FDA Provides Aflatoxin Education to Pet Owners – Truth about Pet Food
After several recent aflatoxin recalls, the FDA provides pet owners with some significant education regarding aflatoxin poisoning in pets.
The new aflatoxin education from FDA is the first time the Agency acknowledges the risk of accumulation of low levels of aflatoxins pets can be exposed to in pet foods. “Pets are highly susceptible to aflatoxin poisoning because, unlike people, who eat a varied diet, pets generally eat the same food continuously over extended periods of time. If a pet’s food contains aflatoxins, the toxins could accumulate in the pet’s system as they continue to eat the same food.”
The FDA provides the following information for signs pet owners should look for in their pets:
“Pets suffering from aflatoxin poisoning may experience signs such as sluggishness, loss of appetite, vomiting, jaundice (yellowish tint to the eyes, gums or skin due to liver damage), unexplained bruising or bleeding, and/or diarrhea. In some cases, aflatoxins can affect blood clotting and cause long-term liver problems and/or death. Some pets may suffer liver damage without showing any signs in the early stages of aflatoxin poisoning and if they continue eating contaminated food, they may die suddenly. Pet owners who suspect their pets have been eating products contaminated with aflatoxins should contact their veterinarians and immediately stop feeding the suspected food, especially if the pets are showing signs of illness.“
“If you suspect your pet is showing signs of aflatoxin poisoning, take him/her to a veterinarian immediately.“
The FDA as well states they are continuing to investigate these recalls. “FDA is continuing to investigate how these incidents occurred and if any expansion of currently identified products or other foods should be recalled. FDA will issue public updates with any additional recall information as it becomes available.” And the Agency recommends all issues be reported to FDA for further investigation, including suggesting having a necropsy performed on pets that have died suspect of aflatoxin poisoning.
To read the full FDA report, Click Here.
Wishing you and your pet(s) the best,
Susan Thixton
Pet Food Safety Advocate
Author Buyer Beware, Co-Author Dinner PAWsible
TruthaboutPetFood.com
Association for Truth in Pet Food
Become a member of our pet food consumer Association. Association for Truth in Pet Food is a a stakeholder organization representing the voice of pet food consumers at AAFCO and with FDA. Your membership helps representatives attend meetings and voice consumer concerns with regulatory authorities. Click Here to learn more.
What’s in Your Pet’s Food?
Is your dog or cat eating risk ingredients? Chinese imports? Petsumer Report tells the ‘rest of the story’ on over 5,000 cat foods, dog foods, and pet treats. 30 Day Satisfaction Guarantee. Click Here to preview Petsumer Report. www.PetsumerReport.com
Find Healthy Pet Foods in Your Area Click Here
The 2021 List
Susan’s List of trusted pet foods. Click Here to learn more.
