Contaminated dog food recalled
Some popular dog food brands have been taken off of store shelves due to contamination.
FOODCORP, a large food distributor in South Africa, has recalled several of its dog food brands due to contamination.
“We take great pride in the quality and safety of our pet food products, and as such we have taken a precautionary measure to withdraw Bobtail, Dogmor and Bonzo dry dog foods from the trade,” said Stephen Heath, media liaison at Foodcorp.
It is believed that the contaminated dog foods could cause vomiting but it is not fatal. Apparently the maize crops throughout South Africa are damp and this fungus then forms inside it.
Heath noted that the company continually tests all of its products and found that a sub-optimal quality maize product was been found in the specific brands.
“At Foodcorp we internally test the products before they go into production and then once production is complete, as an added measure, it is sent for external tests. A discrepancy was found during these tests and we decided to recall the product,” said Heath.
The toxin is deoxynivalenol, commonly referred to as vomitoxin, is said to be unpalatable for dogs and most will refuse to eat it.
There have been three reported cases of dogs throwing up the food after consuming the product.
“Thankfully the toxin is not fatal as the body rejects it completely and the dogs throw it up,” said Heath. “We apologise profusely and regret any inconvenience caused.”
The company has requested that anyone who may have purchased any of the affected products with the manufacturing dates, between 4 June 2014 to 23 June 2014, to please contact them on 011 411 5555 or enquiries@foodcorp.co.za.
