On February 2, 2012, Advanced Animal Nutrition updated a voluntary recall bulletin with the FDA regarding several brands of dog food. The recall notice was originally distributed on December 8, 2011.

A recall has been issued for the following 50-pound bags of Advanced Animal Nutrition Dog Food:

• Dog Power Hunters Formula 27-14
• Dog Power Adult Maintenance Formula 21-12
• Dog Power Hi-Pro Performance Formula 26-18

The following formulas are suspected of containing high levels of Aflatoxin, a potentially harmful mold that has been connected to liver damage. The mold is naturally occurring in soil and can be found in decaying vegetation and grains. Food processing does not effectively kill off the fungi and therefore remains active during the course of pet food manufacturing. When high levels of Aflatoxin, a mycotoxin, are present is can result in health issues from unsafe levels of exposure through ingestion.

The updated alert has expanded the lot numbers of potentially contaminated food. Any of the above dog foods purchased with these lot numbers should not be consumed by animals. The affected lot numbers are as follows:

• K0004 through K1322
• 4K1004 through 4K1322

All stores have been directed to pull these products off the shelves and return it to Advanced Animal Nutrition for proper disposal. Purchased products can be returned to the place of original sale for a refund. The manufactured dates for tainted products are believed to be from January 2011 through November 2011. If you have purchased this dog food and it is stamped within this time-frame, it is advisable to return the food for a refund even if the lot numbers do not match.

If animals have consumed any of the products, it is wise to keep a sample of the food to bring with you to the vet’s office in the event animals become symptomatic. Animals who have consumed any of these food resources and display symptoms that include sluggish or lethargic behavior, an unwillingness to eat, heavy vomiting, a yellowish tint in the eyes or on the gums, or persistent diarrhea should be taken to a veterinarian immediately along with an undigested food sample.

Advanced Animal Nutrition is manufactured in Thayer, Missouri off Old Highway 63 South. The states most likely affected are Missouri, Arkansas, and Louisiana. However, if you live outside the states of primary concern and use Advance Animal Nutrition you should still check the brand name, lot numbers, and date stamp and return the food for a refund.

Consumers with questions can contact Advanced Animal Nutrition at the following:

Toll-free: 866-648-7646
Direct Dial: 417-264-7300

For those who donate food to shelters please forward this information to your donation organization to help prevent an illness outbreak.