Expanded Recall | January 11, 2021

The Midwestern Pet Foods, Inc. recall from December has been expanded to include additional Sportmix products and two more brands – Pro Pac and Nunn Better.

The FDA is aware of more than 70 pets that have died and more than 80 pets that are sick after eating Sportmix pet food. Not all of these cases have been officially confirmed as aflatoxin poisoning through laboratory testing or veterinary record review. This count is approximate and may not reflect the total number of pets affected.

The recall has been expanded to now include all pet food products containing corn that were made in the firm’s Oklahoma plant and that expire on or before July 9, 2022. More than 1000 lot codes are affected so they are not listed individually. 
The lots impacted will include an expiration date on or before “07/09/22” and include “05” in the date/lot code, which identifies products made in the Oklahoma plant.

All additional products have been added to the Safe Pet Treats app.

January Additional Products:
Pro Pac Adult Mini Chunk, 40 lb. bag 
Pro Pac Performance Puppy, 40 lb. bag 
Nunn Better Maintenance, 50 lb. bag
Sportmix Maintenance, 44 lb. bag
Sportmix Maintenance, 50 lb. bag
Sportmix High Protein, 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 Premium Puppy, 16.5 lb. bag
Sportmix Premium Puppy, 33 lb. bag

Note: As with the original recall UPC’s were not provided.
Where possible we have located and included the UPC in the Safe Pet Treats app. We will update if the UPC’s are made available.

Click here for full product list with the FDA alert.

Deadly Dog & Cat Food Recall – Sportmix Brand | December 2020
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. 

The FDA is aware of at least 28 dogs that have died and 8 that have fallen ill after consuming the recalled Sportmix pet food.

This is an ongoing investigation. Case counts and the scope of this pending recall may expand as new information becomes available.

Please see the full FDA announcement below that includes the product list, symptoms to look for and what to do.

Note: UPC’s were not provided with this recall. Where possible we have located and included the UPC in the app. We will update if the UPC’s are made available.

This recall has been added to the Safe Pet Treats app.  Available on iTunes and Google Play.

From the FDA website:

Fast Facts

• FDA is alerting pet owners and veterinary professionals about certain Sportmix pet food products (see list below) manufactured by Midwestern Pet Foods, Inc. that may contain potentially fatal levels of aflatoxin. 
• FDA is aware of at least 28 deaths and 8 illnesses in dogs that ate the recalled product. 
• This is an ongoing investigation. Case counts and the scope of this pending 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.
• FDA is asking veterinarians who suspect aflatoxin poisoning in their patients to report the cases through the Safety Reporting Portal or by calling their local FDA Consumer Complaint Coordinators. Pet owners can also report suspected cases to the FDA.

What is the Problem?

On December 30, 2020, Midwestern Pet Food, Inc. committed to recall certain lots of Sportmix pet food products after FDA was alerted about reports of at least 28 dogs that have died and eight that have fallen ill after consuming the recalled Sportmix pet food. Multiple product samples were tested by the Missouri Department of Agriculture and found to contain very high levels of aflatoxin. Aflatoxin is a toxin produced by the mold Aspergillus flavus and at high levels it can cause illness and death in pets. The toxin can be present even if there is no visible mold.

FDA is issuing this advisory to notify the public about the potentially fatal levels of aflatoxin in pet food products that may still be on store shelves, online, or in pet owners’ homes. 

FDA is conducting follow-up activities at the manufacturing facility.

This is a developing situation and the FDA will update this page with additional information as it becomes available.

What are the Symptoms of Aflatoxin Poisoning in Pets?

Pets are highly susceptible to aflatoxin poisoning because, unlike people, who eat a varied diet, pets generally eat the same food continuously over extended periods of time. If a pet’s food contains aflatoxin, the toxin could accumulate in the pet’s system as they continue to eat the same food. 

Pets with aflatoxin poisoning may experience symptoms such as sluggishness, loss of appetite, vomiting, jaundice (yellowish tint to the eyes, gums or skin due to liver damage), and/or diarrhea. In some cases, this toxicity can cause long-term liver issues and/or death. Some pets suffer liver damage without showing any symptoms. Pet owners whose pets have been eating the recalled products should contact their veterinarians, especially if they are showing signs of illness.

There is no evidence to suggest that pet owners who handle products containing aflatoxin are at risk of aflatoxin poisoning. However, pet owners should always wash their hands after handling pet food.

What Products are Involved?

On December 30, 2020, Midwest Pet Food, Inc. committed to recall nine total lots of Sportmix pet food products. FDA and the Missouri Department of Agriculture are working with the firm to determine whether any additional products may have been made with the same ingredients containing potentially fatal levels of aflatoxin. As new information becomes available, this product list may continue to expand.

The list of dry pet food products to be recalled by Midwestern Pet Food, Inc. on December 30, 2020 is:

• 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

Lot code information may be found on the back of bag and will appear in a three-line code, with the top line in format “EXP 03/03/22/05/L#/B###/HH:MM”

The affected products were distributed to online retailers and stores nationwide within the United States. 

What Do Retailers Need to Do?

Don’t sell or donate the affected pet food products. Contact the manufacturer for further instructions. The FDA also encourages retailers to contact consumers who have purchased recalled products, if they have the means to do so (such as through shopper’s card records or point-of-sale signs). 

What Do Pet Owners Need to Do?

If your pet has symptoms of aflatoxin poisoning, contact a veterinarian immediately. Even pets without symptoms may have suffered liver damage, so you may want to contact your veterinarian if your dog has eaten any of the recalled products. Provide a full diet history to your veterinarian. You may find it helpful to take a picture of the pet food label, including the lot number.

Don’t feed the recalled products to your pets or any other animal. Contact the company listed on the package for further instructions or throw the products away in a way that children, pets and wildlife cannot access them. 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. However, pet owners should always wash their hands after handling any pet food.

You can report suspected illness to the FDA electronically through the Safety Reporting Portal or by calling your state’s FDA Consumer Complaint Coordinators. It’s most helpful if you can work with your veterinarian to submit your pet’s medical records as part of your report. For an explanation of the information and level of detail that would be helpful to include in a complaint to the FDA, please see How to Report a Pet Food Complaint.

What Do Veterinarians Need to Do?

The FDA urges veterinarians treating aflatoxin poisoning to ask their clients for a diet history. We also welcome case reports, especially those confirmed through diagnostic testing. You can submit these reports electronically through the FDA Safety Reporting Portal or by calling your state’s FDA Consumer Complaint Coordinators. For an explanation of the information and level of detail that would be helpful to include in a complaint to the FDA, please see How to Report a Pet Food Complaint.

The information in this release reflects the FDA’s best efforts to communicate what it has learned from the manufacturer and parties involved in the investigation. The agency will update this page as more information becomes available. 

The post Deadly Dog & Cat Food Recall Expanded – Multiple Brands | January 2021 appeared first on Safe Pet Treats | Pet Food Safety and Recalls.

From the FDA website:

Albright’s Raw Dog Food of Fort Wayne, IN is voluntarily recalling 67 cases of Chicken Recipe for Dogs because it has the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella. Salmonella can affect animals eating the products and there is risk to humans from handling contaminated pet products, especially if they have not thoroughly washed their hands after having contact with the products or any surfaces exposed to these products.

Healthy people infected wit Salmonella should monitor themselves for some or all of the following symptoms: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramping and fever. Rarely, Salmonella can result in more serious ailments, including arterial infections, endocarditis, arthritis, muscle pain, eye irritation, and urinary tract symptoms. Consumers exhibiting these signs after having contact with this product should contact their healthcare providers.

Pets with Salmonella infections may be lethargic and have diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever, and vomiting. Some pets will have only decreased appetite, fever and abdominal pain. Infected but otherwise healthy pets can be carriers and infect other animals or humans. If your pet has consumed the recalled product and has these symptoms, please contact your veterinarian.

Albright’s Raw Dog Food Chicken Recipe for Dogs was distributed in CA, FL, IL, IN, NH, NJ, NV, NY, PA, and TN and product was distributed through retail stores, mail order, and direct delivery.

The product is labeled Albright’s Raw Dog Food Chicken Recipe for Dogs and is packaged in 2 lbs chubs/rolls. Each chub/roll is printed with “Lot number C000185, Best By 19 May 2021.” Product was sold frozen, and was distributed from the company to distributors from 7/8/20 to 8/27/20.

One animal illness has been reported. No human illnesses have been reported to date.

The problem bacteria was revealed after testing conducted by the FDA. The problem was confined to this batch and the company has ceased the distribution of the batch as FDA and the company continue their investigation as to what caused the problem.

Due to the frozen condition of the product, it is possible that retailers and end users may still have the product in their freezers. Consumers who have purchased Albright’s Raw Dog Food Chicken Recipe for Dogs are urged to return it to the place of purchase for a full refund.

Consumers with questions may contact the company at 1-260-422-9440 Monday – Friday, 8 am – 4 pm, EST.

Company Contact Information:  
Phone:  260-422-9440
Email:   albrightsrawdogfood@aol.com

The post Albright’s Raw Dog Food Recall | November 2020 appeared first on Safe Pet Treats | Pet Food Safety and Recalls.

The additional brands impacted are: Champ, Field Trial, Good Dog, Hunter’s Special, Old Glory, Pet Expert, Principle, Retriever, River Bend, Sportsman’s Pride, Sprout, Thrifty, Top Runner, and Whiskers & Tails.

Click here for full product list with the FDA alert.

All additional products have been added to the Safe Pet Treats app.
Full UPC’s were not provided with this recall. For any products we were able to locate full UPC’s we have upated the app to include these.

Sunshine Mills Recall | September 3, 2020

The Sunshine Mills recall is another voluntary recall of three of their brands for certain dog food products due to levels of Aflatoxin that are potentially above the acceptable limit.  Aflatoxin is a naturally occurring mold by-product from the growth of Aspergillus flavus and can be harmful to pets if consumed in significant quantities.
The brands impacted are Family Pet, Heartland Farms, and Paws Happy Life. Please note full UPC codes were not provided with this recall. Additional product details are listed below.

These recalls have been added to the Safe Pet Treats app.  Available on iTunes and Google Play.

From the FDA website:

Sunshine Mills, Inc. is issuing a voluntary recall of certain dog food products due to levels of Aflatoxin that are potentially above the acceptable limit.  Aflatoxin is a naturally occurring mold by-product from the growth of Aspergillus flavus and can be harmful to pets if consumed in significant quantities.

The potential for aflatoxin levels above the acceptable limit in these products was discovered by routine sampling performed by the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry showing that a sample of a single 4-pound bag of one lot of the product contained elevated levels of aflatoxin.  No illnesses have been reported in association with these products to date, and no other Sunshine Mills, Inc. pet food products are affected by this announcement.

While no adverse health effects related to these products have been reported, Sunshine Mills, Inc. has chosen to issue a voluntary recall of these products as a precautionary measure in furtherance of its commitment to the safety and quality of its products.  Pets that have consumed any of the recalled products and exhibit symptoms of illness including sluggishness or lethargy combined with a reluctance to eat, vomiting, yellowish tint to the eyes or gums, or diarrhea should be seen by a veterinarian.

The affected products were distributed in retail stores nationally.  Retailers who received the recalled lots have been contacted and asked to pull these lots from their inventory and shelves.  There are no other Family Pet®, Heartland Farms®, or Paws Happy Life® products or other lot codes of these products affected by this precautionary recall.

Consumers who have purchased the recalled products should discontinue use of the product and may return the unused portion to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers may contact Sunshine Mills, Inc. Customer Service at (800) 705-2111 from 7AM to 4PM Central Time, Monday through Friday, or by email at customer.service@sunshinemills.com for additional information.

This is a voluntary recall being conducted in cooperation with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

Products affected by this announcement:

Product Name: FAMILY PET® Meaty Cuts Beef Chicken & Cheese Flavors Premium Dog Food
Size: 4 lb.
Lot Codes: TD3 4/APRIL/2020, TD1 5/APRIL/2020
UPC: 3225120694

Product Name: FAMILY PET® Meaty Cuts Beef Chicken & Cheese Flavors Premium Dog Food
Size: 14 lb.
Lot Codes: TB1 4/APRIL/2020, TB2 4/APRIL/2020, TB3 3/APRIL/2020
UPC: 3225118078

Product Name: FAMILY PET® Meaty Cuts Beef Chicken & Cheese Flavors Premium Dog Food
Size: 28 lb.
Lot Codes: TB3 3/APRIL/2020
UPC: 3225120694

Product Name: HEARTLAND FARMS® Grilled Favorites Beef Chicken & Cheese Flavor
Size: 14 lb.
Lot Codes: TB1 4/APRIL/2020, TB2 4/APRIL/2020
UPC: 7015514299

Product Name: HEARTLAND FARMS® Grilled Favorites Beef Chicken & Cheese Flavor
Size: 31 lb.
Lot Codes: TA2 4/APRIL/2020, TA3 4/APRIL/2020
UPC: 7015514301

Product Name: PAWS HAPPY LIFE® Butcher’s Choice Dog Food
Size: 16 lb.
Lot Codes: TA1 4/APRIL/2020, TA2 4/APRIL/2020
UPC: 3680035763

Consumers:Sunshine Mills, Inc. Customer Service (800) 705-2111 customer.service@sunshinemills.com

The post Sunshine Mills Recall Expanded| October 2020 appeared first on Safe Pet Treats | Pet Food Safety and Recalls.

From the FDA website:

Real Pet Food Company is voluntarily recalling Billy+Margot Wild Kangaroo and Superfoods Recipe 4lb bags because it has the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella. Salmonella can affect animals eating the products and there is risk to humans from handling contaminated pet products.

While no illnesses have been reported, healthy people infected with Salmonella should monitor themselves for some or all of the following symptoms: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramping and fever. Rarely, Salmonella can result in more serious ailments, including arterial infections, endocarditis, arthritis, muscle pain, eye irritation, and urinary tract symptoms. Owners exhibiting any signs after having contact with this product should contact their healthcare provider.

Pets with Salmonella infections may be lethargic and have diarrhea, fever, vomiting and or abdominal pain. Infected but otherwise healthy pets can be carriers and infect other animals or humans. If your pet has consumed the recalled product and has these symptoms, please contact your veterinarian.

Retailers who have received product from the affected lot code have been asked to remove this product from shelves immediately and dispose of the product carefully.

If you have purchased Billy+Margot Wild Kangaroo and Superfoods Recipe in a 4 lb bag, with lot code V 07 Feb 2022 from any retail store nationally, please stop feeding the product to your dogs, dispose of this product immediately, wash your hands accordingly, and sanitize affected surfaces.

This recall does not affect any other Billy+Margot products or those sold outside of the USA.

The recall is a result of a routine sampling program by state officials which revealed that the finished products contained the bacteria. The company has ceased the production and distribution of the product. The FDA and the company will continue their investigation as to what caused the problem.

Consumers who have purchased the recalled products may call Real Pet Food between 8 am and 10 pm EST immediately for a refund or for additional information at : 1-800-467-5494. Consumers with questions may contact the company at : 1-800-467-5494 during the above times also.

The post Billy + Margot Dog Food Recall | September 2020 appeared first on Safe Pet Treats | Pet Food Safety and Recalls.

From the FDA website:
Sunshine Mills, Inc. is issuing a voluntary recall of Nature’s Menu® Super Premium Dog Food with a Blend of Real Chicken & Quail because of the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella. Salmonella can affect animals eating the products and there is risk to humans from handling contaminated products, especially if they have not thoroughly washed their hands after having contact with the products or any surfaces exposed to these products.

Healthy people infected with Salmonella should monitor themselves for some or all of the following symptoms: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramping and fever. Rarely, Salmonella can result in more serious ailments, including arterial infections, endocarditis, arthritis, muscle pain, eye irritation, and urinary tract symptoms. Consumers exhibiting these signs after having contact with this product should contact their healthcare providers.

Pets with Salmonella infections may be lethargic and have diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever, and vomiting. Some pets will have only decreased appetite, fever and abdominal pain. Infected but otherwise healthy pets can be carriers and infect other animals or humans. If your pet has consumed the recalled product and has these symptoms, please contact your veterinarian.

The recalled products were distributed in retail stores nationally and can be identified with the following UPC 7015514363 and UPC 7015514365.

The product comes in a 3-pound bag with the following lot codes:
TE1 20/April /2020, TE1 21/April/2020, TE1 22/April/2020, TE2 20/April /2020, TE2 21/April/2020,
TE2 22/April/2020, TE3 20/April/2020, TE3 21/April/2020, TE3 22/April/2020.
The product comes in a 13.5-pound bag with the following lot codes:
TB1 20/April /2020, TB1 21/April/2020, TB1 22/April/2020, TB2 20/April /2020, TB2 21/April/2020,
TB2 22/April/2020, TB3 20/April/2020, TB3 21/April/2020, TB3 22/April/2020.

There are no other Nature’s Menu® products or other lot codes of the Nature’s Menu® Super Premium Dog Food with a Blend of Real Chicken & Quail affected by this precautionary recall.

No illnesses, injuries or complaints have been reported to date.

The potential for contamination was noted after the firm was notified by the Georgia Department of Agriculture when a sample of a single 3-pound bag of the product was collected and tested positive for Salmonella.  The firm conducted testing of multiple samples of the same lot which all tested negative for Salmonella. Salmonellamay not be evenly distributed throughout a lot which is why it could have been found on one sample and not on multiple other samples of the same lot.  However, out of an abundance of caution, Sunshine Mills, Inc. has chosen to issue a voluntary recall of the above-referenced lots of Nature’s Menu® Super Premium Dog Food with a Blend of Real Chicken & Quail in furtherance of its commitment to the safety and quality of its products.

Retailers who received the recalled lots have been contacted and asked to pull these lots from their inventory and shelves.  Consumers who have purchased Nature’s Menu® Super Premium Dog Food with a Blend of Real Chicken & Quail from the recalled lots should discontinue use of the product and may return the unused portion to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers may contact Sunshine Mills, Inc. customer service at (800) 705-2111 from 7AM to 4PM Central Time, Monday through Friday, or by email at customer.service@sunshinemills.com for additional information.

This is a voluntary recall being conducted in cooperation with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

The post Nature’s Menu Dog Food Recall | August 2020 appeared first on Safe Pet Treats | Pet Food Safety and Recalls.

From the Health Canada website:
Product: Carnivora Fresh Frozen Patties for Dogs and Cats

Issue: The pet food may be contaminated with Escherichia coli O157 (E. coli) and there is risk of cross contamination and illness after handling.

What to do: Consumers should immediately stop using any of the affected pet food products and contact the retailer where they purchased the affected product for a full refund or exchange.

Affected Products listed below, all with Date Codes: 13 01 20 / 006 , 15 02 20 / 042 , 20 01 20 / 006 , 20 02 20 / 042

Hazard identified

The recalled pet food may be contaminated with Escherichia coli O157 (E. coli) and there is risk of cross contamination and illness after handling the pet food.

E. coli O157 is a bacteria that can cause serious, sometimes life-threatening illness. Some people infected with E. coli O157 do not get sick at all, though they can still spread the infection to others. Common symptoms observed after infection include nausea, vomiting, headache, mild fever, severe stomach cramps, and watery or bloody diarrhea. Most symptoms end within five to ten days. Pregnant women, those with weakened immune systems, young children and older adults are most at risk for developing serious complications and might need hospitalization.

There is no real treatment for E. coli infections, other than monitoring the illness, providing comfort, and preventing dehydration. People should contact their health care provider if symptoms persist or worsen with time.

As of June 12, 2020, the company has been made aware of 4 reports of illnesses in Canada.

Number sold

Approximately 1,803 units of the affected product were sold in Canada.

Time period sold

The affected products were sold from January 13, 2020 to June, 2020.

Place of origin

Manufactured in Canada

Companies

ManufacturerRiveriene Farm Ltd. o/a Carnivora Pet Foods
Saskatoon
Saskatchewan
CANADA

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