Minami Tamaki is investigating Midwestern Pet Foods, Inc. after numerous reports that dogs have become ill or died from eating the company’s Sportmix brand pet foods. The Food and Drug Administration (“FDA”) has reported that at least 70 dogs have died after consuming Sportmix products.

The FDA has issued alerts to pet owners and veterinary professionals that Sportmix products may contain potentially fatal levels of aflatoxins. Aflatoxins are toxins produced by the mold Aspergillus flavus, which can grow on corn and other grains used as ingredients in pet foods. At high levels, aflatoxins can cause illness in animals and lead to their death.

Midwestern Pet Foods announced a recall of certain lots of Sportmix products on December 30, 2020. The company then expanded the recall on January 11, 2021, to include all pet foods containing corn and manufactured in the company’s Oklahoma plant with an expiration date on or before July 9, 2022. Products made in the Oklahoma plant have a date/lot code on the back of the bag that includes an “05.” 

The FDA has advised that pet owners should stop feeding their pets the recalled products and consult their veterinarian, especially if the pets are showing signs of illness. 

For more information on this investigation, you may contact Minami Tamaki Consumer and Employee Rights Group (CERG) members Sean Tamura-Sato, Lisa Mak, and Claire Choo online or call us at 415-788-9000.

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