WebMD Pet Health News
By Daniel J. DeNoon
Reviewed by Audrey Cook, BVM&S
Dec. 20, 2010 -- Kroger is recalling some of its private brands of dog and cat food because they may contain aflatoxin, a potentially deadly mold by-product.
The recall includes various Pet Pride, Old Yeller, and Kroger brands sold at Kroger and Kroger-owned stores in 19 states.
Aflatoxins can cause potentially fatal liver damage in dogs and cats. Early symptoms of aflatoxin poisoning include lethargy, loss of appetite, and vomiting. Bloody or tarry stools are often noted, and affected pets may develop orange-colored urine and jaundice (yellowing of the eyes, gums, and non-pigmented skin).
The severity of illness depends on the dose of aflatoxin and the length of time the animal received tainted food.
Signs of illness may start within a few days or take several weeks to appear. Owners of dogs and cats that have eaten the recalled products should have their pets examined by a veterinarian, who may order blood tests to check for liver damage.
Kroger sold the dog and cat foods at Kroger stores in Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, Ohio, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, and West Virginia.
The recalled pet foods also were sold at Dillons and Gerbes stores in Kansas and Missouri; Baker's stores in Nebraska; Food 4 Less stores in Nebraska, Illinois, and Indiana; and Jay C, Hilander, Owen's, Pay Less, and Scott's stores in Illinois and Indiana.
Stores not included in the recall are the Kroger-operated Ralphs, Fred Meyer, Fry's, King Soopers, Smith's, QFC, City Market, Foods Co., and Food 4 Less stores in California and Nevada.
The recalled products are:
All of the recalled products have expiration dates of Oct. 23, 2011, and Oct. 24, 2011.
Kroger is attempting to notify customers who bought these products. Customers may return the recalled products for a full refund or replacement.
Customers who have questions may contact Kroger at 800-632-6900 or visit the Kroger.com/recalls web site.
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