Table of Contents:

1. Which Products Were Recalled on December 30th?
2. Which Additional Products Were Recalled on January 11th?
3. What Are the Signs of Aflatoxin Poisoning?
4. What Should Pet Owners and Retailers Do?

On January 11th, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Indiana-based Midwestern Pet Foods expanded a recall that they first announced on December 30th of last year.

Which Products Were Recalled on December 30th?

The initial recall followed several investigations from the Missouri Department of Agriculture. These tests found unacceptable levels of aflatoxin, a mold by-product. At the time of the initial recall, the FDA was aware of 28 canine deaths. Midwestern Pet Foods announced on December 30th that consumers and retailers should dispose of the following products:

• 15-pound bags of SPORTMiX® Original Cat food
  • Lot Code: Exp 03/03/22/05/L2
  • Lot Code: Exp 03/03/22/05/L3
• 31-pound bags of SPORTMiX® Original Cat food
  • Lot Code: Exp 03/03/22/05/L3
• 44-pound bags of SPORTMiX® Energy Plus dog food
  • Lot Code: Exp 03/02/22/05/L3
• 44-pound bags of SPORTMiX® Premium High Energy dog food
  • Lot Code: Exp 03/03/22/05/L3
• 50-pound bags of SPORTMiX® Energy Plus dog food
  • Lot Code: Exp 03/02/22/05/L2
  • Lot Code: Exp 03/02/22/05/L3
  • Lot Code: Exp 03/03/22/05/L2
• 50-pound bags of SPORTMiX® Premium High Energy dog food
  • Lot Code: Exp 03/03/22/05/L3

Which Additional Products Were Recalled on January 11th?

Following additional investigations and news that at least 70 dogs have died and 80 have fallen ill, Midwestern Pet Foods expanded the scope of the recall on January 11th. They are now recalling numerous lots of the following products:

• 15-pound bags of SPORTMiX® Original Cat food
• 31-pound bags of SPORTMiX® Original Cat food
• 16.5-pound bags of SPORTMiX® Premium Puppy dog food
• 33-pound bags of SPORTMiX® Premium Puppy dog food
• 40-pound bags of PRO PAC® Adult Mini Chunk dog food
• 40-pound bags of PRO PAC® Performance Puppy dog food
• 44-pound bags of SPORTMiX® Energy Plus dog food
• 50-pound bags of SPORTMiX® Energy Plus dog food
• 44-pound bags of SPORTMiX® Stamina dog food
• 50-pound bags of SPORTMiX® Stamina dog food
• 40-pound bags of SPORTMiX® Bite Size dog food
• 44-pound bags of SPORTMiX® Bite Size dog food
• 44-pound bags of SPORTMiX® High Energy dog food
• 50-pound bags of SPORTMiX® High Energy dog food
• 50-pound bags of SPLASH FAT CAT® 32% fish food
• 50-pound bags of Nunn-Better® Maintenance dog food
• 44-pound bags of SPORTMiX® Maintenance dog food
• 50-pound bags of SPORTMiX® Maintenance dog food
• 50-pound bags of SPORTMiX® Maintenance dog food

The products all contain corn, expire in 2022, and were produced in Midwestern Pet Foods’ Oklahoma facility. Concerned pet parents should look for the number “05” after the product’s expiration date. This indicates that the food was produced in Oklahoma and is potentially contaminated.

In a statement, a representative from Midwestern Pet Foods writes, “we continue a thorough review of our facilities and practices in full cooperation with FDA.” Check out the statement for a full list of the more than 1,000 product lots which may have been affected.

What Are the Signs of Aflatoxin Poisoning?

Pet food that is contaminated with aflatoxin may or may not be covered in visible mold. Both pets and pet parents can poison themselves by ingesting contaminated food or from contact with a contaminated utensil or surface. Poisoning is far more common in pets, who are likely to eat the same food at every meal. Symptoms of aflatoxin poisoning include:

• Diarrhea
• Jaundice (yellow coloration of the eyes and/or gums)
• Loss of appetite
• Loss of energy
• Vomiting

The FDA notes that affected pets may experience liver damage without exhibiting visible symptoms. Though they are not aware of any pet owners who have become sick from contaminated products, all individuals are advised to wash their hands thoroughly after handling them.

What Should Pet Owners and Retailers Do?

Pet parents who have fed their dogs or cats any quantity of the recalled products are instructed to watch for warning signs and contact their veterinarian for additional guidance if necessary. The FDA encourages them to dispose of food in such a way as to make it inaccessible to both pets and wild animals. Retailers should remove the products from their shelves and, if possible, contact anyone who has purchased them.