Earlier this summer, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) posted information about a pet food company's recall of various lots of six different brands of dog food that were distributed to retail stores nationwide. The voluntary recall was initiated because the products have the potential to contain levels of aflatoxin above the acceptable limit.
Fortunately, at the time of the recall notice, the manufacturer did not know of any illnesses associated with the products. However, pet owners have been advised that if their dog has consumed any of the recalled products and exhibit symptoms of illness, including sluggishness or lethargy combined with a reluctance to eat, vomiting, yellowish tint to the eyes or gums, or diarrhea, their pet should be seen by a veterinarian.
Aflatoxins are a type of mycotoxin, secondary metabolites produced by certain fungi. The FDA reports that aflatoxins are notorious for the many health consequences that occur from the consumption of aflatoxin-contaminated food, including aflatoxicosis and liver damage. The agency also states that aflatoxins are a known carcinogen and their presence in food should be restricted to the lowest practical level. In animals, aflatoxins are known to cause liver failure. Livestock that consumes aflatoxin-contaminated feed can also transfer the toxins to meat, milk, and eggs, resulting in potential human exposure.
“Over the past several years there have been multiple recalls associated with pet foods, animal feeds, and food products meant for human consumption due to aflatoxin concerns,” said Joe Frasca, Senior Vice President of Marketing at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “The scientists at EMSL offer aflatoxin and other mycotoxin testing services. These services are available to farmers, manufacturers, retailers, importers, exporters, and the public.”
To learn more about mycotoxins or other food and feed testing services, please visit www.FoodTestingLab.com or www.EMSL.com, call (800) 220-3675, or email info@EMSL.com .
About EMSL Analytical, Inc.
EMSL Analytical is one of the leading testing laboratories throughout the United States and Canada. EMSL is a nationally recognized and locally focused provider specializing in fast laboratory results for mold, bacteria, Legionella, USP 797, pathogens, asbestos, lead, soot, char & ash from fires, VOC's, odors, radon, formaldehyde, indoor air quality, microbiology, environmental, industrial hygiene, radiological, food, beverage & consumer products, and material testing services for the identification of unknown substances. EMSL services both professionals and the general public. EMSL maintains an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations as well as state and federal regulating bodies including, but not limited to A2LA, AIHA-LAP, LLC (AIHA-LAP, LLC EMLAP, AIHA-LAP, LLC IHLAP, AIHA-LAP, LLC ELLAP), NVLAP, CDC ELITE, CPSC, CA ELAP, NY ELAP, TX DOH, NJDEP, and multiple other state accrediting agencies. Please visit our website at www.EMSL.com for a complete listing of accreditations. In addition, EMSL carries a wide range of Sampling Equipment and Investigative Products for environmental professionals.
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