Pet Food Recalled for Elevated Levels of Aflatoxin.

Midwestern Pet Foods, Inc., of Evansville, IN is issuing a voluntary recall of the below listed dog and cat food products due to tests indicating levels of Aflatoxin that exceed acceptable limits.  Aflatoxin is a toxin produced by the mold Aspergillus flavus, which can grow on corn and other grains used as ingredients in pet food. At high levels, aflatoxin can cause illness and death in pets.  There have been reports of illnesses and deaths in dogs associated with the below listed lots of Sportmix High Energy.  There are reports of at least 28 deaths and 8 illnesses.

With dry pet foods, corn is often the source of aflatoxin.  This occurs when the corn used in processing the pet food had mold growth prior to harvest.  Processors normally do extensive testing of incoming corn.   Suppliers of the corn will do their own testing as well plus will track crop conditions that can lead to mold growth.  There are tolerances for low levels of alfatoxin - 20ppb for corn to be used for pet food.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/midwestern-pet-foods-voluntarily-recalls-pet-food-recall-aflatoxin-health-risk
Midwestern Pet Foods Voluntarily Recalls Pet Food Recall for Aflatoxin Health Risk
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  December 30, 2020
FDA Publish Date:  December 30, 2020
Product Type:  Animal & Veterinary  Food & Beverages Pet Food
Reason for Announcement:  Elevated levels of aflatoxin
Company Name:  Sportmix
Brand Name:  Sportmix
Product Description:  Dog and Cat Food

Winn Dixie Recalls Apple Juice Because of Patulin

Winn-Dixie, a southern supermarket chain is recalling organic apple juice because of patulin, a mycotoxin (toxic fungal metabolite). Patulin is produced by certain mold species, including Penicillium, Aspergillus and Byccochlamus and can be found in fruit, most often apples. FDA has a limit of 50 ug/L in apple juice. 

At high does, it can be acutely toxic, but at lower levels, there is concern it may be a carcinogen, although studies are inconclusive. It is controlled through the prevention of using rotten apples from being processed into products like apple juice. This is accomplished through good pre and post-harvest practices, and the removal of any moldy or rotten fruit prior to processing.


Winn-Dixie Issues Voluntary Recall On Winn-Dixie Organic 100% Apple Juice

http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm347979.htm?source=govdelivery
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -April 12, 2013 - Winn-Dixie today announced an immediate voluntary recall of 64 FL OZ Winn-Dixie Organic 100% Apple Juice. The product is being recalled as a precaution because it could have levels of “patulin” that exceeds FDA limits. Winn-Dixie has received no reports of any issues associated with Winn-Dixie Organic 100% Apple Juice consumption.

Patulin is a mycotoxin, a by-product of some molds that can grow in fruits and vegetables. The possibility of adverse health consequences resulting from this product is very remote. However, the FDA has determined that products made from concentrate with a patulin level of over 50 parts per billion are subject to a voluntary recall.

Out of an abundance of caution for customers, Winn-Dixie is immediately recalling “64 FL OZ Winn-Dixie Organic 100% Apple Juice from Concentrate with Added Ingredient.” The recall is companywide for Winn-Dixie stores in the states of Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, and Louisiana.