After the reported deaths of at least 28 dogs, Evansville, IN-based Midwestern Pet Foods Inc. has recalled dog and cat food products after tests showed levels of Aflatoxin that exceed acceptable limits. The dog deaths are associated with lots of Sportmix High Energy.  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 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.

If a  pet shows signs of aflatoxin poisoning including sluggishness, loss of appetite, vomiting, yellowish tint to the eyes, gums, or skin due to liver damage, and/or diarrhea, contact a veterinarian immediately. Provide a full diet history to the veterinarian. It may be helpful to take a picture of the pet food label, including the lot number.

Lot code information may be found on the back of the bag and will appear 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. Do not sell or donate the recalled products.  If they have the means, retailers are encouraged to contact consumers who have purchased the recalled products i

Anyone who has purchased the recalled products should not feed any 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# Sportmix Energy Plus Lots Exp 03/02/22/05/L2, 03/02/22/05/L3, 03/03/22/05/L2
• 44# Sportmix Energy Plus Lots 03/02/22/05/L3
• 50# Sportmix Premium High Energy Lots 03/03/22/05/L3
• 44# Sportmix Premium High Energy Lots 03/03/22/05/L3
• 31# Sportmix Original Cat Lots 03/03/22/05/L3
• 15# Sportmix Original Cat Lots 03/03/22/05/L2, 03/03/22/05/L3