The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is currently investigating pet food products manufactured by Midwestern Pet Foods, Inc. in cooperation with state agriculture departments across several states. This investigation is due to potentially fatal levels of aflatoxins found in certain products.
Midwestern Pet Foods initially recalled specific lots on January 11, 2021, and then expanded this recall to include more products made in their Oklahoma facility. These recalled products include various pet food brands such as Sportmix, Pro Pac, Nunn Better, and Splash Fat Cat fish foods, all produced at the Oklahoma plant with expiration dates on or before July 9, 2022. Furthermore, on January 25, 2021, the FDA released a list of countries that may have received exported recalled products from Midwestern Pet Foods.
Fast Facts About the Sportmix Dog Food Recall
- The FDA has issued an alert regarding certain pet food products from Midwestern Pet Foods, Inc.’s Oklahoma plant that may contain dangerous levels of aflatoxins. Sportmix Dog Food is among the affected brands.
- As of January 21, 2021, reports indicate over 110 pet deaths and more than 210 pets illnesses linked to these contaminated pet foods. It’s important to note that not all cases are officially confirmed as aflatoxin poisoning through lab tests. The actual number of affected pets could be higher as this is an ongoing investigation.
- This is a developing situation, and the recall may broaden as more information becomes available. Stay updated on Sportmix dog food recall news.
- Aflatoxins are toxic substances produced by Aspergillus flavus mold, which can grow on grains like corn, common ingredients in pet food, including Sportmix dog food. High aflatoxin levels are harmful and can be deadly to pets.
- Symptoms of aflatoxin poisoning in pets include lethargy, appetite loss, vomiting, jaundice (yellowing of eyes or gums), and diarrhea. Severe cases can be fatal. Liver damage may occur even without visible symptoms. If you suspect your pet has consumed recalled Sportmix dog food, monitor for these signs.
- Pet owners should immediately stop feeding their pets any recalled products, especially Sportmix dog food, and consult a vet if their pet shows any illness signs. Remove the food and prevent access by other animals.
- Veterinarians suspecting aflatoxin poisoning should report cases via the FDA Safety Reporting Portal or to local FDA Consumer Complaint Coordinators. Pet owners can also report suspected cases to the FDA.
What’s the Core Problem with Sportmix Dog Food?
The issue began on December 30, 2020, when Midwestern Pet Foods, Inc. initiated a recall of specific Sportmix dog food products after reports surfaced of at least 28 dog deaths and eight illnesses potentially linked to the food. Testing by the Missouri Department of Agriculture revealed alarmingly high aflatoxin levels in samples. Aflatoxins, produced by Aspergillus flavus mold, are dangerous toxins that can cause severe illness and death in pets, even when no mold is visibly present.
On January 11, 2021, the recall expanded significantly to include all corn-containing pet foods manufactured at Midwestern’s Oklahoma plant with expiration dates up to July 9, 2022. This expansion came after more reports, raising the count to over 110 dog deaths and 210 illnesses by January 21, according to the FDA. These figures are approximate and likely underreported as not all cases are lab-confirmed, and reports directly to the manufacturer aren’t included in the FDA’s count. The FDA is actively collaborating with veterinarians and state authorities to investigate suspected aflatoxin poisoning cases related to brands like Sportmix dog food.
This public advisory serves to inform about the potentially lethal aflatoxin levels in Midwestern pet food products, including Sportmix dog food, which might still be available in stores, online, or in homes. The FDA is actively investigating the manufacturing facility, and updates will be provided as the situation evolves.
Recognizing Aflatoxin Poisoning Symptoms in Pets
Pets are particularly vulnerable to aflatoxin poisoning because they often eat the same food consistently. Unlike humans with varied diets, pets accumulating aflatoxins from contaminated food like Sportmix dog food can quickly reach toxic levels.
Aflatoxin poisoning in pets can manifest through symptoms like:
- Sluggishness or lethargy
- Loss of appetite or refusal to eat Sportmix dog food
- Vomiting
- Jaundice, indicated by a yellowish tint in the eyes, gums, or skin, pointing to liver damage
- Diarrhea
In severe instances, aflatoxin toxicity can lead to long-term liver damage and even death. Some pets may experience liver damage without showing obvious symptoms. If your pet has been eating recalled products, especially Sportmix dog food, promptly contact your veterinarian, particularly if you observe any of these signs.
It’s important to note that handling pet food containing aflatoxin is not considered a risk for pet owners. However, standard hygiene practices like washing hands after handling pet food are always recommended.
Which Sportmix Dog Food Products Are Recalled?
Initially, on December 30, 2020, Midwestern Pet Foods, Inc. recalled nine lots of Sportmix dog food products. This recall was expanded on January 11, 2021, to include a broader range of products. The FDA and the Missouri Department of Agriculture are working with Midwestern Pet Foods to identify if other products might be affected by the same contaminated ingredients. The list of recalled products, including Sportmix dog food varieties, may grow as more information emerges.
The initial recall on December 30, 2020, included these Sportmix dog food products:
- 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
The expanded recall from January 11, 2021, includes all pet food products containing corn, manufactured in Midwestern’s Oklahoma plant, and expiring on or before July 9, 2022. This encompasses over 1000 lot codes, making individual listing impractical.
Recalled products, including Sportmix dog food and others, have lot codes with an expiration date on or before “07/09/22” and contain “05” within the date/lot code, indicating production at the Oklahoma plant. This expanded recall includes:
- 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
The lot code is typically found on the back of the bag in a three-line format, with the top line showing “EXP 03/03/22/05/L#/B###/HH:MM”.
If you possess any of the listed products, including Sportmix dog food, and are unsure about the lot code or expiration date, the FDA advises discontinuing feeding the product.
These recalled products were distributed across the US through online retailers and physical stores. Additionally, Midwestern Pet Foods may have exported recalled products to various countries, including Bahrain, Barbados, Chile, Costa Rica, and many others.
Guidance for Retailers: Removing Sportmix Dog Food
Retailers must immediately stop selling or donating any recalled pet food products, including Sportmix dog food. Contact Midwestern Pet Foods for further instructions on handling the recalled inventory. The FDA also recommends that retailers proactively inform customers who purchased recalled products, if possible, through methods like shopper card records or in-store notices.
Advice for Pet Owners: What to Do If You Have Sportmix Dog Food
If your pet exhibits symptoms of aflatoxin poisoning after consuming Sportmix dog food or other recalled products, seek veterinary care immediately. Even if your pet seems healthy but has eaten recalled food, consulting your veterinarian is advisable to check for potential liver damage. Provide your vet with a complete diet history and consider taking a picture of the pet food label, including the lot number, for reference.
Do not feed recalled products, especially Sportmix dog food, to your pets or any other animals. Contact the company listed on the packaging for disposal instructions or discard the food in a secure manner, inaccessible to children, pets, and wildlife. Thoroughly sanitize pet food bowls, scoops, and storage containers using a bleach solution, rinse well with water, and dry completely.
While handling aflatoxin-contaminated pet food is not considered a direct risk to pet owners, always wash your hands thoroughly after handling any pet food.
Report any suspected illnesses to the FDA electronically via the Safety Reporting Portal or by contacting your state’s FDA Consumer Complaint Coordinators. Providing your pet’s medical records through your veterinarian can greatly assist in the reporting process. For detailed guidance on complaint information, refer to the FDA’s “How to Report a Pet Food Complaint” guide.
Recommendations for Veterinarians Regarding Sportmix Dog Food Recall
Veterinarians treating potential aflatoxin poisoning cases are urged to inquire about patients’ diet history, particularly regarding consumption of recalled brands like Sportmix dog food. Case reports, especially those confirmed through diagnostic testing, are highly valuable. Submit reports electronically through the FDA Safety Reporting Portal or by contacting your state’s FDA Consumer Complaint Coordinators. The FDA’s “How to Report a Pet Food Complaint” document provides details on helpful information to include in reports.
This information reflects the FDA’s current understanding based on data from the manufacturer and ongoing investigation. The FDA will continue to update this page as new information becomes available regarding the Sportmix dog food recall and other affected products.
Additional Resources
For further details and updates on the recall, please refer to the following resources:
