Due to the discovery of aflatoxin, Diamond Pet Foods has issued a voluntary recall of certain pet food products manufactured in its Gaston, S.C. facility and distributed to states in the eastern U.S.
Diamond officials said, "If you suspect your pet has symptoms associated with aflatoxin, please consult your veterinarian immediately.
"We are experiencing an exceptionally high rate of emails and telephone calls in response to the recall. To help answer many of your questions, please review the information below. We appreciate your understanding and pledge to provide updated information on a timely basis."
What symptoms should I look for from my pet?
Symptoms of illness will include jaundice combined with lack of appetite, depression, bloody stools, and excessive bleeding.
What should I do if my pet consumed recalled products and has any of the symptoms?
If your pet has consumed products included in the recall and exhibits these systems, please urge your veterinarian to run a liver profile. If your pet is found to have abnormal liver function, please have any other dog you may own that was fed the same food tested for liver function as well. Even if your pet does not show symptoms, monitor it for 7 to 12 days and consult your veterinarian if illness develops.
How can I get a refund?
If your product has been recalled, please take the bag and any remaining product back to the retailer where it was purchased. Your retailer will ensure the product is returned to Diamond Pet Food for proper analysis and disposal.
What products are being recalled?
Recalled products can be identified by the Date Code and "Best By" dates listed on the back panel of the package. Recalled products will have a capital "G" (in reference to Gaston) in the 11th or 12th position of the date code (18 lb. to 55 lb. bags), and "Best By" dates between March 1, 2007 and June 10, 2007. The capital "G" will be in the 9th position on smaller 4 lb. to 8 lb. bags.
Diamond's quantitative analysis records substantiate that shipments were definitively clear of aflatoxin after Dec. 10, officials said. As such, "Best By 11-June-07" date codes or later are not affected. Also, products with "Best By" dates prior to 28-Feb-07 are safe.
Products manufactured at the Gaston S.C. facility included in the recall:
Diamond Premium Adult Dog Food
Diamond Hi-Energy Dog Food
Diamond Maintenance Dog Food
Diamond Performance Dog Food
Diamond Puppy Food
Diamond Low Fat Dog Food
Diamond Maintenance Cat Food
Diamond Professional Cat Food
Country Value Puppy
Country Value Adult Dog Food
Country Value High Energy Dog Food
Country Value Adult Cat Food
Professional Reduced Fat Chicken & Rice Dog Food
Professional Chicken & Rice Adult Dog Food
Professional Puppy Food
Professional Large-Breed Puppy Food
Professional Reduced Fat Cat Food
Professional Adult Cat Food
Are any Gaston Facility Pet Foods Safe?
Although certain pet foods produced at the Gaston facility have been voluntarily recalled due to potential aflatoxin contamination, a wide range of the plant's products are perfectly safe and still can be purchased from retailers.
Gaston products not part of the recall include:
All Kirkland Signature products.
Every Premium Edge product.
The complete Chicken Soup product line.
Diamond Lamb and Rice Adult
Diamond Large Breed Adult 60+
Diamond Large Breed Puppy
Diamond Senior 8+
Diamond Kitten
Professional Lamb and Rice
Are products manufactured at other Diamond facilities affected by this situation?
No. Products manufactured at our Gaston facility are the only ones subject to the recall.
What states receive products from the Gaston facility?
The Gaston facility provides products to Diamond customers in Alabama, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan*, Mississippi, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio*, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee*, Vermont, Virginia and West Virginia.
*These states receive product from other Diamond Pet Food facilities. Please check your date code carefully. Unless it has a capital "G" in the 11th or 12th position of the date code on the larger 15 lb. to 55 lb. bags, it is not included in the recall. The capital "G" will be in the 9th position on smaller 4 lb. to 8 lb. bags.
What is Aflatoxin?
Aflatoxin is a naturally occurring toxic chemical by-product from the growth of the fungus Aspergillus flavus, on corn and other crops used as ingredients in pet foods. The fungus develops on crops during years with severe high temperature stress and drought.