
Company Announcement
Sunshine Mills, Inc. is issuing a voluntary recall of certain dog food products due to levels of Aflatoxin that are potentially above the acceptable limit. Aflatoxin is a naturally occurring mold by-product from the growth of Aspergillus flavus and can be harmful to pets if consumed in significant quantities.
The potential for aflatoxin levels above the acceptable limit in these products was discovered by routine sampling performed by the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry showing that a sample of a single 4-pound bag of one lot of the product contained elevated levels of aflatoxin. No illnesses have been reported in association with these products to date, and no other Sunshine Mills, Inc. pet food products are affected by this announcement.
While no adverse health effects related to these products have been reported, Sunshine Mills, Inc. has chosen to issue a voluntary recall of these products as a precautionary measure in furtherance of its commitment to the safety and quality of its products. Pets that have consumed any of the recalled products and exhibit symptoms of illness including sluggishness or lethargy combined with a reluctance to eat, vomiting, yellowish tint to the eyes or gums, or diarrhea should be seen by a veterinarian.
The affected products were distributed in retail stores nationally. Retailers who received the recalled lots have been contacted and asked to pull these lots from their inventory and shelves. There are no other Family Pet®, Heartland Farms®, or Paws Happy Life® products or other lot codes of these products affected by this precautionary recall.
Consumers who have purchased the recalled products should discontinue use of the product and may return the unused portion to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers may contact Sunshine Mills, Inc. Customer Service at (800) 705-2111 from 7AM to 4PM Central Time, Monday through Friday, or by email at customer.service@sunshinemills.com for additional information.
This is a voluntary recall being conducted in cooperation with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
Products affected by this announcement:
Product Name / Size / Lot Codes / UPC Code
FAMILY PET® MEATY CUTS BEEF CHICKEN & CHEESE FLAVORS PREMIUM DOG FOOD
4 lb.
TD3 4/APRIL/2020
TD1 5/APRIL/2020
3225120694
14 lb.
TB1 4/APRIL/2020
TB2 4/APRIL/2020
TB3 3/APRIL/2020
3225118078
28 lb.
TB3 3/APRIL/2020
3225120694
HEARTLAND FARMS® GRILLED FAVORITES BEEF CHICKEN & CHEESE FLAVOR
14 lb.
TB1 4/APRIL/2020
TB2 4/APRIL/2020
7015514299
31 lb.
TA2 4/APRIL/2020
TA3 4/APRIL/2020
7015514301
PAWS HAPPY LIFE® BUTCHER’S CHOICE DOG FOOD
16 lb.
TA1 4/APRIL/2020
TA2 4/APRIL/2020
3680035763
------------------
Company Contact Information
Consumers:
Sunshine Mills, Inc. Customer Service
(800) 705-2111
customer.service@sunshinemills.com
FDA Notice and Product Photos:
https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-mark ... ted-levels
September 2 2020
Company Announcement
Sunshine Mills, Inc. is issuing a voluntary recall of certain dog food products due to levels of Aflatoxin that are potentially above the acceptable limit. Aflatoxin is a naturally occurring mold by-product from the growth of Aspergillus flavus and can be harmful to pets if consumed in significant quantities.
The potential for aflatoxin levels above the acceptable limit in these products was discovered by routine sampling performed by the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry showing that a sample of a single 4-pound bag of one lot of the product contained elevated levels of aflatoxin. No illnesses have been reported in association with these products to date, and no other Sunshine Mills, Inc. pet food products are affected by this announcement.
While no adverse health effects related to these products have been reported, Sunshine Mills, Inc. has chosen to issue a voluntary recall of these products as a precautionary measure in furtherance of its commitment to the safety and quality of its products. Pets that have consumed any of the recalled products and exhibit symptoms of illness including sluggishness or lethargy combined with a reluctance to eat, vomiting, yellowish tint to the eyes or gums, or diarrhea should be seen by a veterinarian.
The affected products were distributed in retail stores nationally. Retailers who received the recalled lots have been contacted and asked to pull these lots from their inventory and shelves. There are no other Family Pet®, Heartland Farms®, or Paws Happy Life® products or other lot codes of these products affected by this precautionary recall.
Consumers who have purchased the recalled products should discontinue use of the product and may return the unused portion to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers may contact Sunshine Mills, Inc. Customer Service at (800) 705-2111 from 7AM to 4PM Central Time, Monday through Friday, or by email at customer.service@sunshinemills.com for additional information.
This is a voluntary recall being conducted in cooperation with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
Products affected by this announcement:
Product Name / Size / Lot Codes / UPC Code
FAMILY PET® MEATY CUTS BEEF CHICKEN & CHEESE FLAVORS PREMIUM DOG FOOD
4 lb.
TD3 4/APRIL/2020
TD1 5/APRIL/2020
3225120694
14 lb.
TB1 4/APRIL/2020
TB2 4/APRIL/2020
TB3 3/APRIL/2020
3225118078
28 lb.
TB3 3/APRIL/2020
3225120694
HEARTLAND FARMS® GRILLED FAVORITES BEEF CHICKEN & CHEESE FLAVOR
14 lb.
TB1 4/APRIL/2020
TB2 4/APRIL/2020
7015514299
31 lb.
TA2 4/APRIL/2020
TA3 4/APRIL/2020
7015514301
PAWS HAPPY LIFE® BUTCHER’S CHOICE DOG FOOD
16 lb.
TA1 4/APRIL/2020
TA2 4/APRIL/2020
3680035763
------------------
Company Contact Information
Consumers:
Sunshine Mills, Inc. Customer Service
(800) 705-2111
customer.service@sunshinemills.com
FDA Notice and Product Photos:
https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-mark ... ted-levels
..........Traci
Re: ALL POSTS RE: PET FOOD RECALLS GO HERE IN THIS THREAD
Real Pet Food Company of Phoenix, AZ Voluntarily Recalls One Lot of Billy+Margot Wild Kangaroo and Superfoods Recipe Dog Food in 4 lb Bags Because of a Possible Salmonella Health Risk (USA)
September 22, 2020
Real Pet Food Company is voluntarily recalling Billy+Margot Wild Kangaroo and Superfoods Recipe 4lb bags because it has the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella. Salmonella can affect animals eating the products and there is risk to humans from handling contaminated pet products.
While no illnesses have been reported, healthy people infected with Salmonella should monitor themselves for some or all of the following symptoms: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramping and fever. Rarely, Salmonella can result in more serious ailments, including arterial infections, endocarditis, arthritis, muscle pain, eye irritation, and urinary tract symptoms. Owners exhibiting any signs after having contact with this product should contact their healthcare provider.
Pets with Salmonella infections may be lethargic and have diarrhea, fever, vomiting and or abdominal pain. Infected but otherwise healthy pets can be carriers and infect other animals or humans. If your pet has consumed the recalled product and has these symptoms, please contact your veterinarian.
Retailers who have received product from the affected lot code have been asked to remove this product from shelves immediately and dispose of the product carefully.
If you have purchased Billy+Margot Wild Kangaroo and Superfoods Recipe in a 4 lb bag, with lot code V 07 Feb 2022 from any retail store nationally, please stop feeding the product to your dogs, dispose of this product immediately, wash your hands accordingly, and sanitize affected surfaces.
This recall does not affect any other Billy+Margot products or those sold outside of the USA.
The recall is a result of a routine sampling program by state officials which revealed that the finished products contained the bacteria. The company has ceased the production and distribution of the product. The FDA and the company will continue their investigation as to what caused the problem.
Consumers who have purchased the recalled products may call Real Pet Food between 8 am and 10 pm EST immediately for a refund or for additional information at : 1-800-467-5494. Consumers with questions may contact the company at : 1-800-467-5494 during the above times also.
Company Contact Information
Consumers:
Real Pet Food
1-800-467-5494
FDA Notice of this recall with additional product photos:
https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-mark ... ngaroo-and
September 22, 2020
Real Pet Food Company is voluntarily recalling Billy+Margot Wild Kangaroo and Superfoods Recipe 4lb bags because it has the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella. Salmonella can affect animals eating the products and there is risk to humans from handling contaminated pet products.
While no illnesses have been reported, healthy people infected with Salmonella should monitor themselves for some or all of the following symptoms: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramping and fever. Rarely, Salmonella can result in more serious ailments, including arterial infections, endocarditis, arthritis, muscle pain, eye irritation, and urinary tract symptoms. Owners exhibiting any signs after having contact with this product should contact their healthcare provider.
Pets with Salmonella infections may be lethargic and have diarrhea, fever, vomiting and or abdominal pain. Infected but otherwise healthy pets can be carriers and infect other animals or humans. If your pet has consumed the recalled product and has these symptoms, please contact your veterinarian.
Retailers who have received product from the affected lot code have been asked to remove this product from shelves immediately and dispose of the product carefully.
If you have purchased Billy+Margot Wild Kangaroo and Superfoods Recipe in a 4 lb bag, with lot code V 07 Feb 2022 from any retail store nationally, please stop feeding the product to your dogs, dispose of this product immediately, wash your hands accordingly, and sanitize affected surfaces.
This recall does not affect any other Billy+Margot products or those sold outside of the USA.
The recall is a result of a routine sampling program by state officials which revealed that the finished products contained the bacteria. The company has ceased the production and distribution of the product. The FDA and the company will continue their investigation as to what caused the problem.
Consumers who have purchased the recalled products may call Real Pet Food between 8 am and 10 pm EST immediately for a refund or for additional information at : 1-800-467-5494. Consumers with questions may contact the company at : 1-800-467-5494 during the above times also.
Company Contact Information
Consumers:
Real Pet Food
1-800-467-5494
FDA Notice of this recall with additional product photos:
https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-mark ... ngaroo-and
..........Traci
Re: ALL POSTS RE: PET FOOD RECALLS GO HERE IN THIS THREAD
ADMIN NOTE: The following recall is primarily dog food, however, there are at least TWO cat foods on the list (noted in red text in the list), so it's also posted in the Feline Health forum.
FDA Alert: Certain Lots of Pet Food from Multiple Brands Recalled for Aflatoxin
October 9, 2020
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration, in cooperation with the Louisiana Department of Agriculture & Forestry, is investigating certain pet food products manufactured by Sunshine Mills that may contain unsafe levels of aflatoxin.
* The FDA is alerting pet owners and veterinary professionals about certain pet food products manufactured by Sunshine Mills under several brand names that may contain unsafe levels of aflatoxin. This is an expansion of a previously announced recall.
* Aflatoxin is a toxin produced by the mold Aspergillus flavus, which can grow on corn and other grains used as ingredients in pet food. At high levels, aflatoxin can cause illness and death in pets.
* 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 diarrhea. 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.
* The FDA is asking veterinarians who suspect aflatoxin poisoning in their patients to report the cases through the Safety Reporting Portal or by calling their local FDA Consumer Complaint Coordinators. Pet owners can also report suspected cases to the FDA.
What is the Problem?
On September 2, 2020, Sunshine Mills announced a recall of certain pet food products after a retail product sample was found by the Louisiana Department of Agriculture & Forestry to contain an unsafe level of aflatoxin. Aflatoxin is a toxin produced by the mold Aspergillus flavus and at high levels it can cause illness and death in pets. The toxin can be present even if there is no visible mold.
On October 8, Sunshine Mills expanded its recall to include these additional products. FDA is issuing this advisory to ensure the public is notified about all of these potentially unsafe products that may still be on the market or in pet owners’ homes.
FDA is conducting follow-up activities at the manufacturing facility.
This is a developing situation and the FDA will update this page with additional information as it becomes available.
What are the Symptoms of Aflatoxin Poisoning in Pets?
Pets are highly susceptible to aflatoxin poisoning because, unlike people, who eat a varied diet, pets generally eat the same food continuously over extended periods of time. If a pet’s food contains aflatoxin, the toxin could accumulate in the pet’s system as they continue to eat the same food.
Pets with aflatoxin poisoning may experience symptoms such as sluggishness, loss of appetite, vomiting, jaundice (yellowish tint to the eyes, gums or skin due to liver damage), and/or diarrhea. In some cases, this toxicity can cause long-term liver issues and/or death. Some pets suffer liver damage without showing any symptoms. Pet owners whose pets have been eating the recalled products should contact their veterinarians, especially if they are showing signs of illness.
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.
What Products are Involved?
On September 2, 2020, Sunshine Mills announced a recall of 12 total lots from six of the firm’s pet food products. Shortly after, FDA determined that additional products made with the same corn may contain unsafe levels of aflatoxin. On October 8, 2020, Sunshine Mills announced an expanded recall to include the additional products. As new information becomes available, this list may continue to expand.
The list of recalled dry pet food products announced by Sunshine Mills on September 2 is:
Family Pet Meaty Cuts Beef, Chicken & Cheese Premium Dog Food 4 lb. UPC 3225120694
Lot Code TD3 4/APRIL/2020
Lot Code TD1 5/APRIL/2020
Family Pet Meaty Cuts Beef, Chicken & Cheese Premium Dog Food 14 lb. UPC 3225118078
Lot Code TB1 4/APRIL/2020
Lot Code TB2 4/APRIL/2020
Lot Code TB3 3/APRIL/2020
Family Pet Meaty Cuts Beef, Chicken & Cheese Premium Dog Food 28 lb. UPC 3225120694
Lot Code TB3 3/APRIL/2020
Heartland Farms Grilled Favorites Beef Chicken & Cheese Flavor Dog Food 14 lb. UPC 7015514299
Lot Code TB1 4/APRIL/2020
Lot Code TB2 4/APRIL/2020
Heartland Farms Grilled Favorites Beef Chicken & Cheese Flavor Dog Food 31 lb. UPC 7015514301
Lot Code TA2 4/APRIL/2020
Lot Code TA3 4/APRIL/2020
Paws Happy Life Butcher’s Choice Dog Food 16 lb. UPC 3680035763
Lot Code TA1 4/APRIL/2020
Lot Code TA2 4/APRIL/2020
On October 8, 2020, Sunshine Mills expanded the recall to include the following products:
Champ Mini Chunk Dog Food Beef and Chicken Flavor, 12 lb. bags, UPC 7328315416
Lot Code TC2 3/APRIL/2020
Field Trial Complete Nutrition Premium Dog Food, 16 lb. bags, UPC 7015514530
Lot Code TC2 4/APRIL/2020
Good Dog Brand Dog Food Hi-Energy Formula, 50 lb. bags, UPC 5216624165
Lot Code TA1 5/APRIL/2020
Hunter’s Special Dog Food Hi Energy Formula, 50 lb. bags, UPC 7015510145
Lot Code TA1 5/APRIL/2020
Lot Code TA2 5/APRIL/2020
Lot Code TA3 5/APRIL/2020
Hunter’s Special Dog Food Maintenance Formula, 50 lb. bags, UPC 7015510135
Lot Code TB3 4/APRIL/2020
Lot Code TB1 5/APRIL/2020
Hunter’s Special Farm & Ranch Recipe Super Chunks Dog Food, 50 lb. bags, UPC 70155 10182
Lot Code TC2 5/APRIL/2020
Lot Code TC3 5/APRIL/2020
Old Glory Hearty Beef & Chicken Flavor Dog Food, 4 lb. bags, UPC 7015514339
Lot Code TE3 3/APRIL/2020
Lot Code TE2 4/APRIL/2020
Old Glory Hearty Beef & Chicken Flavor Dog Food, 12.75 lb. bags, UPC 7015514298
Lot Code TA3 3/APRIL/2020
Lot Code TB1 3/APRIL/2020
Lot Code TC1 3/APRIL/2020
Lot Code TC2 3/APRIL/2020
Lot Code TC3 3/APRIL/2020
Lot Code TA1 4/APRIL/2020
Lot Code TC1 4/APRIL/2020
Lot Code TA2 4/APRIL/2020
Lot Code TB2 4/APRIL/2020
Lot Code TC2 4/APRIL/2020
Paws Happy Life Nutritionally Complete Dog Food, 17 lb. bags, UPC 3680042561
Lot Code TC2 4/APRIL/2020
Pet Expert Always Fit Formula, 50 lb. bags, UPC 5208887976
Lot Code TC2 5/APRIL/2020
Principle Super Premium Natural Dog Food Breeder Pack, 40 lb. bags, UPC 580179 586032
Lot Code TA3 4/APRIL/2020
Lot Code TA1 5/APRIL/2020
Retriever Bites & Bones Adult Complete Nutrition Savory Chicken Flavor, 52 lb. bags, UPC 4939422642
Lot Code TC3 4/APRIL/2020
Lot Code TC1 5/APRIL/2020
River Bend Dog Food Basic Nutrition, 40 lb. bags, No UPC
Lot Code TC1 5/APRIL/2020
River Bend Dog Food Basic Nutrition, 50 lb. bags, No UPC
Lot Code TC1 5/APRIL/2020
River Bend Dog Food Select, 50 lb. bags, No UPC
Lot Code TB3 4/APRIL/2020
Sportsman’s Pride Maintenance Adult Formula Dog Food, 20 lb. bags, UPC 7015510082
Lot Code TB1 5/APRIL/2020
Sportsman’s Pride Maintenance Adult Formula Dog Food, 50 lb. bags, UPC 7015510110
Lot Code TB1 5/APRIL/2020
Sprout Bites & Bones, 50 lb. bags, UPC 7015505091
Lot Code TC2 4/APRIL/2020
Sprout Hi-Protein (cat food), 20 lb. bags, UPC 70155505120
Lot Code TI2 4/APRIL/2020
Lot Code TI3 4/APRIL/2020
Sprout Hi-Protein (cat food), 40 lb. bags, UPC 7015505119
Lot Code TI3 4/APRIL/2020
Thrifty Adult Dog Food, 12 lb. bags, UPC 7015513096
Lot Code TI1 3/APRIL/2020
Lot Code TI2 3/APRIL/2020
Lot Code TI3 3/APRIL/2020
Lot Code TA2 4/APRIL/2020
Sprout Maintenance, 40 lb. bags, UPC 7015505096
Lot Code TB1 5/APRIL/2020
Sprout Puppy, 20 lb. bags, UPC 7015505095
Lot Code TA3 4/APRIL/2020
Lot Code TA1 5/APRIL/2020
Top Runner Premium Dog Food, 50 lb. bags, UPC 3540650070
Lot Code TB1 3/APRIL/2020
Whiskers & Tails Adult Recipe Complete Dog Food, 17 lb. bags, UPC 2114003022
Lot Code TC2 4/APRIL/2020
The affected products were distributed to retailers nationwide within the United States. Principle Super Premium Natural Dog Food is exported exclusively to a distributor in Japan. Sportsman’s Pride Maintenance Adult Formula Dog Food is also exported to a distributor in Japan and Colombia.
What Do Retailers Need to Do?
Don’t sell or donate the affected pet food products. Contact the manufacturer for further instructions. The FDA also encourages retailers to contact consumers who have purchased recalled products, if they have the means to do so (such as through shopper’s card records or point-of-sale signs).
What Do Pet Owners Need to Do?
If your pet has symptoms of aflatoxin poisoning, contact a veterinarian immediately. Even pets without symptoms may have suffered liver damage, so you may want to contact your veterinarian if your dog has eaten any of the recalled products. Provide a full diet history to your veterinarian. You may find it helpful to take a picture of the pet food label, including the lot number.
Don’t feed the recalled products to your pets or any other animal. Contact the company listed on the package for further instructions or throw the products away in a way that children, pets and wildlife cannot access them. Sanitize pet food bowls, scoops, and storage containers using bleach, rinsing well afterwards with water, and drying thoroughly.
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 any pet food.
You can report suspected illness to the FDA electronically through the Safety Reporting Portal or by calling your state’s FDA Consumer Complaint Coordinators. It’s most helpful if you can work with your veterinarian to submit your pet’s medical records as part of your report. For an explanation of the information and level of detail that would be helpful to include in a complaint to the FDA, please see How to Report a Pet Food Complaint.
What Do Veterinarians Need to Do?
The FDA urges veterinarians treating aflatoxin poisoning to ask their clients for a diet history. We also welcome case reports, especially those confirmed through diagnostic testing. You can submit these reports electronically through the Safety Reporting Portal or by calling your state’s FDA Consumer Complaint Coordinators. For an explanation of the information and level of detail that would be helpful to include in a complaint to the FDA, please see How to Report a Pet Food Complaint.
The information in this release reflects the FDA’s best efforts to communicate what it has learned from the manufacturer and parties involved in the investigation. The agency will update this page as more information becomes available.
Additional Information
* Sunshine Mills, Inc. Expands Previously Announced Voluntary Recall of Certain Pet Food Products Due to Potentially Elevated Levels of Aflatoxin (October 8, 2020)
* Sunshine Mills, Inc. Issues Voluntary Recall of Certain Dog Food Products Due to Potentially Elevated Levels of Aflatoxin (September 2, 2020)
* Guidance for Industry: Action Levels for Poisonous or Deleterious Substances in Human Food and Animal Feed
* How to Report a Pet Food Compliant
FDA Link to this recall:
https://www.fda.gov/animal-veterinary/o ... -aflatoxin
FDA Alert: Certain Lots of Pet Food from Multiple Brands Recalled for Aflatoxin
October 9, 2020
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration, in cooperation with the Louisiana Department of Agriculture & Forestry, is investigating certain pet food products manufactured by Sunshine Mills that may contain unsafe levels of aflatoxin.
* The FDA is alerting pet owners and veterinary professionals about certain pet food products manufactured by Sunshine Mills under several brand names that may contain unsafe levels of aflatoxin. This is an expansion of a previously announced recall.
* Aflatoxin is a toxin produced by the mold Aspergillus flavus, which can grow on corn and other grains used as ingredients in pet food. At high levels, aflatoxin can cause illness and death in pets.
* 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 diarrhea. 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.
* The FDA is asking veterinarians who suspect aflatoxin poisoning in their patients to report the cases through the Safety Reporting Portal or by calling their local FDA Consumer Complaint Coordinators. Pet owners can also report suspected cases to the FDA.
What is the Problem?
On September 2, 2020, Sunshine Mills announced a recall of certain pet food products after a retail product sample was found by the Louisiana Department of Agriculture & Forestry to contain an unsafe level of aflatoxin. Aflatoxin is a toxin produced by the mold Aspergillus flavus and at high levels it can cause illness and death in pets. The toxin can be present even if there is no visible mold.
On October 8, Sunshine Mills expanded its recall to include these additional products. FDA is issuing this advisory to ensure the public is notified about all of these potentially unsafe products that may still be on the market or in pet owners’ homes.
FDA is conducting follow-up activities at the manufacturing facility.
This is a developing situation and the FDA will update this page with additional information as it becomes available.
What are the Symptoms of Aflatoxin Poisoning in Pets?
Pets are highly susceptible to aflatoxin poisoning because, unlike people, who eat a varied diet, pets generally eat the same food continuously over extended periods of time. If a pet’s food contains aflatoxin, the toxin could accumulate in the pet’s system as they continue to eat the same food.
Pets with aflatoxin poisoning may experience symptoms such as sluggishness, loss of appetite, vomiting, jaundice (yellowish tint to the eyes, gums or skin due to liver damage), and/or diarrhea. In some cases, this toxicity can cause long-term liver issues and/or death. Some pets suffer liver damage without showing any symptoms. Pet owners whose pets have been eating the recalled products should contact their veterinarians, especially if they are showing signs of illness.
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.
What Products are Involved?
On September 2, 2020, Sunshine Mills announced a recall of 12 total lots from six of the firm’s pet food products. Shortly after, FDA determined that additional products made with the same corn may contain unsafe levels of aflatoxin. On October 8, 2020, Sunshine Mills announced an expanded recall to include the additional products. As new information becomes available, this list may continue to expand.
The list of recalled dry pet food products announced by Sunshine Mills on September 2 is:
Family Pet Meaty Cuts Beef, Chicken & Cheese Premium Dog Food 4 lb. UPC 3225120694
Lot Code TD3 4/APRIL/2020
Lot Code TD1 5/APRIL/2020
Family Pet Meaty Cuts Beef, Chicken & Cheese Premium Dog Food 14 lb. UPC 3225118078
Lot Code TB1 4/APRIL/2020
Lot Code TB2 4/APRIL/2020
Lot Code TB3 3/APRIL/2020
Family Pet Meaty Cuts Beef, Chicken & Cheese Premium Dog Food 28 lb. UPC 3225120694
Lot Code TB3 3/APRIL/2020
Heartland Farms Grilled Favorites Beef Chicken & Cheese Flavor Dog Food 14 lb. UPC 7015514299
Lot Code TB1 4/APRIL/2020
Lot Code TB2 4/APRIL/2020
Heartland Farms Grilled Favorites Beef Chicken & Cheese Flavor Dog Food 31 lb. UPC 7015514301
Lot Code TA2 4/APRIL/2020
Lot Code TA3 4/APRIL/2020
Paws Happy Life Butcher’s Choice Dog Food 16 lb. UPC 3680035763
Lot Code TA1 4/APRIL/2020
Lot Code TA2 4/APRIL/2020
On October 8, 2020, Sunshine Mills expanded the recall to include the following products:
Champ Mini Chunk Dog Food Beef and Chicken Flavor, 12 lb. bags, UPC 7328315416
Lot Code TC2 3/APRIL/2020
Field Trial Complete Nutrition Premium Dog Food, 16 lb. bags, UPC 7015514530
Lot Code TC2 4/APRIL/2020
Good Dog Brand Dog Food Hi-Energy Formula, 50 lb. bags, UPC 5216624165
Lot Code TA1 5/APRIL/2020
Hunter’s Special Dog Food Hi Energy Formula, 50 lb. bags, UPC 7015510145
Lot Code TA1 5/APRIL/2020
Lot Code TA2 5/APRIL/2020
Lot Code TA3 5/APRIL/2020
Hunter’s Special Dog Food Maintenance Formula, 50 lb. bags, UPC 7015510135
Lot Code TB3 4/APRIL/2020
Lot Code TB1 5/APRIL/2020
Hunter’s Special Farm & Ranch Recipe Super Chunks Dog Food, 50 lb. bags, UPC 70155 10182
Lot Code TC2 5/APRIL/2020
Lot Code TC3 5/APRIL/2020
Old Glory Hearty Beef & Chicken Flavor Dog Food, 4 lb. bags, UPC 7015514339
Lot Code TE3 3/APRIL/2020
Lot Code TE2 4/APRIL/2020
Old Glory Hearty Beef & Chicken Flavor Dog Food, 12.75 lb. bags, UPC 7015514298
Lot Code TA3 3/APRIL/2020
Lot Code TB1 3/APRIL/2020
Lot Code TC1 3/APRIL/2020
Lot Code TC2 3/APRIL/2020
Lot Code TC3 3/APRIL/2020
Lot Code TA1 4/APRIL/2020
Lot Code TC1 4/APRIL/2020
Lot Code TA2 4/APRIL/2020
Lot Code TB2 4/APRIL/2020
Lot Code TC2 4/APRIL/2020
Paws Happy Life Nutritionally Complete Dog Food, 17 lb. bags, UPC 3680042561
Lot Code TC2 4/APRIL/2020
Pet Expert Always Fit Formula, 50 lb. bags, UPC 5208887976
Lot Code TC2 5/APRIL/2020
Principle Super Premium Natural Dog Food Breeder Pack, 40 lb. bags, UPC 580179 586032
Lot Code TA3 4/APRIL/2020
Lot Code TA1 5/APRIL/2020
Retriever Bites & Bones Adult Complete Nutrition Savory Chicken Flavor, 52 lb. bags, UPC 4939422642
Lot Code TC3 4/APRIL/2020
Lot Code TC1 5/APRIL/2020
River Bend Dog Food Basic Nutrition, 40 lb. bags, No UPC
Lot Code TC1 5/APRIL/2020
River Bend Dog Food Basic Nutrition, 50 lb. bags, No UPC
Lot Code TC1 5/APRIL/2020
River Bend Dog Food Select, 50 lb. bags, No UPC
Lot Code TB3 4/APRIL/2020
Sportsman’s Pride Maintenance Adult Formula Dog Food, 20 lb. bags, UPC 7015510082
Lot Code TB1 5/APRIL/2020
Sportsman’s Pride Maintenance Adult Formula Dog Food, 50 lb. bags, UPC 7015510110
Lot Code TB1 5/APRIL/2020
Sprout Bites & Bones, 50 lb. bags, UPC 7015505091
Lot Code TC2 4/APRIL/2020
Sprout Hi-Protein (cat food), 20 lb. bags, UPC 70155505120
Lot Code TI2 4/APRIL/2020
Lot Code TI3 4/APRIL/2020
Sprout Hi-Protein (cat food), 40 lb. bags, UPC 7015505119
Lot Code TI3 4/APRIL/2020
Thrifty Adult Dog Food, 12 lb. bags, UPC 7015513096
Lot Code TI1 3/APRIL/2020
Lot Code TI2 3/APRIL/2020
Lot Code TI3 3/APRIL/2020
Lot Code TA2 4/APRIL/2020
Sprout Maintenance, 40 lb. bags, UPC 7015505096
Lot Code TB1 5/APRIL/2020
Sprout Puppy, 20 lb. bags, UPC 7015505095
Lot Code TA3 4/APRIL/2020
Lot Code TA1 5/APRIL/2020
Top Runner Premium Dog Food, 50 lb. bags, UPC 3540650070
Lot Code TB1 3/APRIL/2020
Whiskers & Tails Adult Recipe Complete Dog Food, 17 lb. bags, UPC 2114003022
Lot Code TC2 4/APRIL/2020
The affected products were distributed to retailers nationwide within the United States. Principle Super Premium Natural Dog Food is exported exclusively to a distributor in Japan. Sportsman’s Pride Maintenance Adult Formula Dog Food is also exported to a distributor in Japan and Colombia.
What Do Retailers Need to Do?
Don’t sell or donate the affected pet food products. Contact the manufacturer for further instructions. The FDA also encourages retailers to contact consumers who have purchased recalled products, if they have the means to do so (such as through shopper’s card records or point-of-sale signs).
What Do Pet Owners Need to Do?
If your pet has symptoms of aflatoxin poisoning, contact a veterinarian immediately. Even pets without symptoms may have suffered liver damage, so you may want to contact your veterinarian if your dog has eaten any of the recalled products. Provide a full diet history to your veterinarian. You may find it helpful to take a picture of the pet food label, including the lot number.
Don’t feed the recalled products to your pets or any other animal. Contact the company listed on the package for further instructions or throw the products away in a way that children, pets and wildlife cannot access them. Sanitize pet food bowls, scoops, and storage containers using bleach, rinsing well afterwards with water, and drying thoroughly.
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 any pet food.
You can report suspected illness to the FDA electronically through the Safety Reporting Portal or by calling your state’s FDA Consumer Complaint Coordinators. It’s most helpful if you can work with your veterinarian to submit your pet’s medical records as part of your report. For an explanation of the information and level of detail that would be helpful to include in a complaint to the FDA, please see How to Report a Pet Food Complaint.
What Do Veterinarians Need to Do?
The FDA urges veterinarians treating aflatoxin poisoning to ask their clients for a diet history. We also welcome case reports, especially those confirmed through diagnostic testing. You can submit these reports electronically through the Safety Reporting Portal or by calling your state’s FDA Consumer Complaint Coordinators. For an explanation of the information and level of detail that would be helpful to include in a complaint to the FDA, please see How to Report a Pet Food Complaint.
The information in this release reflects the FDA’s best efforts to communicate what it has learned from the manufacturer and parties involved in the investigation. The agency will update this page as more information becomes available.
Additional Information
* Sunshine Mills, Inc. Expands Previously Announced Voluntary Recall of Certain Pet Food Products Due to Potentially Elevated Levels of Aflatoxin (October 8, 2020)
* Sunshine Mills, Inc. Issues Voluntary Recall of Certain Dog Food Products Due to Potentially Elevated Levels of Aflatoxin (September 2, 2020)
* Guidance for Industry: Action Levels for Poisonous or Deleterious Substances in Human Food and Animal Feed
* How to Report a Pet Food Compliant
FDA Link to this recall:
https://www.fda.gov/animal-veterinary/o ... -aflatoxin
..........Traci
Re: ALL POSTS RE: PET FOOD RECALLS GO HERE IN THIS THREAD
FDA Alert: Certain Lots of Sportmix Pet Food (DOG AND CAT FOOD) Recalled for Potentially Fatal Levels of Aflatoxin
December 30, 2020
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration, in cooperation with the Missouri Department of Agriculture, is investigating certain Sportmix pet food products manufactured by Midwestern Pet Food, Inc. that may contain potentially fatal levels of aflatoxin.
- FDA is alerting pet owners and veterinary professionals about certain Sportmix pet food products (see list below) manufactured by Midwestern Pet Foods, Inc. that may contain potentially fatal levels of aflatoxin.
- FDA is aware of at least 28 deaths and 8 illnesses in dogs that ate the recalled product.
- This is an ongoing investigation. Case counts and the scope of this recall may expand as new information becomes available.
- Aflatoxin is a toxin produced by the mold Aspergillus flavus, which can grow on corn and other grains used as ingredients in pet food. At high levels, aflatoxin can cause illness and death in pets.
- 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 diarrhea. 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. The pet owner should remove the food and make sure no other animals have access to the recalled product.
- FDA is asking veterinarians who suspect aflatoxin poisoning in their patients to report the cases through the Safety Reporting Portal or by calling their local FDA Consumer Complaint Coordinators. Pet owners can also report suspected cases to the FDA.
What is the Problem?
On December 30, 2020, Midwestern Pet Food, Inc. announced a recall of certain lots of Sportmix pet food products after FDA was alerted about reports of at least 28 dogs that have died and eight that have fallen ill after consuming the recalled Sportmix pet food. Multiple product samples were tested by the Missouri Department of Agriculture and found to contain very high levels of aflatoxin. Aflatoxin is a toxin produced by the mold Aspergillus flavus and at high levels it can cause illness and death in pets. The toxin can be present even if there is no visible mold.
FDA is issuing this advisory to notify the public about the potentially fatal levels of aflatoxin in pet food products that may still be on store shelves, online, or in pet owners’ homes.
FDA is conducting follow-up activities at the manufacturing facility.
This is a developing situation and the FDA will update this page with additional information as it becomes available.
What are the Symptoms of Aflatoxin Poisoning in Pets?
Pets are highly susceptible to aflatoxin poisoning because, unlike people, who eat a varied diet, pets generally eat the same food continuously over extended periods of time. If a pet’s food contains aflatoxin, the toxin could accumulate in the pet’s system as they continue to eat the same food.
Pets with aflatoxin poisoning may experience symptoms such as sluggishness, loss of appetite, vomiting, jaundice (yellowish tint to the eyes, gums or skin due to liver damage), and/or diarrhea. In some cases, this toxicity can cause long-term liver issues and/or death. Some pets suffer liver damage without showing any symptoms. Pet owners whose pets have been eating the recalled products should contact their veterinarians, especially if they are showing signs of illness.
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.
What Products are Involved?
On December 30, 2020, Midwest Pet Food, Inc. announced a recall of nine total lots of Sportmix pet food products. FDA and the Missouri Department of Agriculture are working with the firm to determine whether any additional products may have been made with the same ingredients containing potentially fatal levels of aflatoxin. As new information becomes available, this product list may continue to expand.
The list of recalled dry pet food products announced by Midwestern Pet Food, Inc. on December 30, 2020 is:
Sportmix Energy Plus, 50 lb. bag
Exp 03/02/22/05/L2
Exp 03/02/22/05/L3
Exp 03/03/22/05/L2
Sportmix Energy Plus, 44 lb. bag
Exp 03/02/22/05/L3
Sportmix Premium High Energy, 50 lb. bag
Exp 03/03/22/05/L3
Sportmix Premium High Energy, 44 lb. bag
Exp 03/03/22/05/L3
Sportmix Original Cat, 31 lb. bag
Exp 03/03/22/05/L3
Sportmix Original Cat, 15 lb. bag
Exp 03/03/22/05/L2
Exp 03/03/22/05/L3
Lot code information may be found on the back of bag and will appear in a three-line code, with the top line in format “EXP 03/03/22/05/L#/B###/HH:MM”
The affected products were distributed to online retailers and stores nationwide within the United States.
What Do Retailers Need to Do?
Don’t sell or donate the affected pet food products. Contact the manufacturer for further instructions. The FDA also encourages retailers to contact consumers who have purchased recalled products, if they have the means to do so (such as through shopper’s card records or point-of-sale signs).
What Do Pet Owners Need to Do?
If your pet has symptoms of aflatoxin poisoning, contact a veterinarian immediately. Even pets without symptoms may have suffered liver damage, so you may want to contact your veterinarian if your dog has eaten any of the recalled products. Provide a full diet history to your veterinarian. You may find it helpful to take a picture of the pet food label, including the lot number.
Don’t feed the recalled products to your pets or any other animal. Contact the company listed on the package for further instructions or throw the products away in a way that children, pets and wildlife cannot access them. Sanitize pet food bowls, scoops, and storage containers using bleach, rinsing well afterwards with water, and drying thoroughly.
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 any pet food.
You can report suspected illness to the FDA electronically through the Safety Reporting Portal or by calling your state’s FDA Consumer Complaint Coordinators. It’s most helpful if you can work with your veterinarian to submit your pet’s medical records as part of your report. For an explanation of the information and level of detail that would be helpful to include in a complaint to the FDA, please see How to Report a Pet Food Complaint.
What Do Veterinarians Need to Do?
The FDA urges veterinarians treating aflatoxin poisoning to ask their clients for a diet history. We also welcome case reports, especially those confirmed through diagnostic testing. You can submit these reports electronically through the FDA Safety Reporting Portal or by calling your state’s FDA Consumer Complaint Coordinators. For an explanation of the information and level of detail that would be helpful to include in a complaint to the FDA, please see How to Report a Pet Food Complaint.
FDA Announcement, with photo of lot code example on packages:
https://www.fda.gov/animal-veterinary/o ... -aflatoxin
December 30, 2020
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration, in cooperation with the Missouri Department of Agriculture, is investigating certain Sportmix pet food products manufactured by Midwestern Pet Food, Inc. that may contain potentially fatal levels of aflatoxin.
- FDA is alerting pet owners and veterinary professionals about certain Sportmix pet food products (see list below) manufactured by Midwestern Pet Foods, Inc. that may contain potentially fatal levels of aflatoxin.
- FDA is aware of at least 28 deaths and 8 illnesses in dogs that ate the recalled product.
- This is an ongoing investigation. Case counts and the scope of this recall may expand as new information becomes available.
- Aflatoxin is a toxin produced by the mold Aspergillus flavus, which can grow on corn and other grains used as ingredients in pet food. At high levels, aflatoxin can cause illness and death in pets.
- 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 diarrhea. 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. The pet owner should remove the food and make sure no other animals have access to the recalled product.
- FDA is asking veterinarians who suspect aflatoxin poisoning in their patients to report the cases through the Safety Reporting Portal or by calling their local FDA Consumer Complaint Coordinators. Pet owners can also report suspected cases to the FDA.
What is the Problem?
On December 30, 2020, Midwestern Pet Food, Inc. announced a recall of certain lots of Sportmix pet food products after FDA was alerted about reports of at least 28 dogs that have died and eight that have fallen ill after consuming the recalled Sportmix pet food. Multiple product samples were tested by the Missouri Department of Agriculture and found to contain very high levels of aflatoxin. Aflatoxin is a toxin produced by the mold Aspergillus flavus and at high levels it can cause illness and death in pets. The toxin can be present even if there is no visible mold.
FDA is issuing this advisory to notify the public about the potentially fatal levels of aflatoxin in pet food products that may still be on store shelves, online, or in pet owners’ homes.
FDA is conducting follow-up activities at the manufacturing facility.
This is a developing situation and the FDA will update this page with additional information as it becomes available.
What are the Symptoms of Aflatoxin Poisoning in Pets?
Pets are highly susceptible to aflatoxin poisoning because, unlike people, who eat a varied diet, pets generally eat the same food continuously over extended periods of time. If a pet’s food contains aflatoxin, the toxin could accumulate in the pet’s system as they continue to eat the same food.
Pets with aflatoxin poisoning may experience symptoms such as sluggishness, loss of appetite, vomiting, jaundice (yellowish tint to the eyes, gums or skin due to liver damage), and/or diarrhea. In some cases, this toxicity can cause long-term liver issues and/or death. Some pets suffer liver damage without showing any symptoms. Pet owners whose pets have been eating the recalled products should contact their veterinarians, especially if they are showing signs of illness.
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.
What Products are Involved?
On December 30, 2020, Midwest Pet Food, Inc. announced a recall of nine total lots of Sportmix pet food products. FDA and the Missouri Department of Agriculture are working with the firm to determine whether any additional products may have been made with the same ingredients containing potentially fatal levels of aflatoxin. As new information becomes available, this product list may continue to expand.
The list of recalled dry pet food products announced by Midwestern Pet Food, Inc. on December 30, 2020 is:
Sportmix Energy Plus, 50 lb. bag
Exp 03/02/22/05/L2
Exp 03/02/22/05/L3
Exp 03/03/22/05/L2
Sportmix Energy Plus, 44 lb. bag
Exp 03/02/22/05/L3
Sportmix Premium High Energy, 50 lb. bag
Exp 03/03/22/05/L3
Sportmix Premium High Energy, 44 lb. bag
Exp 03/03/22/05/L3
Sportmix Original Cat, 31 lb. bag
Exp 03/03/22/05/L3
Sportmix Original Cat, 15 lb. bag
Exp 03/03/22/05/L2
Exp 03/03/22/05/L3
Lot code information may be found on the back of bag and will appear in a three-line code, with the top line in format “EXP 03/03/22/05/L#/B###/HH:MM”
The affected products were distributed to online retailers and stores nationwide within the United States.
What Do Retailers Need to Do?
Don’t sell or donate the affected pet food products. Contact the manufacturer for further instructions. The FDA also encourages retailers to contact consumers who have purchased recalled products, if they have the means to do so (such as through shopper’s card records or point-of-sale signs).
What Do Pet Owners Need to Do?
If your pet has symptoms of aflatoxin poisoning, contact a veterinarian immediately. Even pets without symptoms may have suffered liver damage, so you may want to contact your veterinarian if your dog has eaten any of the recalled products. Provide a full diet history to your veterinarian. You may find it helpful to take a picture of the pet food label, including the lot number.
Don’t feed the recalled products to your pets or any other animal. Contact the company listed on the package for further instructions or throw the products away in a way that children, pets and wildlife cannot access them. Sanitize pet food bowls, scoops, and storage containers using bleach, rinsing well afterwards with water, and drying thoroughly.
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 any pet food.
You can report suspected illness to the FDA electronically through the Safety Reporting Portal or by calling your state’s FDA Consumer Complaint Coordinators. It’s most helpful if you can work with your veterinarian to submit your pet’s medical records as part of your report. For an explanation of the information and level of detail that would be helpful to include in a complaint to the FDA, please see How to Report a Pet Food Complaint.
What Do Veterinarians Need to Do?
The FDA urges veterinarians treating aflatoxin poisoning to ask their clients for a diet history. We also welcome case reports, especially those confirmed through diagnostic testing. You can submit these reports electronically through the FDA Safety Reporting Portal or by calling your state’s FDA Consumer Complaint Coordinators. For an explanation of the information and level of detail that would be helpful to include in a complaint to the FDA, please see How to Report a Pet Food Complaint.
FDA Announcement, with photo of lot code example on packages:
https://www.fda.gov/animal-veterinary/o ... -aflatoxin
..........Traci
Re: ALL POSTS RE: PET FOOD RECALLS GO HERE IN THIS THREAD
Sportmix High Energy pet food recall grows
The recall of Sportmix High Energy pet food expanded to more than 1,000 lots, according to FDA. Midwestern Pet Foods is based in Evansville, Indiana, USA.
Modified from a press release:
By January 11, more than 70 pets had died after eating Sportmix pet foods, according to reports submitted to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). On that date, the product’s maker Midwestern Pet Foods expanded the recall for excess levels of aflatoxin to include all products meeting these three criteria:
* contain corn
* manufactured in Oklahoma
* expiration date on or before July 9, 2022
The recall of Sportmix High Energy dog food expanded to more than 1,000 lots. Midwestern Pet Foods initially recalled the product after tests indicated excessive levels of aflatoxin. Laboratory analysis and veterinary records reviews haven’t confirmed that all the pets died of aflatoxin poisoning. The FDA count is approximate and may not reflect the total number of pets affected. Midwestern Pet Foods is based in Evansville, Indiana, USA.
Sportmix High Energy dog food recall lists
The list of recalled dry pet food products announced by Midwestern Pet Foods, Inc. on December 30, 2020 is:
Sportmix Energy Plus, 50 lb. bag
Exp 03/02/22/05/L2
Exp 03/02/22/05/L3
Exp 03/03/22/05/L2
Sportmix Energy Plus, 44 lb. bag
Exp 03/02/22/05/L3
Sportmix Premium High Energy, 50 lb. bag
Exp 03/03/22/05/L3
Sportmix Premium High Energy, 44 lb. bag
Exp 03/03/22/05/L3
Sportmix Original Cat, 31 lb. bag
Exp 03/03/22/05/L3
Sportmix Original Cat, 15 lb. bag
Exp 03/03/22/05/L2
Exp 03/03/22/05/L3
On January 11, 2021, Midwestern Pet Foods, Inc. expanded the recall to include all pet food products containing corn that were made in the firm’s Oklahoma plant and that expire on or before July 9, 2022. More than 1,000 lot codes are affected so they are not listed individually.
Lots of the following pet food products have been recalled if the date/lot code includes an expiration date on or before “07/09/22” and includes “05” in the date/lot code, which identifies products made in the Oklahoma plant:
Pro Pac Adult Mini Chunk, 40 lb. bag
Pro Pac Performance Puppy, 40 lb. bag
Splash Fat Cat 32%, 50 lb. bag
Nunn Better Maintenance, 50 lb. bag
Sportmix Original Cat, 15 lb. bag
Sportmix Original Cat, 31 lb. bag
Sportmix Maintenance, 44 lb. bag
Sportmix Maintenance, 50 lb. bag
Sportmix High Protein, 50 lb. bag
Sportmix Energy Plus, 44 lb. bag
Sportmix Energy Plus, 50 lb. bag
Sportmix Stamina, 44 lb. bag
Sportmix Stamina, 50 lb. bag
Sportmix Bite Size, 40 lb. bag
Sportmix Bite Size, 44 lb. bag
Sportmix High Energy, 44 lb. bag
Sportmix High Energy, 50 lb. bag
Sportmix Premium Puppy, 16.5 lb. bag
Sportmix Premium Puppy, 33 lb. bag
Lot code information may be found on the back of bag and will appear in a three-line code, with the top line in format “EXP 03/03/22/05/L#/B###/HH:MM”
FDA investigation into recalled pet foods
On December 30, 2020, Midwestern Pet Foods, Inc. announced a recall of certain lots of Sportmix pet food products after FDA was alerted about reports of at least 28 dogs that died and eight that were ill after consuming the recalled Sportmix pet food. Multiple product samples were tested by the Missouri Department of Agriculture and found to contain very high levels of aflatoxins. Aflatoxins are toxins produced by the mold Aspergillus flavus and, at high levels, can cause illness and death in pets. The toxins can be present even if there is no visible mold.
On January 11, 2021, Midwestern Pet Foods, Inc. expanded the recall to include all pet foods containing corn and manufactured in the company’s Oklahoma plant, and having an expiration date on or before July 9, 2022. As of January 11, FDA has been made aware of more than 70 dogs that have died and more than 80 that are sick after eating Sportmix pet food. Not all of these cases have been officially confirmed as aflatoxin poisoning through laboratory testing or veterinary record review. This count is approximate and may not reflect the total number of pets affected. Reports submitted only to the pet food manufacturer are not shared with FDA and are not a part of this count. FDA continues to work with veterinarians and state partners to follow up on suspected cases of aflatoxin poisoning.
FDA issued an advisory to notify the public about the potentially fatal levels of aflatoxins in Midwestern pet food products that may still be on store shelves, online, or in pet owners’ homes.
FDA is conducting follow-up activities at the manufacturing facility.
Aflatoxin and other mycotoxin risks in pet food
From previous Petfood Industry coverage: Measuring up mycotoxin risks in petfood
The companion animal diet presents a unique and well-documented set of risks to our beloved best friends. Mycotoxins are secondary metabolites synthesized by fungal molds as signature chemicals and "calling cards" deposited into cereals and other crop commodities. A relatively narrow range of fungi produces hundreds of mycotoxins, each with its own unique chemistry and corresponding impact on animal physiology and health.
Mycotoxins are highly stable and resistant to extreme physical conditions including ultra-high temperatures and rapid drying regimes used in commodity processing and the manufacture of petfood. The toxic effects of mycotoxins include: nephrotoxicity, hepatotoxicity, estrogenic imbalance, reproductive disorders, immunosuppression, genotoxicity and carcinogenicity.
Identifying mycotoxin-producing fungi is the relatively easy part, because no more than half a dozen genera are responsible for mycotoxin production-including Aspergillus and Penicillium (blue/green molds), Fusarium and Claviceps. Pinning down the culprit chemicals we call mycotoxins is much less easy. Hundreds of mycotoxins exist, each with its own unique chemistry and signature syndrome for companion animals, livestock and humans.
Researchers continue to obtain data showing the occurrence and impact of mycotoxins that appear in most cereal grain commodities which are common ingredients in dry pet foods. Aflatoxins have received more attention than any other group of mycotoxins, due to their acute toxicity with high mortality, alongside liver damage and carcinogenicity. Aflatoxin is known to cause loss of appetite, listlessness and vomiting in both dogs and cats.
Mycotoxins are intrinsically stealthy in both presence and action. Synergistic effects occur when different mycotoxins occur at the same time in raw materials and manufactured food or feed. The consequence of chemical and biological interaction between two or more mycotoxins invariably outweighs the additive effects of the individual chemicals. The use of one mycotoxin as a marker to flag the probable presence of another is the logical move.
"Masked" mycotoxins mean hidden challenges for petfood manufacturers-even though analysis may signal the all clear. These mycotoxins have been modified by chemical reaction and become bound to various natural ingredients in raw materials such as glycosides, glucuronides, esters of fatty acids and specific proteins. These mycotoxins, while not yet chemically active, may not be picked up during analysis. They may then be released by the natural digestive process of the companion animal that consumes them and suddenly become toxic.
One strategy for mitigating the masked mycotoxin problem is to test as far up the raw materials stream as possible. This means looking closely at harvested grain before it goes into storage or processing and ensuring the correct storage and transit conditions are met from farm to finished product manufacturing.
Once present, mycotoxins are virtually impossible to remove or destroy. Monitoring for prevention and avoidance are key. Mycotoxin management essentially comes down to use of high-efficacy testing technology and equipment.
Source: PetfoodIndustry.com
https://www.petfoodindustry.com/article ... 8346367I4Y
The recall of Sportmix High Energy pet food expanded to more than 1,000 lots, according to FDA. Midwestern Pet Foods is based in Evansville, Indiana, USA.
Modified from a press release:
By January 11, more than 70 pets had died after eating Sportmix pet foods, according to reports submitted to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). On that date, the product’s maker Midwestern Pet Foods expanded the recall for excess levels of aflatoxin to include all products meeting these three criteria:
* contain corn
* manufactured in Oklahoma
* expiration date on or before July 9, 2022
The recall of Sportmix High Energy dog food expanded to more than 1,000 lots. Midwestern Pet Foods initially recalled the product after tests indicated excessive levels of aflatoxin. Laboratory analysis and veterinary records reviews haven’t confirmed that all the pets died of aflatoxin poisoning. The FDA count is approximate and may not reflect the total number of pets affected. Midwestern Pet Foods is based in Evansville, Indiana, USA.
Sportmix High Energy dog food recall lists
The list of recalled dry pet food products announced by Midwestern Pet Foods, Inc. on December 30, 2020 is:
Sportmix Energy Plus, 50 lb. bag
Exp 03/02/22/05/L2
Exp 03/02/22/05/L3
Exp 03/03/22/05/L2
Sportmix Energy Plus, 44 lb. bag
Exp 03/02/22/05/L3
Sportmix Premium High Energy, 50 lb. bag
Exp 03/03/22/05/L3
Sportmix Premium High Energy, 44 lb. bag
Exp 03/03/22/05/L3
Sportmix Original Cat, 31 lb. bag
Exp 03/03/22/05/L3
Sportmix Original Cat, 15 lb. bag
Exp 03/03/22/05/L2
Exp 03/03/22/05/L3
On January 11, 2021, Midwestern Pet Foods, Inc. expanded the recall to include all pet food products containing corn that were made in the firm’s Oklahoma plant and that expire on or before July 9, 2022. More than 1,000 lot codes are affected so they are not listed individually.
Lots of the following pet food products have been recalled if the date/lot code includes an expiration date on or before “07/09/22” and includes “05” in the date/lot code, which identifies products made in the Oklahoma plant:
Pro Pac Adult Mini Chunk, 40 lb. bag
Pro Pac Performance Puppy, 40 lb. bag
Splash Fat Cat 32%, 50 lb. bag
Nunn Better Maintenance, 50 lb. bag
Sportmix Original Cat, 15 lb. bag
Sportmix Original Cat, 31 lb. bag
Sportmix Maintenance, 44 lb. bag
Sportmix Maintenance, 50 lb. bag
Sportmix High Protein, 50 lb. bag
Sportmix Energy Plus, 44 lb. bag
Sportmix Energy Plus, 50 lb. bag
Sportmix Stamina, 44 lb. bag
Sportmix Stamina, 50 lb. bag
Sportmix Bite Size, 40 lb. bag
Sportmix Bite Size, 44 lb. bag
Sportmix High Energy, 44 lb. bag
Sportmix High Energy, 50 lb. bag
Sportmix Premium Puppy, 16.5 lb. bag
Sportmix Premium Puppy, 33 lb. bag
Lot code information may be found on the back of bag and will appear in a three-line code, with the top line in format “EXP 03/03/22/05/L#/B###/HH:MM”
FDA investigation into recalled pet foods
On December 30, 2020, Midwestern Pet Foods, Inc. announced a recall of certain lots of Sportmix pet food products after FDA was alerted about reports of at least 28 dogs that died and eight that were ill after consuming the recalled Sportmix pet food. Multiple product samples were tested by the Missouri Department of Agriculture and found to contain very high levels of aflatoxins. Aflatoxins are toxins produced by the mold Aspergillus flavus and, at high levels, can cause illness and death in pets. The toxins can be present even if there is no visible mold.
On January 11, 2021, Midwestern Pet Foods, Inc. expanded the recall to include all pet foods containing corn and manufactured in the company’s Oklahoma plant, and having an expiration date on or before July 9, 2022. As of January 11, FDA has been made aware of more than 70 dogs that have died and more than 80 that are sick after eating Sportmix pet food. Not all of these cases have been officially confirmed as aflatoxin poisoning through laboratory testing or veterinary record review. This count is approximate and may not reflect the total number of pets affected. Reports submitted only to the pet food manufacturer are not shared with FDA and are not a part of this count. FDA continues to work with veterinarians and state partners to follow up on suspected cases of aflatoxin poisoning.
FDA issued an advisory to notify the public about the potentially fatal levels of aflatoxins in Midwestern pet food products that may still be on store shelves, online, or in pet owners’ homes.
FDA is conducting follow-up activities at the manufacturing facility.
Aflatoxin and other mycotoxin risks in pet food
From previous Petfood Industry coverage: Measuring up mycotoxin risks in petfood
The companion animal diet presents a unique and well-documented set of risks to our beloved best friends. Mycotoxins are secondary metabolites synthesized by fungal molds as signature chemicals and "calling cards" deposited into cereals and other crop commodities. A relatively narrow range of fungi produces hundreds of mycotoxins, each with its own unique chemistry and corresponding impact on animal physiology and health.
Mycotoxins are highly stable and resistant to extreme physical conditions including ultra-high temperatures and rapid drying regimes used in commodity processing and the manufacture of petfood. The toxic effects of mycotoxins include: nephrotoxicity, hepatotoxicity, estrogenic imbalance, reproductive disorders, immunosuppression, genotoxicity and carcinogenicity.
Identifying mycotoxin-producing fungi is the relatively easy part, because no more than half a dozen genera are responsible for mycotoxin production-including Aspergillus and Penicillium (blue/green molds), Fusarium and Claviceps. Pinning down the culprit chemicals we call mycotoxins is much less easy. Hundreds of mycotoxins exist, each with its own unique chemistry and signature syndrome for companion animals, livestock and humans.
Researchers continue to obtain data showing the occurrence and impact of mycotoxins that appear in most cereal grain commodities which are common ingredients in dry pet foods. Aflatoxins have received more attention than any other group of mycotoxins, due to their acute toxicity with high mortality, alongside liver damage and carcinogenicity. Aflatoxin is known to cause loss of appetite, listlessness and vomiting in both dogs and cats.
Mycotoxins are intrinsically stealthy in both presence and action. Synergistic effects occur when different mycotoxins occur at the same time in raw materials and manufactured food or feed. The consequence of chemical and biological interaction between two or more mycotoxins invariably outweighs the additive effects of the individual chemicals. The use of one mycotoxin as a marker to flag the probable presence of another is the logical move.
"Masked" mycotoxins mean hidden challenges for petfood manufacturers-even though analysis may signal the all clear. These mycotoxins have been modified by chemical reaction and become bound to various natural ingredients in raw materials such as glycosides, glucuronides, esters of fatty acids and specific proteins. These mycotoxins, while not yet chemically active, may not be picked up during analysis. They may then be released by the natural digestive process of the companion animal that consumes them and suddenly become toxic.
One strategy for mitigating the masked mycotoxin problem is to test as far up the raw materials stream as possible. This means looking closely at harvested grain before it goes into storage or processing and ensuring the correct storage and transit conditions are met from farm to finished product manufacturing.
Once present, mycotoxins are virtually impossible to remove or destroy. Monitoring for prevention and avoidance are key. Mycotoxin management essentially comes down to use of high-efficacy testing technology and equipment.
Source: PetfoodIndustry.com
https://www.petfoodindustry.com/article ... 8346367I4Y
..........Traci