FDA: Pet food company expands product recall after more than 70 dogs die

KSTP
[FDA/Midwestern Pet Foods Inc.]

Midwestern Pet Foods, Inc. has expanded its recall on certain pet foods after more than 70 dogs died after eating Sportmix pet food, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

According to the company, the dog and cat food that was distributed nationally is being recalled due to aflatoxin, which is a toxin produced by the mold Aspergillus flavus. Aflatoxin can cause illness and death in pets.

Pet food recalled after reports of dog deaths

Along with the deaths, 80 cases of illness have been reported. According to the FDA, not all cases have been officially confirmed as aflatoxin poisoning.

The company issued an initial recall in December but expanded the recall to all pet food containing corn and food manufactured at the company’s Oklahoma plant. Pet food having an expiration date on or before July 9, 2022 has also been recalled.

Products recalled in December include:

  • 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

Foods that have been added to the recall include:

  • 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

Signs of aflatoxin poisoning include sluggishness, loss of appetite, vomiting, jaundice and diarrhea.

Pet owners are asked to discard the product and sanitize all pet food bowls. If an animal exhibits signs of aflatoxin poisoning, owners should contact a vet immediately.