Category: Pet Health

Death count soars in Sportmix pet food aflatoxin investigation

BREAKING NEWS

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has received reports of more than 70 pet deaths and more than 80 pet illnesses associated with feeding Sportmix pet food containing potentially fatal levels of aflatoxin.

This count is approximate, according to the FDA, and may not reflect the total number of pets affected. Reports submitted only to the pet food manufacturer are not shared with FDA and are not a part of this count.

Not all of these cases have been officially confirmed as aflatoxin poisoning through laboratory testing or veterinary record review.

Sportmix pet foods are manufactured by Midwestern Pet Foods, Inc.

The company is headquartered in Evansville, Indiana. However, the contaminated pet foods were manufactured in Midwestern’s Oklahoma production facility.

On December 30, 2020, the company announced a recall of certain lots of Sportmix pet foods after the Missouri Department of Agriculture found “very high levels” of aflatoxin in multiple product samples.

Expanded Recall

The original recall has now been expanded to 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 in all.

Lots of the following pet food products have been recalled if the date/lot code includes an expiration date on or before “07/09/22” and includes “05” in the date/lot code, which identifies products made in the Oklahoma plant:

  • Pro Pac Adult Mini Chunk, 40 lb. bag 
  • Pro Pac Performance Puppy, 40 lb. bag 
  • Splash Fat Cat 32%, 50 lb. bag 
  • Nunn Better Maintenance, 50 lb. bag
  • Sportmix Original Cat, 15 lb. bag
  • Sportmix Original Cat, 31 lb. bag
  • Sportmix Maintenance, 44 lb. bag
  • Sportmix Maintenance, 50 lb. bag
  • Sportmix High Protein, 50 lb. bag
  • Sportmix Energy Plus, 44 lb. bag
  • Sportmix Energy Plus, 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 High Energy, 44 lb. bag
  • Sportmix High Energy, 50 lb. bag
  • Sportmix Premium Puppy, 16.5 lb. bag
  • Sportmix Premium Puppy, 33 lb. bag

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”

Investigation ongoing

The FDA is continuing to investigate the situation in cooperation with the state departments of agriculture for Missouri, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oregon, Texas, and Washington.

Case counts and the scope of this recall may expand as new information becomes available.

What pet owners need to know

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 aflatoxins, the toxins 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.

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 pet 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.

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Recalls and Alerts: December 13 – 16, 2020

Here is today’s list of food safety recalls, product withdrawals, allergy alerts and miscellaneous compliance issues. The live links will take you directly to the official recall notices and company news releases that contain detailed information for each recall and alert.

If you would like to receive automatic email alerts for all new articles posted on eFoodAlert, please submit your request using the sidebar link.

Interested in learning more about food safety and the history of foodborne disease outbreaks and investigations? Go to TAINTED to download the first couple of chapters of my new book.

United States

OUTBREAK ALERT (North Carolina): Cabarrus Health Alliance and Harris Teeter are investigating more than 150 reports of gastrointestinal illness linked to consumption of sushi purchased from free-standing AFC Sushi kiosks inside two Harris Teeter stores in Concord, North Carolina, according to a report in Food Safety News. The cause of the illnesses has not yet been determined.

Food Safety Recall: Tesoros Trading Co. recalls Trader Joe’s Lightly Salted Edamame, frozen (16 oz pkg; Lots 22LA102 M, 22LA102 N or 22LA102 P) due to potential Listeria monocytogenes contamination.

Pet Food Safety Recall: PetSmart Inc. recalls Authority Savory Blends Turkey Formula Cat Food, Adult Ages 1-7 (3.5 lb & 7 lb bags; UPC 7 37257 83105 & 7 37257 85016 7, respectively; All lot codes; nationwide distribution) due to elevated levels of mycotoxin (Zearalenone). The recall was initiated on November 11, 2020. No public recall notice was released.

Pet Food Safety Recall: PetSmart Inc. recalls Authority Savory Blends Chicken Formula Cat Food, Adult Ages 1-7 (3.5 lb & 7 lb bags; UPC 7 37257 83108 & 7 37257 86107, respectively; All lot codes; Nationwide distribution). due to elevated levels of mycotoxin (Zearalenone). The recall was initiated on November 11, 2020. No public recall notice was released.

Canada

Allergy Alert: Shivani Sales Inc. recalls Shivani brand Bhatura Atta (500g; Best Before APR 2021; UPC 8 46072 02219 5) and Shivani brand Missi Atta (500g; Best Before APR 2021; UPC 8 46072 02220 1) due to undeclared wheat.

Food Safety Recall: Levitts Foods (Canada) Inc. recalls Compliments brand Montreal-Style Smoked Meat (175g; BEST BEFORE 2021JA20; EST 48; UPC 0 68820 13357 5), Levitts brand Corned Beef (150g; BEST BEFORE 2021JA20; EST 48; UPC 8 82756 72084 1) and Levitts brand New York Style Pastrami (150g; BEST BEFORE 2021JA20; EST 48; UPC 8 82756 73084 0) due to possible Listeria monocytogenes contamination.

Food Safety Recall: IGA Famille Déziel inc recalls Cheddar fort fumé / Sharp smoked cheddar (8 slices / ~180g; Sold December 1-15, 2020) due to undeclared unpasteurized milk in the cheese.

Food Safety Recall: Hilly Acres Farm recalls specific batch codes of Farmer John Eyking brand shell eggs and Nova Eggs brand shell eggs due to possible Salmonella contamination. Please refer to the recall notice for a list of affected package configurations and batch codes.

Food Safety Recall: Lauri’services recalls Piment dans l’huile / Hot pepper in oil (In glass jars; Sold up to and including 16 December 2020) because the item may be unsafe to consume, due to production and/or packaging conditions.

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Europe

Allergy Alert (Belgium): Industry recalls Danival brand Ketchup (560g; Lot #E087; Expiry date 27/03/2022) due to undeclared mustard.

Allergy Alert (Iceland): Industry recalls Nawras brand Gele Vermicelli (400g; All batch codes; Product of Turkey) due to undeclared gluten.

Allergy Alert (Ireland): Marks & Spencer recalls Marks & Spencer brand Balanced For You Red Thai Chicken Curry (380g; Use by 14 December 2020 and 15 December 2020) due to undeclared milk.

Allergy Alert (Ireland): Tesco recalls Tesco Finest Festive Fruit & Nut Selection (225g; Batch code L0075004; Best before end May 2021) due to undeclared sulphur dioxide and/or sulphites.

Allergy Alert (UK): Tesco recalls Tesco Finest Festive Fruit & Nut Selection (225g; Best before end May 2021) due to undeclared sulphur dioxide and/or sulphites.

Allergy Alert (UK): Marks & Spencer recalls M&S Balanced For You Red Thai Chicken Curry (Use by 14 December 2020 and 15 December 2020) due to undeclared milk.

Food Safety Recall (Belgium): Colruyt Group recalls Haché de porc bio / Organic ground pork (400g; Use by 18/12/2020) due to Salmonella contamination.

Food Safety Recall (Belgium): Colruyt Group recalls Viande pour pita / Meat for pita (±500g; Use by 17/12/2020, 18/12/2020, 19/12/2020, 20/12/2020, 21/12/2020 & 24/12/2020) due to foreign matter (pieces of glass) contamination.

Food Safety Recall (France): Courses U recalls U brand Morceaux de filets de poulet panés / Breaded pieces of chicken breast (200g; Lot #344060; Use by 02/01/2021) due to possible foreign matter contamination.

Food Safety Recall (Luxembourg): Colruyt recalls Haché de porc bio / Organic ground pork (400g; Use by 18/12/2020) due to Salmonella contamination.

Food Safety Recall (Sweden): KLS Ugglarps recalls Ugglarps brand Julskinka, lättrökt, kokt och rimmad / Christmas ham, lightly smoked, cooked and salted (Batch 492; Best before 06.01.2021) because the ham was not cooked.

Food Safety Recall (UK): Lidl GB recalls Red Hen Breaded Chicken Nuggets (450g; Best before end February 2022) and Red Hen Southern Fried Chicken Pops (210g; Best before 05 February 2022) due to Salmonella contamination.

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Asia, Africa and the Pacific Islands

Allergy Alert (Hong Kong): Alf Retail Hong Kong Limited recalls M&S brandBalanced For You Red Thai Chicken Curry (380g; Use by December 14, 2020; Product of UK) due to undeclared milk.

Australia and New Zealand

Allergy Alert (Australia): Aust Aria Pty Ltd recalls Naderi Traditional Cookie (210g; Best Before 16 April 2021) due to undeclared peanut.

Latin America and the Caribbean

OUTBREAK ALERT (Venezuela): Almost 250 people have been affected with an outbreak of salmonellosis in the state of Bolívar, according to a report in Food Safety News. The source of the outbreak has not been determined.

Recalls and Alerts: November 29 – December 5, 2020

Here is today’s list of food safety recalls, product withdrawals, allergy alerts and miscellaneous compliance issues. The live links will take you directly to the official recall notices and company news releases that contain detailed information for each recall and alert.

If you would like to receive automatic email alerts for all new articles posted on eFoodAlert, please submit your request using the sidebar link.

Interested in learning more about food safety and the history of foodborne disease outbreaks and investigations? Go to TAINTED to download the first couple of chapters of my new book.

United States

OUTBREAK ALERT UPDATE: CDC reports 11 cases of Listeria monocytogenes infections in three states. All eleven outbreak victims were hospitalized and there has been one death. The illnesses appear to be linked to Italian style deli meats, but a specific supplier has not yet been identified.

OUTBREAK ALERT: Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment has investigated five cases of confirmed or suspected foodborne botulism in the state since September.

Allergy Alert: Flowers Foods, Inc. recalls Canyon Bakehouse Mountain White Bread (Lot #032220323; UPC 8-53584-00200-3) and Canyon Bakehouse Everything Bagels ( Lot #032220316; UPC 8-53584-00221-8) due to undeclared gluten.

Allergy Alert: Maribel’s Sweets recalls Cacao Market Cylinder Dark Chocolate Pearls (5 oz; UPC 87708002502; All packages not indicating milk on the label) due to undeclared milk.

Allergy Alert: Hong Thai Foods Corp. recalls Golden Boy Custard Muffin Original (7.76 oz; Best before 29/01/2022; UPC 9555719731581) due to undeclared milk and the presence of Uranine- Acid Yellow 73.

Food Safety Recall: Continental Glatt Kosher Meats Corp. (d.b.a. First Choice Kosher Meat & Deli Inc.) recalls approximately 61,504 pounds of ready-to-eat (RTE) meat and poultry products that were produced without the benefit of federal inspection. Please refer to the recall notice for additional details on the recalled products.

Food Safety Recall: High Quality Organics recalls HQO High Quality Organics brand Organic Thyme Leaves (30 lbs & 500 lbs; Lot #48040; Best by 2022-10-30) due to potential Salmonella contamination. Notification of the recall was by letter only.

Pet Treat Safety Recall: TDBBS, LLC. recalls Chewy.com Natural Cow Ears (12-pack; Lot #WO125540; Best before 11/08/2022; UPC 840139120251) due to Salmonella contamination.

Pet Treat Safety Recall: TDBBS, LLC. recalls Jumbo Bully Sticks (various package sizes, brands, lot codes and expiration dates) due to potential Salmonella contamination. Please refer to the recall notice for a complete list of recalled products.

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Canada

OUTBREAK ALERT UPDATE: PHAC reports 32 Salmonella Typhimurium illness across six provinces linked to contact with pet hedgehogs. Four people have been hospitalized.

Allergy Alert: Poissonnerie Ô recalls various products due to undeclared egg and sulphites. Please refer to the recall notice for a complete list of affected products.

Allergy Alert: Distributions Farinex recalls various Gelsius brand IQF Sliced White Apples and IQF Diced Apples due to undeclared sulphites.Please refer to the recall notice for a complete list of affected products.

Allergy Alert: Industry recalls Kandy brand Tuna Dry Fish (200g; Batch No. HP/CA010/2020; Expiry 11.10.2021) due to histamine.

Food Safety Recall: Metro Ontario Inc. recalls multiple Metro brand products due to potential Salmonella contamination. Please refer to the recall notice for a complete list of recalled products.

Food Safety Recall: Kawartha Dairy Limited recalls certain Kawartha Dairy brand ice cream products due to potential foreign matter (metal pieces) contamination.

Food Safety Recall: Panier Extra recalls Saumon fumé surgelé / Frozen smoked salmon (all product sold up to 30 November 2020) due to improper temperature control during storage and absence of storage temperature instructions on the package label.

Food Safety Recall: Le Diapason Bistro épicurien recalls various products packed in 1L glass jars due to potential microbiological health hazard. Please refer to the recall notice for a complete list of affected products.

Food Safety Recall: Poissonnerie Ô recalls éperlan mariné / marinated smelt (sold up to and including 1 December 2020) due to lack of storage temperature instructions on the package label.

Food Safety Recall: La Maison des pâtes fraîches recalls PESTO AU BASILIC / Basil pesto (sold up to and including 3 December 2020) due to potential microbiological health hazard.

Food Safety Recall: Lou Nissart recalls ratatouille (250 ml; sold up to and including 2 December 2020) due to potential microbiological health hazard.

Food Safety Recall: Bagel Henri-Bourassa recalls various products due to potential microbiological health hazard. Please refer to the recall notice for a complete list of affected products.

Food Safety Recall: Yoga Grind Studio café recalls various products due to potential microbiological health hazard. Please refer to the recall notice for a complete list of affected products.

Food Safety Recall: Ding Ho Foods Inc. recalls Ding Ho Foods brand Fried Fish Balls (318g; Best before 2021 JA 14; Lot #011421; UPC 6 27590 04631 9) and Ding Ho Foods brand Fried Fish Balls (5 lbs, labelled as 318g; Best before 2020 NO 28; Lot #112820) due to foreign matter (pieces of plastic) contamination.

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Europe

OUTBREAK ALERT UPDATE (FRANCE): Santé publique France reports 31 cases of Salmonella Bovismorbificans infections across seven regions of France. Seven people have been hospitalized. The illnesses are linked to consumption of dry pork sausages.

Allergy Alert (Belgium): D’Haubry Bakery recalls Macarons de Pauline Fraise-Pistache-Chocolat (108g; Lot #L0245091; Best before 28/07/2021) due to undeclared milk.

Allergy Alert (Belgium): Jumbo recalls Kruidenkaas Italiaanse Stijl Jong Belegen 50+ (fromage aux épices – à l’italienne) / Italian cheese with spices (250g; Lots/Best before dates 15-12-2020 to 1-1-2021, inclusive) due to undeclared egg.

Allergy Alert (Belgium): Bio-Planet recalls Bauckhof brand Choco Balls (300g; Lot #200221; Best before 2/2/202) due to undeclared milk protein.

Allergy Alert (Belgium): Albert Heijn recalls AH Peterselie / fresh parsley (30g; Best before 08/12/2020) due to undeclared celery.

Allergy Alert (Germany): MAHYAR / M. Sarrafian Import und Export recalls NADERI Traditional Cookie (210g; Serial No. 198; Best before 16.04.2021) due to undeclared peanuts.

Allergy Alert (Netherlands): Jumbo recalls Kruidenkaas Italiaanse Stijl Jong Belegen 50+ (fromage aux épices – à l’italienne) / Italian cheese with spices (250g; Lots/Best before dates 15-12-2020 to 1-1-2021, inclusive) due to undeclared egg.

Allergy Alert (Netherlands): Albert Heijn recalls AH Peterselie / fresh parsley (30g; Best before 08/12/2020) due to undeclared celery.

Food Safety Recall (Belgium): De Beauvoorder recalls le pâté de lièvre (au vin rouge) / red wine hare pâté (150g; Lots 4315/680146 & o 4330/680146; Expiry 04/12/2020 & DLC 19/12/2020) due to Listeria monocytogenes contamination.

Food Safety Recall (France): CRUSTA C recalls Atelier Poissonnerie brand Crevettes 80/100 Venezuela ASC / shrimp (300g; Lot #2203220692; Best by 27/11/2020) due to Listeria monocytogenes contamination.

Food Safety Recall (France): Nouvelle UTP recalls SAVEURS BRESSANES brand Pâté de campagne à l’ancienne (1 slice; Lot #T1911; Best before 18/12/2020) to Listeria contamination.

Food Safety Recall (France): ROUSSILLON SALAISONS recalls GUSTO Y SABOR brand Fuets catalans / dry sausage (170g; various lot codes and Best before dates) due to Salmonella contamination.

Food Safety Recall (Germany): Lidl Deutschland recalls various Nautica Regenbogen Forellenfilets in den Sortierungen Natur und Pfeffer / Rainbow trout fillets, plain and peppered due to Listeria monocytogenes contamination. Please refer to the recall notice for a complete list of affected products.

Food Safety Recall (Germany): Rhönmetzgerei Arnold recalls Rhöner Leberwurst im Ring (Naturdarm)/ Liver sausage in ring with natural casing (Best before 21.12.2020) due to potential foreign matter (glass splinters) contamination.

Food Safety Recall (Germany): Weiling GmbH recalls BIOLADEN*Cashewmus / Cashew butter (250 g; Best before 18-05-2022 and illegible Best before dates) due to potential foreign matter (pieces of glass) contamination.

Food Safety Recall (Germany): Herbertehof recalls various sausage products due to Listeria monocytogenes contamination. Please refer to the recall notice for a complete list of affected products.

Food Safety Recall (Italy): Salumificio Sorrrentino S.R.L. recalls TAVOLA ITALIA SALSICCIA ABRUZZESE APPASSITA PICCANTE / Spicy dry Abruzzese sausage (~200g; Lot #250920; Best before 31/07/21) due to Salmonella contamination.

Food Safety Recall (Italy): CHIARELLI PIERLUIGI recalls CHIARELLI PIERLUIGI brand FORMAGGIO A LATTE CRUDO – FORMAGGELLA / raw milk cheese (Lot #02102020) due to Listeria monocytogenes contamination.

Food Safety Recall (Italy): Lidl Italia S.R.L. recalls Milbona Latte intero UHT / UHT whole milk (1L; Lot 20288/ Line 34; Best before 11/02/21) due to potential loss of sterility.

Food Safety Recall (Sweden): Lidl Sverige recalls Culinea brand Gåsbröst / Goose breast (950g; Best before 2022-09-30) due to Salmonella contamination.

Food Safety Recall (UK): Lactalis Nestlé Chilled Dairy UK recalls Nescafé Shakissimo Espresso Latte (190 ml; Use by 26 January 2021) due to contamination with residues of a cleaning solution.

Food Safety Recall (UK): Meng Fu S.H.L recalls several meat ball products because the meat used to make the products does not meet food safety requirements. Please refer to the recall notice for a complete list of affected products.

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Asia, Africa and the Pacific Islands

Food Safety Recall (Singapore): Cold Storage Singapore (1983) Pte Ltd. recalls Meadows Pure Drinking Water (1.5L; Expiry 9/11/2022; Product of Malaysia) due to Pseudomonas aeruginosa contamination.

Australia and New Zealand

Allergy Alert (Australia): Baiada Poultry Pty Limited recalls Steggles Frozen Turkey Breast Roast (1kg; Best Before 29 JUN 2022) due to undeclared gluten, sulphites and tree nuts.

Allergy Alert (New Zealand): Loaf Ltd. recalls Loaf brand Gluten Free Gooey Caramel Slice (280g; Best before 31JAN21) due to undeclared gluten.