Aflatoxin In Pet Food

How Can My Pet get Poisoned?

The brand names Diamond, Country Value and Professional were reported with Aflatoxin in 2005. Hy-Vee recalled their food as a precautionary measure for Aflatoxin on January 11, 2013. Though no deaths have been reported from Hy-Vee products, reports have shown that at least 100 dogs nationwide have died as a result of eating contaminated Diamond Pet Foods. Most pet owners who have lost their dog to Aflatoxin were completely unaware that their dog was poisoned, which is why it is important that pet owners are informed of the situation.

Cocoa, a 9-year-old chow, suffered liver damage from tainted pet food. Cocoa must had to be force-fed with a syringe six times a day after suffering permanent liver damage from eating contaminated dog food. Stewart, a 19-year-old nursing student at the University of South Carolina had to constantly take care of her. Stewart's other dog, a 2-year-old pit bull named Chulo, died just hours after being diagnosed with liver failure. It was only then that the family learned of the recall.

What’s Being Done?

Diamond recalled 19 varieties of dog and cat food after tests showed high levels of aflatoxin and Hy-Vee recalled all compromised food from stores across several states. Diamond recalled products manufactured at its Gaston, S.C., plant from around September to November 2005. Diamond also narrowed down the exposure to food produced on Oct. 11 based on testing.

According to Diamond, the 23 states that have been affected are: Alabama, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Mississippi, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, West Virginia, Vermont, and Virginia.

The FDA said it is continuing to investigate the situation and is working closely with the state feed regulatory agencies in the affected states. Some of the products included in the recall were exported to at least 29 countries in the European Union. The FDA said those countries have been notified.