Concerns of Canine Illness and Mortality Trigger FDA Intervention with Dog Food Manufacturer
Key Takeaways:
- The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a warning to Midwestern Pet Foods Inc due to potential breaches of the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act. The company has 15 working days to present detailed corrective measures.
- More than 130 pet deaths and over 220 cases of pet illness might be associated with Midwestern’s pet food products, indicating a potential health risk to pets consuming these products.
- The primary factor triggering the FDA’s investigation was the detection of high aflatoxin levels in the company’s SPORTMiX brand dry dog food, which is believed to have caused multiple cases of pet illness and death.
- This incident isn’t the first contamination issue Midwestern Pet Foods has faced. In March, pet food from the company tested positive for salmonella, prompting a product recall.
- The FDA emphasizes the importance of adherence to all federal laws and FDA regulations by pet food manufacturers and distributors. The establishment of a comprehensive hazard analysis and a preventive controls program is expected when necessary.
The renowned U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently communicated its concerns over a pet food manufacturer alleged to be associated with cases of pet illness and even death. The entity under scrutiny is Midwestern Pet Foods Inc, which was issued a warning letter for suspected violation of regulations within its manufacturing facilities.
Warning Issued to Food Manufacturer
The FDA issued the warning to Midwestern Pet Foods after multi-site inspections highlighted potential breaches of the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act. The company has been given a 15-working day window to present detailed corrective measures against the identified transgressions. Failure to do so could result in severe legal consequences, including product seizure or injunction.
Pet Illnesses and Deaths
Records suggest that more than 130 pet deaths and over 220 cases of pet illness might be associated with Midwestern’s pet food products, with actual figures possibly being even higher. These numbers became apparent on August 9 and included illnesses in both dogs and other pets.
The SPORTMiX Controversy
The instigating factor for an initial examination of Midwestern’s facility in Chickasha, Oklahoma, was multiple reports of pet illness and dog deaths related to the company’s SPORTMiX brand dry dog food. Lab tests found aflatoxin – a toxin generated by the Aspergillus flavus mold which frequently grows on corn and other grains utilized in pet food – present in SPORTMiX at levels as high as 558 parts per billion (ppb). This is significantly beyond the FDA’s contamination threshold of 20 ppb, which, when surpassed, can cause severe illness and fatalities in pets.
Previous Instances of Contamination
Regrettably, this is not the first instance of product contamination issues for Midwestern Pet Foods. Back in March, samples of pet food from the company’s Monmouth, Illinois, plant, tested positive for salmonella, leading to a recall of multiple pet foods from the manufacturer. Furthermore, subsequent inspections at three other manufacturing plants revealed additional violations of federal regulations.
Reminder to Pet Food Companies
The deputy of the FDA’s Center for Veterinary Medicine, Steven Solomon, reiterated the commitment of the FDA in ensuring pet owners can have faith in the safety and quality of their pet food purchases. He emphasized the importance of pet food makers and distributors adhering to all federal laws and FDA regulations. When needed, such companies should also establish a comprehensive hazard analysis and a preventive controls program based on risk.
Additional Information
For more details on this issue, visit the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s information on the warning letter.
