Dog food recall expands: More than 70 dogs have died and 80 pets sick after eating Sportsmix pet food

Midwestern Pet Foods Inc. has expanded its recall of some of its products after reports that the food is linked to multiple dog deaths and may contain potentially unsafe levels of aflatoxin, a byproduct of mold.

The Food and Drug Administration said in a statement that it has been “aware of more than 70 dogs that have died and more than 80 that are sick after eating Sportmix pet food.”

Aflatoxin is a toxin that can grow on corn and other grains used as ingredients in pet food, according to the FDA. At high levels, aflatoxin can cause illness and death in pets.

The Evansville, Indiana, family-owned company said in a statement Wednesday that in its nearly 100 years it has never had a recall until recently.

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Midwestern Pet Foods first announced a voluntary recall on Dec. 30 and expanded it this week. The FDA said in December it was aware of 28 deaths and eight illnesses in dogs that ate the recalled product.

"There have been reports of illnesses and deaths in dogs associated with certain lots of products. No human illnesses have been reported," the company said in a recall notice. "Out of an abundance of caution, we have expanded this recall to cover all corn products containing pet foods with expiration dates prior to 07/09/22."

Pets experiencing aflatoxin poisoning may have the following symptoms:  sluggishness, loss of appetite, vomiting, jaundice (a yellowish tint to the skin, eyes, or gums due to liver damage) and diarrhea.

The expanded recall includes "additional corn-containing lot codes of Sportmix, Pro Pac Originals, Splash, Sportstrail, and Nunn Better dry dog and cat foods" that were produced in its Oklahoma manufacturing plant.

The company says it has a call center with licensed veterinarians for consumers who have questions or concerns regarding their pet’s health. Call 800-474-4163, extension 455, or email info@midwesternpetfoods.com for more information.

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Midwestern Pet Foods recall 2021

The following are the recalled products and the lot codes are listed in a 23-page document posted at www.midwesternpetfoods.com

• Pro Pac Adult Mini Chunk
• Pro Pac Performance Puppy
• Splash Fat Cat 32%
• Nunn Better Maintenance
• Sportstrail 50
• Sportmix Original Cat 15
• Sportmix Original Cat 31
• Sportmix Maintenance 44
• Sportmix Maintenance 50
• Sportmix High Protein 50
• Sportmix Energy Plus 44
• Sportmix Energy Plus 50
• Sportmix Stamina 44
• Sportmix Stamina 50
• Sportmix Bite Size 40
• Sportmix Bite Size 44
• Sportmix High Energy 44
• Sportmix High Energy 50
• Sportmix Premium Puppy 16.5
• Sportmix Premium Puppy 33

Contributing: Sarah Brookbank, Cincinnati Enquirer

Follow USA TODAY reporter Kelly Tyko on Twitter: @KellyTyko