EDITORS' NOTE: Advanced Animal Nutrition has corrected the lot numbers for its recalled Dog Power dog food. The recall applies to lot numbers 4K1004 through 4K1322. Advanced Animal Nutrition recalled several lots of its dry Dog Power Dog Food due to aflatoxin levels above the acceptable limit. The company is the third to recall food due to aflatoxin in the past week, following recalls from Procter & Gamble and Cargill. The affected products were manufactured between Jan. 4, 2011, and Nov. 18, 2011, and include: • Dog Power Adult Maintenance Formula 21-12 Dog Food, 50 lb. bags; • Dog Power Hunters Formula 27-14 Dog Food, 50 lb. bags; • Dog Power Hi-Pro Performance Formula 26-18 Dog Food, 50 lb. bags. The recall applies to the above products with Packaging Date Codes [lot numbers] K0004 through K1322. The affected products were distributed in Missouri, Arkansas and Louisiana. Retailers have been instructed to remove the affected brands and products from their shelves. The company said consumers should return affected products, whether opened or unopened, to their place of purchase for a full refund. They can also call 1-866-648-7646 for more information. Advanced Animal Nutrition said it implemented the recall as a precautionary measure, and no adverse health effects related to these products have been reported. Aflatoxins are produced by toxigenic strains of Aspergillus flavus and A. parasiticus on peanuts, soybeans, corn and other cereals, either in the field or during storage when moisture content and temperatures are sufficiently high for mold growth, according to the Merck Veterinary Manual. High doses of aflatoxins result in severe hepatocellular necrosis, and prolonged low dosages result in reduced growth rate and liver enlargement. Pets that have consumed the affected product and are exhibiting symptoms of illness including sluggishness or lethargy combined with a reluctance to eat, vomiting, yellowish tint to the eyes or gums, or diarrhea should be seen by a veterinarian, the company said. <HOME>
