The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has launched an investigation into the deaths of dozens of dogs who apparently consumed pet food contaminated with aflatoxin, a substance that can cause lethal liver disease in animals.
When the FDA announced its investigation on December 30, the agency was aware of only 23 dogs who had died from eating the contaminated food as well as another 18 dogs who had become ill. Since then, news outlets have quoted FDA officials as saying that the number of dead dogs has more than tripled to 76 animals.
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The following cat and dog food products are affected by the recall: |
- Diamond Premium Adult Dog Food
- Diamond Hi-Energy Dog Food (Sporting Dog)
- Diamond Maintenance Dog Food
- Diamond Professional for Adult Dogs
- Diamond Performance Dog Food
- Diamond Puppy Food
- Diamond Low Fat Dog Food
- Diamond Maintenance Cat Food
- Diamond Professional Cat Food
- Country Value Puppy
- Country Value Adult Dog Food
- Country Value High Energy Dog Food
- Country Value Adult Cat Food
- Professional Chicken & Rice Adult Dog Food
- Professional Puppy Food
- Professional Large-Breed Puppy Food
- Professional Reduced Fat Cat Food
- Professional Adult Cat Food
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On Monday, January 9, The New York Times quoted veterinarians at Cornell University Hospital for Animals, who are tracking dogs affected by the contaminated pet food, as saying they believe that 100 dogs have died nationwide from aflatoxin poisoning. The veterinarians fear the number could rise significantly, because dog owners, preoccupied by holiday activities, may not yet be aware of the threat.
The pet food, sold under the labels Diamond, Country Value and Professional, was produced by Diamond Pet Foods, a privately owned company based in Missouri. The company issued a recall on December 20 when aflatoxin was discovered in pet food made at its Gaston, South Carolina facility, and shipped to stores throughout the east and southeastern United States as well as to 29 countries.
The State newspaper, based in Columbia, South Carolina, reported on January 6 that tests showed that about 30 samples—from about 3,000 tested samples of Diamond brand pet food—contained aflatoxins that exceeded the maximum level allowed by the FDA for human and pet food. “The positive results were found for food made Oct. 1 through Oct. 16, which means they would bear ‘best buy’ dates of April 1-16, 2007,” the paper wrote.
Diamond recalled all dried pet food produced from September 1 through December 10 at the Gaston plant. The recall included both dog and cat food, but to date, dogs appear to be the only animals affected.
Aflatoxin is a naturally occurring substance produced by fungi that grow on grains, including corn. Humidity, high temperatures, or drought are some of the conditions that contribute to aflatoxin growth on crops. Aflatoxin is toxic and can cause severe liver damage in animals.
Pet guardians whose animal may have consumed a Diamond brand pet food product are urged to contact their veterinarian if their pet exhibits any of the following symptoms, which may indicate aflatoxin consumption:
- Sluggishness;
- Loss of appetite;
- Jaundice (yellow whites of the eyes, gums, belly or areas where hair is very thin);
- Severe, persistent vomiting combined with bloody diarrhea;
- Discolored urine;
- Fever.
According to Diamond, 23 states are affected by the recall, including 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.
According to Diamond, any unused portions of recalled pet food should be returned to the retailer where it was purchased for a refund or replacement. According to press reports, Diamond has also offered to compensate pet guardians who can confirm that their pet died or became ill as a result of eating the contaminated food.
Diamond Pet Food is requesting that customers whose pets have become ill from eating contaminated food contact the company through its online help form.
Customers can receive more information about the recall by calling the Diamond Pet Foods Customer Information Center toll free at 1-866-214-6945. The Information center is open seven days a week from 8 a.m. to midnight EST.
