Dog deaths prompt recall of Sportmix High Energy pet food

Due to the reported deaths of 28 dogs associated with lots of Sportmix High Energy, and tests that showed levels of Aflatoxin levels that exceeded acceptable limits, Midwestern Pet Foods Inc. of Evansville, Indiana has recalled dog and cat food products, although no cat or human illnesses have been reported. The recalled pet foods. were distributed nationally to online distributors and retail stores.

Aflatoxin is a poison produced by the Aspergillus flavus mold, 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.

If a pet shows signs of aflatoxin poisoning such as sluggishness, loss of appetite, vomiting; yellowish tint to the sclera (whites of the eyes), gums, or skin due to liver damage; and/or diarrhea, you should contact a veterinarian immediately. Provide a full diet history to the veterinarian. It may be helpful to take a photograph of the pet food label, making sure to include the lot number which can be found on the back of the bag in a three-line code, with the top line in the format “EXP 03/03/22/05/L#/B###/HH: MM”.

Retailers and distributors should immediately pull recalled lots from their inventory and shelves, and should NOT sell or donate the recalled products. Retailers (when possible) are encouraged to contact consumers who have purchased the recalled products.

If you have purchased a recalled product, DO NOT feed it to pets or other animals. Destroy the products in a way that children, pets, and wildlife cannot access them. Wash and sanitize pet food bowls, cups, and storage containers.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is cooperating in the recall.

Recalled lot codes are as follows:
•50 lbs. Sportmix Energy Plus Lots Exp 03/02/22/05/L2, 03/02/22/05/L3, 03/03/22/05/L2
•44 lbs. Sportmix Energy Plus Lots 03/02/22/05/L3
•50 lbs. Sportmix Premium High Energy Lots 03/03/22/05/L3
•44 lbs. Sportmix Premium High Energy Lots 03/03/22/05/L3
•31 lbs. Sportmix Original Cat Lots 03/03/22/05/L3
•15 lbs. Sportmix Original Cat Lots 03/03/22/05/L2, 03/03/22/05/L3