Midwestern Pet Foods expands recall after dog deaths

Midwestern Pet Foods Inc. has expanded its recall of some of its products after reports that the food is linked to multiple dog deaths and may contain potentially unsafe levels of aflatoxin, a byproduct of mold.

The Food and Drug Administration said in a statement that it has been “aware of more than 70 dogs that have died and more than 80 that are sick after eating Sportmix pet food.”

Aflatoxin is a toxin that can grow on corn and other grains used as ingredients in pet food, according to the FDA. At high levels, aflatoxin can cause illness and death in pets.

The Evansville, Indiana, family-owned company said in a statement Wednesday that in its nearly 100 years it has never had a recall until recently.