RECALL: Sunshine Mills Dog Food Products
UPDATE: On October 8th, Sunshine Mills, Inc., based in Alabama, expanded their voluntary recall of dog food products for aflatoxin, a naturally-occurring mold by-product. No illnesses have been reported as of October 8th.
After the initial recall on September 2nd, an investigation revealed corn-based pet food products (produced between April 3-5, 2020) came from a single load of corn with elevated levels of aflatoxin.
The recall now includes all the brands listed below:
- Hunter’s Special
- Sprout
- Champ
- Thrifty
- Top Runner
- Sportsmans Pride
- Old Glory
- Field Trial
- Whiskers & Tails
- Good Dog
- Paws Happy Life
- Pet Expert
- Principle
- Retriever
- River Bend
No other Sunshine Mills Inc. products are affected at this time.
For more information, including a complete list of recalled products, Lot Codes and UPC Codes, visit the FDA website.
Sources: Dog Food Advisor and Truth About Pet Food.
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On September 2, 2020, Sunshine Mills, Inc., issued a voluntary recall for some of their dog food products. Sunshine Mills manufactures dog food products under the brand names of Family Pet®, Heartland Farms®, or Paws Happy Life®.
This voluntary recall was issued due to elevated levels of Aflatoxin beyond acceptable limits. Aflatoxin is a naturally-occurring mold/fungus (from the growth of Aspergillus flavus on foods) which can infect pets if consumed in significant quantities.
Aflatoxin – and other molds – can cause serious illnesses in people or pets with a weakened, suppressed, or compromised immune system, underlying lung disease, or asthma.
The elevated levels of Aflatoxin were discovered through routine testing by the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry with a single 4-pound bag of dog food. While no adverse health effects related to these recalled products have been reported to date, Sunshine Mills, in cooperation with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, issued a voluntary recall.
The recalled products were distributed nationally in retail stores. There are no other Family Pet®, Heartland Farms®, or Paws Happy Life® products or other lot codes of these products affected by this precautionary recall.
The Sunshine Mills Products Recalled
Symptoms of Illness from Aflatoxin Consumption
Dogs that consumed any of the recalled products and are exhibiting the following symptoms should be seen by their veterinarian:
- Reluctance to eat
- Vomiting
- Lethargy or sluggishness
- A yellowish tint to the eyes or gums
- Diarrhea
What to do Next
Consumers should immediately stop using any of the recalled products and return the unused portion to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers may contact Customer Service at Sunshine Mills at 800-705-2111, Monday – Friday from 7am to 4pm Central time or via email at customer.service@sunshinemills.com.
Sources: Truth About Pet Food, VCA Hospitals, and the FDA.
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