Animal Feed Recalled Due to Aflatoxin Test Results Exceeding FDA Action Levels

In May, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) posted information about one company’s voluntary recall of 14 animal feed products produced in late 2018 and early 2019. The products were produced for consumption by everything from cows and horses to sheep and poultry.

According to the recall notice, the feed manufacturer first learned of the issue when it received notification from the North Carolina Department of Agriculture of test results showing that a single lot of a specific product contained elevated levels of aflatoxin. The recall involved products manufactured and sold in the eastern United States. These products were removed from retail shelves earlier this year and the company reports no adverse health effects to animals had been reported at the time of the recall notice.

“Aflatoxins are a type of mycotoxin which are secondary metabolites produced by certain fungi,” said Jason Dobranic, Ph.D., Vice President of Microbiology and Life Sciences at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “As shared by the FDA, aflatoxins are a known carcinogen and are also known to cause liver failure in animals. In addition, animals that consume aflatoxin-contaminated food can transfer the toxins to meat, milk and eggs resulting in human exposure. To prevent mycotoxins from becoming an animal health hazard, animal feed manufacturers are required to conduct a hazard analysis that identifies potential hazards within the manufacturing process and provide evidence of consistent monitoring and preventive controls for mycotoxins in animal food.”

The scientists at EMSL Analytical, Inc. work to identify the presence of a wide range of mycotoxins in human foods and animal feeds. Their laboratories offer mycotoxin testing to identify Aflatoxins (B1, B2, G1, G2), Zearalenone, Ochratoxin A and DON (Vomitoxin). Testing services are available to food and feed manufacturers, retailers, importers, exporters, government regulators and the general public.

To learn more about mycotoxins or other food and feed testing services, please visit www.FoodTestingLab.com or www.EMSL.com, call (800) 220-3675 or email  info@EMSL.com .


About EMSL Analytical, Inc.
EMSL Analytical is one of the leading testing laboratories with over 46 locations throughout the United States and Canada. EMSL is a nationally recognized and locally focused provider specializing in fast laboratory results for mold, bacteria, Legionella, USP 797, pathogens, asbestos, lead, soot, char & ash from fires, VOC’s, odors, radon, formaldehyde, indoor air quality, microbiology, environmental, industrial hygiene, radiological, food, beverage & consumer products and material testing services for the identification of unknown substances. EMSL services both professionals and the general public. EMSL maintains an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations as well as state and federal regulating bodies including, but not limited to A2LA, AIHA LAP, LLC. (AIHA EMLAP, AIHA IHLAP, AIHA ELLAP), NVLAP, CDC ELITE, CPSC, CA ELAP, NY ELAP, TX DOH, NJDEP and multiple other state accrediting agencies. Please visit our website at www.EMSL.com for a complete listing of accreditations. In addition, EMSL carries a wide range of Sampling Equipment and Investigative Products for environmental professionals.

Contact Information

Joseph Frasca

Senior Vice President of Marketing

EMSL Analytical, Inc.

(1) 856-303-2503

Contact via E-mail