70 dogs have died and 80 have been sickened after eating Sportmix dog food contaminated with deadly aflatoxin. This has prompted Midwestern Pet Food to expand their December, 2020 recall to include all dog and cat foods produced at the company’s Chickasha, Oklahoma plant that contains corn. It also now includes all foods with an expiration date through July 9, 2022.
Aflatoxin is produced by the mold Aspergillus flavus, that can grow on corn and other grains used as pet food ingredients. If the levels are high enough, aflatoxin can cause severe illness and even death in pets. Signs of aflatoxin poisoning include sluggishness, loss of appetite, vomiting, jaundice, and diarrhea. If your pet displays any of these symptoms you should contact your veterinarian immediately.
The recalled food is sold under a variety of brand names: Pro Pac, Splash Fat Cat, Nunn Better Maintenance, Sportstrail, and Sportsmix. You can find a complete product list and lot numbers here.
If you have the food at home, discard it immediately in a way that no other animals can possibly eat them. Wash and sanitize any containers, bowls, or cups that the food may have come into contact with. Always wash your hands thoroughly after handling any recalled for or containers that have come into contact with the food.
