RECALL ALERT: Hy-Vee Dog Food Recalled Due to Aflatoxins

Hy-Vee brand dog food, manufacturered by Pro-Pet, LLC, is voluntarily recalling 6 different labels of their Hy-Vee Complete Dog Foods stamped with three different “Best By” dates and distributed to Hy-Vee stores in Iowa, Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Nebraska, South Dakota, Minnesota and Wisconsin between October 26, 2012 and January 11, 2013.

The foods were found to contain higher than normal levels of aflatoxin, a chemical compound naturally produced by Apergillus flavus, a fungus known commonly to grow in certain grains like corn. Corn, a controversial dog food ingredient, is commonly used in lower-end dog foods because of its low cost to weight ratio. Pet parents can avoid aflatoxins by switching to a higher quality, grain-free dog food.

Aflatoxin poisoning in pets can result in lethargy, reluctance to eating, vomiting, yellowish tint to the eyes or gums, and/or diarrhea. If your dog currently eats Hy-Vee brand food and is experiencing any of the above symptoms, discontinue feeding immediately and take your dog to the veterinarian.

Because many dog food manufacturers use corn from the same farms and processors in their food, The Dogington Post expects other corn-based dog foods to be recalled in the near future. If your dog is eating a corn-based food, monitor his activity levels and keep an eye out for symptoms of aflatoxin poisoning. If possible, find a higher quality, meat-based food instead.

Hy-Vee Stores released the following notice to consumers:

Hy-Vee issues voluntary recall of certain dog food products
Routine testing identifies higher-than-normal contaminant levels in select products

WEST DES MOINES, IA – Hy-Vee, Inc. today issued a voluntary recall of certain bags of Hy-Vee dog food due to elevated levels of a chemical contaminant commonly found in corn.

Routine random tests conducted by the Iowa Department of Agriculture indicated higher-than-normal levels of aflatoxin in some samples of Hy-Vee dog food produced at a Kansas City plant operated by Pro-Pet, LLC.

Aflatoxin is a naturally occurring by-product from the growth of Aspergillus flavus and can be harmful to pets if consumed in significant quantities.  Pets which have consumed this product 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 should consultant a veterinarian.

The recalled products carry three different “Best By” dates and were distributed to Hy-Vee stores in Iowa, Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Nebraska, South Dakota, Minnesota and Wisconsin between October 26, 2012 and January 11, 2013.

The following products are subject to the recall:

Hy-Vee Complete Dog – Complete Nutrition (Green Bag) – 34-lb.
UPC:  07545005647
Lot # ending with:    29812KC
“Best By” Date:    11/24/13

Hy-Vee Complete Dog – Complete Nutrition (Green Bag) – 8-lb
UPC: 07545005667
Lot # ending with:    29812KC
“Best By” Date:    11/24/13

Hy-Vee Complete Dog – Complete Nutrition (Green Bag) – 4.4-lb.
UPC: 07545005665
Lot # ending with:    29812KC
“Best By” Date:    11/24/13

Hy-Vee Complete Dog – Complete Nutrition (Green Bag) – 4.4-lb.
UPC: 07545005665
Lot # ending with:    29912KC
“Best By” Date:    11/25/13

Hy-Vee Complete Dog – Bites, Bones & Squares (Yellow Bag) – 20-lb.
UPC: 07545005680
Lot # ending with:    29312KC
“Best By” Date:    11/19/13

Hy-Vee Complete Dog – Bites, Bones & Squares (Yellow Bag) – 4.4-lb.
UPC: 07545005560
Lot # ending with:    29312KC
“Best By” Date:    11/19/13

The recall is limited to the products, sizes and code dates listed above. No other Hy-Vee dog food products or code dates are affected by the recall.

Customers are urged to check the “Best By” dates on any product they have at home and refrain from feeding any of the recalled products to their pets. Any bags of Hy-Vee dog food subject to the recall, whether opened or unopened, may be returned to Hy-Vee stores for a full refund.

Hy-Vee officials emphasized the recall is voluntary and only conducted as a precautionary measure. No illnesses have been reported in dogs consuming the product, and the product does not pose a health risk to humans handling it. Hy-Vee officials have also removed all potentially affected products from Hy-Vee stores.

Consumers with questions may contact the company at 800-289-8343. This number is staffed Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. CST.