In 2005 the Diamond Pet Food company in South Carolina, distributed contaminated dog and cat food to over 23 US states. Their product was contaminated by the secondary metabolite of the Aspergillus fungi; Aflatoxin. This fungi is common on corn and grains grown in high humidity and heat. While humans have a relatively high tolerance to the effects, canines and cats do not. Thousands of animals were effected; dozens died and thousands were sent to the vet to counteract the damaging effects it has on the liver. While this was not an intentional poisoning, it was poisoning none the less. Currently, Diamond Pet Food Corp. is engaged in repayments of over 3 mil to families whose animals were effected. Hope this helps..... |