Toxic Mold in Dog Food from Drought-Hit Corn Prompts Recall

According to Reuters, the Iowa Department of Agriculture has detected aflatoxin in bagged dog food found on grocery stores shelves in Iowa. Aflatoxin, a naturally occurring mycotoxin, is the byproduct of a mold that develops in dry conditions.

During last year’s drought in the Midwest, dangerous mold was detected in various corn crops. Corn is a frequently used ingredient in many pet foods, as well as a feed grain for dairy and beef cattle, hogs, and chicken.

The corn used in the infected dog food was tested prior to being blended into the food, as well as after the product was complete. However, the contamination was not discovered until an inspector from the Iowa Department of Agriculture pulled a random bag from store shelves.

This recall has affected five different product lines of dog food across eight Midwestern US states. The recall was announced after elevated levels of aflatoxin were detected in the corn used to produce this product.

To date, no pets have been affected as a result of this recall.

“Aflatoxin and other mycotoxins are produced by fungi and are highly toxic to humans and animals when ingested,” states Diane Miskowski, MPH, Business Development Manager at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “EMSL Analytical’s food microbiology division is lead by experienced microbiologists and chemists who help individuals and companies investigate possible food contaminations, such as aflatoxin.“ ”We have helped many individuals and companies investigate possible food contaminations,” she continued.

For more information on EMSL’s food testing services, please contact EMSL at (800) 220-3675, email info@emsl.com , or visit www.EMSL.com or www.FoodTestingLab.com.

About EMSL Analytical, Inc.
EMSL Analytical is a full service testing company providing quality lab services under the same private ownership since 1981. Including the corporate lab facility in Cinnaminson, NJ, EMSL Analytical operates over thirty laboratories nationwide in the US and Canada. The company has an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations, as well as state and federal regulating bodies.

Contact Information

Joseph Frasca

Senior Vice President of Marketing

EMSL Analytical

(1) 1-800-220-3675

jfrasca@emsl.com