Safety Report: 28 deaths and 8 illnesses in dogs from Sportmix Pet Food, USA

United States

The FDA is alerting pet owners and veterinary professionals about certain Sportmix pet food products manufactured by Midwestern Pet Foods, Inc. that may contain potentially fatal levels of aflatoxin. As of December 30, 2020, 28 deaths and 8 illnesses in dogs that ate the recalled product have been reported. 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. 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.

Midwest Pet Food, Inc. already recalled the following lots of Sportmix pet food products:
- Sportmix Energy Plus, 50 lb. bag. Lots: Exp 03/02/22/05/L2 | Exp 03/02/22/05/L3 | Exp 03/03/22/05/L2
- Sportmix Energy Plus, 44 lb. bag. Lot: Exp 03/02/22/05/L3
- Sportmix Premium High Energy, 50 lb. bag. Lot: Exp 03/03/22/05/L3
- Sportmix Premium High Energy, 44 lb. bag. Lot: Exp 03/03/22/05/L3
- Sportmix Original Cat, 31 lb. bag. Lot: Exp 03/03/22/05/L3
- Sportmix Original Cat, 15 lb. bag. Lots: Exp 03/03/22/05/L2 | Exp 03/03/22/05/L3

Check the full outbreak announcement on www.fda.gov/animal-veterinary/outbreaks-and-advisories/fda-alert-certain-lots-sportmix-pet-food-recalled-potentially-fatal-levels-aflatoxin

Source: FDA | Symptoms: Loss of Appetite