Pet Food Manufacturer Issues Nationwide Dog Food Recall Due to Aflatoxin Concerns

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently posted information about a pet food company’s voluntary recall of several brands of dog food products. The recall was initiated because these products have the potential to contain elevated levels of aflatoxin.

Aflatoxins are a type of mycotoxin which are secondary metabolites produced by certain fungi. The FDA reports that aflatoxins are notorious for the many health consequences that occur from consumption of aflatoxin-contaminated food, including aflatoxicosis and liver damage. The agency also states that aflatoxins are a known carcinogen and their presence in food should be restricted to the lowest practical level. In animals, aflatoxins are known to cause liver failure. Animals that consume aflatoxin-contaminated food can also transfer the toxins to meat, milk and eggs resulting in human exposure.

According to the recall notice, the potential for aflatoxin levels above the acceptable limit in these products was discovered by routine sampling performed by the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry. A sample from a single 4-pound bag of one lot of the product contained elevated levels of aflatoxin. The dog food products were sold nationwide and consumers who purchased the recalled products are advised to discontinue use and return the unused portion to the place of purchase for a refund.

“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.” said Joseph Frasca, Senior Vice President of Marketing at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “At EMSL, our scientists work with manufacturers, retailers, importers, exporters, government regulators and the general public to identify the presence of a wide range of mycotoxins in animal feeds and human foods. Testing is instrumental for protecting consumers, pets and livestock, and to prevent these types of costly product recalls.”

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 45 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-LAP, LLC EMLAP, AIHA-LAP, LLC IHLAP, AIHA-LAP, LLC 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