Aflatoxin Recall is what’s happening at the time of this writing.
Recall Alert!
What is Aflatoxin and why is it so dangerous?
Aflatoxin is a toxin – a mold that can be very dangerous and can kill.
Aflatoxin Symptoms include:
* Symptoms of illness, such as sluggishness and lethargy.
* Reluctance to eat.
* Vomiting.
* Yellowish tint to the eyes or gums.
* Diarrhea
If your dog or cat has these symptoms, get them to the vet right away. If you wait, it could be too late!
The recent recalls are for “Unacceptable levels of Aflatoxin“ Are there acceptable levels? In the pet food industry – believe it or not – there are acceptable levels. But recently there have been several product recalls where the foods have gone above the “acceptable” level.
Recent Recalls include:
- December 12, 2011 O’Neal’s Feeders Supply Inc. recalled its Arrow Brand dog food because corn had higher-than-acceptable levels of aflatoxin.
- December 9, 2011 Advanced Animal Nutrition of Thayer Dog Food Recall due to aflatoxin. Recalled 50-pound bags each of Dog Power Adult Maintenance Formula 21-12, Dog Power Hunters Formula 27-14 and Dog Power Hi-Pro Performance Formula 26-18.
- December 06, 2011 Cargill Dog Food Recall “River Run” and “Marksman” due to aflatoxin
- December 06, 2011 Iams (P&G) ProActive Health Smart Puppy Dry Dog Food Recall due to aflatoxin
What do these companies have in common?
Most likely these products are coming from similar sources.
How does Aflatoxin end up in a pet food?
Most of the time, it’s associated with corn and wheat.
If the corn or wheat is cooked just right, it becomes more digestible. Some companies cook it to make it more digestible, some don’t. But regardless, there is always the inherent risk of Aflatoxins because corn and wheat have such a propensity.
When you see a pet food containing corn or wheat – drop the bag and walk away. What is the point of feeding your pet a known allergen with a propensity for aflatoxin? Why buy from a company that continues to propagate that?
So why do pet food companies use those ingredients?
Because they are inexpensive and widely available. Corn can be purchased in large batches, when it’s cheapest, and it can be stored up for the year.
Would you consider that fresh ingredients?
So, this is the risk and why recalls are now happening.
Pet Food Recalls generally follow a pattern.
During 2011 there were recalls of pet treats and foods with salmonella. Salmonella actually manifested to such a degree that the FDA advised pet owners of it – even warning about touching the pet food bags.
Do you really want to feed your pet something like that? Why settle for any company that’s had a recall?
Since the major recall of 2007, there have been over one-hundred pet food recalls. In addition, there are the silent recalls – which are the worse kind of recall – because you never hear about them.
Silent recalls occur when people go back to the store with a complaint that is then sent to the pet food company, When that company realizes there are several complaints, it recalls from the store. It never makes the news – only the store knows of it.
