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Dozens Dead Following Dog Food Toxins

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Issuing a recall in December, the maker of Diamond Dog Food noticed that it was receiving contaminated corn a month before it got into the food, a company official stated. While employees had been warned to test closely for the naturally-occurring aflatoxin, it is assumed that a pocket had been missed in one of the shipments, claims Mark Brinkmann, Diamond Pet Foods’ chief operating officer.
The mistake resulted in the deaths of dozens of dogs.

The company typically rejects 1-2 truckloads of corn, per year, due to aflatoxin exceeding federal limits. In September, 2005 however, they discovered the fungus on one or two truckloads each week, rejecting the loads.

Aflatoxin is a toxin produced by mold, that can damage the liver. This has been discovered as a possible lead into liver cancer and, additionally, may be causing multiple forms of cancers in other animals. The fungi, which produces this toxin, are known to grow on crops such as peanuts (very frequent), wheat, corn, beans and rice. Aflatoxin is a problem throughout the world, although the problem is larger in underdeveloped countries.

Aflatoxins can invade and contaminate the food supply at any time; whether it?s through production, processing, transport or storage. There are many different factors that put you at risk of aflatoxin poisoning: hot and humid climate, moisture where the food is kept, factors which decrease a plant?s immunity, etc. A good factor to remember, when dealing with similar foods to remember, ?When in doubt?Throw it out!?

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About Author

Devoted pet owner and now, devoted pet editor, Judi worked in traditional offices, keeping the books and the day-to-day operations organized. Taking her dog to work every day for over a decade never seemed odd. Neither did having an office cat. She knows what it's like to train a new puppy and she's experienced the heartache of losing beloved companions. Retired, she currently lives with her spoiled dog and four chickens (who are, interestingly enough, also spoiled).

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This post contains affiliate links, which means we earn a commission for sales referred from links on our site. We're also Amazon Associates, so we may earn from those qualifying purchases, too. Learn more!