A recall notice dated October 26, 2015 was finally released today on the FDA’s website of a recall for Halo, Purely for Pets brand Spot’s Stew Sensitive Cat Turkey kibble due to reports of mycotoxins. Halo reports that at this time no other products are affected.

Halo is instructing consumers who have Spot’s Stew Sensitive Cat Turkey kibble to discontinue feeding it immediately, and return the remaining portion to any Halo retailer for a full refund.

The affected product is:

Spot’s Stew Wholesome Turkey Recipe Sensitive Formula for Cats
UPC Codes: 745158350231 and 745158340232
Sizes: 6 lb. and 3 lb. bags
Best by Date: 09/04/2016

Halo downplays risks

While Halo says that although “some pets can ingest mold without incident,” they admit that the most other pets may experience are “digestive issues.” Unfortunately, Halo vastly underestimated the health problems associated with ingestion of mycotoxins. I should caution consumers that mold can cause severe health problems in pets.

Common signs that your cat has eaten mold include:

• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Muscle tremors
• Seizures
• Elevated body temperature

Symptoms can last 24-48 hours, and can be life-threatening if left untreated.

If you suspect fungal poisoning to consult your veterinarian immediately if your cat experiences any symptoms related to mycotoxicosis.

Critical information missing 

Unfortunately, Halo did not include in their recall notice the type of mold found, which would have been helpful. This is especially important in diagnosis is the presence of a disease documented to be caused by a known mycotoxin, combined with detection of the mycotoxin in either the pet food or the affected pet. Nor did they mention the number of reports of mold that have been submitted to Halo and if any cats have been affected.

Additionally, the presence of mycotoxins are an indication of quality control issues which could be indicative of more widespread problems.

Consumers deserve more

Manufacturers need to realize that when they issue a recall notice, it is helpful to give consumers as much information as they are willing to disclose for the safety of pets. An explanation as to how their food could have become moldy, what type or types of mold were found, a detailed description of the symptoms of mold ingestion in pets, particularly as not all mold is visible to the naked eye, are all necessary to protect consumers and their pets from problems associated with recalled products.

For more information, contact Halo Customer Care at 800-426-4256 Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. EST, or email customers@halopets.com or visit www.halopets.com. For more recall information, visit: Halo, Purely for Pets® Issues Voluntary Recall of Sensitive Cat Turkey Dry Food Due to Mold.

SOURCE: FDA

REFERENCES

ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (APCC), Animal Poison Control Alert: The Dangers of Moldy Food
ASPCA Professional, Moldy Food Dangers to Pets
DVM360, Moldy food and mycotoxins potential problems for pets
Merck Manual Pet Health Edition, Fungal Poisoning
Merck Veterinary Manual, Overview of Mycotoxicoses