The U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued a recall order Wednesday for several brands of pet food produced by Midwestern Pet Foods. The agency said that the recall was ordered after it had found that the pet foods contain high levels of a toxin.
According to the FDA, it had received at least 28 reports of pets dying after consuming the company's products. At least eight sicknesses were also reported involving the company's pet food products.
The FDA said that the investigation into the matter is still ongoing but it is advising all consumers to stay away from the products linked to the reported fatalities. The agency said that its initial findings indicated that the company's pet foods had contained alarming amounts of a toxin called aflatoxin.
In its recall order, the FDA said that the particular toxin is produced by a mold called Aspergillus Flavus that can grow in corn and other grains - used as the main ingredient in pet foods.
The FDA said that the toxin is extremely harmful to animals at high levels. Typical symptoms that may arise after ingestion include loss of appetite, lethargy, vomiting, and diarrhea. In extreme cases, the toxin may cause lethal liver damage.
The FDA said that consumers who had recently fed their pets any of the company's products - particularly its Sportmix brand of pet food - should immediately consult a veterinarian. The agency added that the products should be disposed of properly and be kept away from other animals and children. Surfaces - such as tables, counters, and food bowls - that had been in contact with the dog food should also be sanitized.
Midwestern Pet Foods said in a statement that it is working closely with the FDA to aid in the recall. The company said that the FDA's mission to protect human and animal health is also its top priority.
The Indian-based company acknowledged the FDA's findings and said that it had also found levels of aflatoxins in its products that were above "acceptable limits."
The affected products in the recall include the company's Sportmix Energy Plus. Premium High Energy, and Original Cat brands.
