(Editor’s Note: Please read the Diamond Dog Food Aflatoxin Poisoning Kills Dozens of Dogs update at the bottom of this story)
Diamond Pet Food has discovered aflatoxin in a product manufactured at the company’s Gaston, South Carolina facility. They have elected to recall products in the areas affected by this situation.
What is Aflatoxin?
According to a statement on the Diamond Pet Food website, aflatoxin is a naturally occurring toxic chemical by-product from the growth of the fungus Aspergillus flavus, on corn and other crops. The fungus develops on crops during years with severe high temperature stress and drought.
What products are affected?
Products formulated with corn at their facility in Gaston, South Carolina may be affected by this situation (see complete list below).
The Gaston facility date codes are unique from other Diamond facility codes in that either the eleventh or twelfth character in the date code will be a capital “G” (in reference to Gaston). The range of date codes being reviewed are “Best By 01-March-07” through Best By “11-June-07.” Diamond states their quantitative analysis records substantiate that Diamond’s corn shipments were definitively clear of aflatoxin after December 10. As such, “Best By 11-June-07” date codes or later are not affected.
Gaston facility products recommended for temporary removal from sale include:
Diamond Puppy Food
Diamond Original Dog Food
Diamond Low Fat Dog Food
Diamond Hi-Energy Dog Food
Diamond Maintenance Dog Food
Diamond Premium Adult Dog Food
Diamond Performance Dog Food
Diamond Maintenance Cat Food
Diamond Professional Cat Food
Professional Reduced Fat Chicken & Rice Dog Food
Professional Chicken & Rice Adult Dog Food
Professional Puppy Food
Professional Large-Breed Puppy Food
Professional Reduced Fat Cat Food
Professional Adult Cat Food
Country Value Puppy
Country Value Adult Dog
Country Value High Energy Dog
Country Value Adult Cat Food
Are products manufactured at other Diamond facilities affected by this situation?
No. Products manufactured at our Gaston facility are the only ones affected.
What states receive products from the Gaston facility?
The Gaston facility provides products to Alabama, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky (eastern), Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Mississippi, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, West Virginia, Vermont, and Virginia.
What symptoms should I look for from my pet?
Diamond says symptoms of illness will include icterus (yellow tint to eyes and gums) and depression and lack of appetite and internal bleeding.
What should I do if I suspect my pet is ill?
If you suspect your pet is ill, please consult your veterinarian immediately.
FDA Issues Consumer Alert on Contaminated Dog Food from Diamond Pet Food
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is conducting an investigation into the deaths and illnesses of dogs that consumed pet food contaminated with a potent toxin called aflatoxin. To date, FDA is aware of 23 dogs that have died and another 18 dogs that have become ill. The pet food is made by Diamond Pet Food at its Gaston, South Carolina facility.
Customers who have purchased the recalled Diamond Pet Food manufactured in the South Carolina plant should immediately stop using it and return any remaining product to their retailer.
Aflatoxin comes from a fungus found on corn and other crops and can cause severe liver damage in pets. Consumers are urged to contact their veterinarian if their pets exhibit any of the following symptoms which may indicate aflatoxin consumption:
* Sluggishness
* Loss of appetite
* Jaundice (yellow whites of the eyes, gums, belly)
* Severe, persistent vomiting combined with bloody diarrhea
* Fever
FDA also has discovered that some of the recalled product was exported to at least 29 countries, including countries within the European Union. These countries have been notified.
FDA is continuing to investigate the situation and is working closely with the state feed regulatory agencies in the affected states.
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