WDBD FOX 40 Jackson MS Local News, Weather and Sports

WDBD Television for Jackson, MS

fox-news/health/healthy-living/product-recalls

Eye drops and safety issues: Here’s what you need to know now

In light of recent news that a brand of over-the-counter eye drops may have caused bacterial infections that led to vision loss and even death, consumers may be wary of using them at all.

Thomas Stokkermans, OD, PhD, director of optometric services for University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center in Cleveland, Ohio, said that eye drops are generally completely safe to use. 

“Reported infections from eye care products are extremely rare,” he told Fox News Digital in an email.

“It is much more likely that the wrong use of eye care products causes injury.”

‘EYE’ ON LIFE: WOMAN GOES VIRAL FOR SHOWING HOW SHE INSERTS ARTIFICIAL EYE AFTER CANCER BATTLE

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on Jan. 20 called for people to stop using EzriCare Artificial Tears after 50 patients reported eye infections associated with the product.

The bacteria, Pseudomonas aeruginosa — which is resistant to many antibiotics — was linked to respiratory infections, urinary tract infections, permanent vision loss, hospitalization and even one death.

In light of recent news that a brand of over-the-counter eye drops may have caused bacterial infections that led to vision loss and even death, consumers may be wary of using them at all. Two doctors shared important insights. (iStock)

Dr. Stokkermans saw one of the affected patients in the ophthalmology department at UH Cleveland Medical Center. 

The person lost almost all her vision in the affected eye.

A bacteria in EzriCare Artificial Tears was linked to respiratory infections, urinary tract infections, permanent vision loss, hospitalization and even one death.

On Feb. 23, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) urged consumers to avoid purchasing or using another product, Delsam Pharma’s Artificial Eye Ointment, due to possible bacterial contamination.

Previous cases

Long before the EzriCare and Delsam Pharma incidents, other eye products had been recalled due to ocular infections, Dr. Stokkermans pointed out. 

In previous cases, the infections apparently came from contact lens solutions.

WARNING FROM LASIK EYE-SURGERY PATIENTS TO FDA: MORE NOTICE OF ‘SIDE EFFECTS’ IS NEEDED

“In May 2007, the CDC linked AMO Complete MoisturePLUS contact lens solution to reports of Acanthamoeba keratitis, a rare parasite that can cause a serious and potentially blinding eye infection,” he said. 

“Reported infections from eye care products are extremely rare,” said one optometrist. “It is much more likely that the wrong use of eyecare products causes injury.” (iStock)

“And in May 2006, the FDA issued a recall for B&Ls ReNu Moisture Loc after several users reported fungal keratitis infections, which are serious and hard to treat. B&L ended up settling 600 lawsuits of people affected by this infection.”

Infections seen as exception, not rule

Dr. Stokkermans called the EzriCare-related infections “very unfortunate.”

He and said they have degraded consumers’ trust in having access to safe, healthy medications and supplements.

“Often, there is no way to know beforehand that a manufacturer has produced a tainted product until a number of consumers have been affected and it is advertised in the news,” he said. 

EYE SPY A BIG PROBLEM: CALIFORNIA DOCTOR REMOVES 23 CONTACT LENSES FROM ONE WOMAN’S EYE

“It’s important to remember that it is extremely rare for eye drops to be recalled due to microbial infections.”

He added that the best safeguard against infection or eye disease is to only treat the eye with drops that have been prescribed or recommended by a doctor.

Optometrist Juanita Collier, MS, OD, FCOVD, offers vision therapy at her 4D Vision Gym office in Cromwell, Connecticut. 

She said that eye drops containing preservatives are generally safe to use, as the preservatives extend the life of the drop safely and protect against pathogens. However, she recommends using caution with preservative-free brands.

How to know if you have an infection

With allergies and other medical conditions often causing red, itchy and watery eyes, it may be difficult to determine when the symptoms indicate an infection.

Given that infections, allergies and general sensitivities can share some of the same symptoms, it’s always best to consult an eye doctor. (iStock)

“Bacterial infections are often associated with goopy discharge and redness, along with a feeling like there is sand in the eye, which is known as foreign body sensation (FBS),” Dr. Stokkermans explained.

Viral infections will most likely just involve tearing and FBS, while allergies are more associated with itching, watering and swelling, the doctor said.

Infections can also affect the conjunctiva, the thin, clear membrane that protects the eye. When this becomes inflamed or infected, it can cause a condition called conjunctivitis, more commonly known as pink eye.

BLIND MICHIGAN JUDGE DRIVES RACE CAR — AND INSPIRES OTHERS TO FOLLOW THEIR DREAMS, TOO

When the infection affects the cornea (the surface of the front of the eye), it can cause a condition called keratitis, where the cornea becomes inflamed, said Dr. Stokkermans.

“The Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections [associated with EzriCare Artificial Tears] caused a type of keratitis where the infection broke the surface of the cornea,” the doctor said. “This is called a corneal ulcer, which is the most dangerous of the discussed types of infections and can lead to blindness.”

“One of the most important signs of a serious problem is when the red eye is associated with blurred vision or vision loss.”

Given that infections, allergies and general sensitivities can share some of the same symptoms, it’s always best to consult an eye doctor.

“One of the most important signs of a serious problem is when the red eye is associated with blurred vision or vision loss,” Dr. Stokkermans said. 

In that case, he recommends going to the emergency room.

Infections can affect the thin, clear membrane that protects the eye, causing a condition called conjunctivitis, more commonly known as pink eye. (iStock)

Many eye drops will sting slightly when they’re first inserted, which isn’t usually a cause for concern, said Dr. Collier. 

“If an eye drop burns excessively, discontinue use and call your eye doctor right away,” she said.

Tips for safe eye drop usage

Before using any type of eye drop, Dr. Stokkermans said it’s important to make sure the tamper-proof seal has not been broken. 

Next, check the expiration date and verify that you’re using the correct product.

POST-COVID, MANY PARENTS ARE GIVING KIDS FEVER-REDUCING MEDICINE WHEN IT’S NOT NECESSARY: STUDY

“I have personally had patients who thought they were using their regular eye drops and instead placed super glue in their eyes,” he said.

Optometrists recommend checking with an eye doctor before starting to use eye drops. (iStock)

Dr. Collier advises her patients to never touch the tip of the bottle to their eye — no matter what type of drops they’re using — as that is a major entryway for pathogens and can also scratch the eye.

Also, Dr. Stokkermans recommended this safety advice: “When using preservative-free drops, discard the container after use. The contents of preservative-free products do not kill or slow the growth of microbes and can easily become tainted with an infectious agent.”

Consumers should always check the eye drops label to make sure they aren’t expired and that they’re using the right product. (iStock)

For best results when putting in an eye drop, Dr. Stokkermans said to sit in a chair, tilt the head back and look up. 

Pull the lower eyelid down and dispense a single drop into the pocket that is created between the eyeball and the lower lid. 

If using different types of eye drops, he recommends waiting 15 minutes between each application.

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER

Between uses, eye drops should be stored at room temperature or in the refrigerator as instructed on the label.

“Drops that are exposed to high temperatures may lose the ability to retard the growth of microbes,” Dr. Stokkermans said. “I had a patient who acquired Acanthamoeba keratitis [a rare but serious infection of the eye] after forgetting his contact lens solution in the clothes dryer.”

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

Those who are unsure about the safety of an eye drop product can check the FDA’s website for any recall notices or alerts.

“Most importantly, check with your optometrist before starting any drops,” said Dr. Collier.

Melissa Rudy is health editor and a member of the lifestyle team at Fox News Digital. 

Is your baby formula making your infant sick? Signs to watch for

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!

The recent baby formula recall by Abbott Nutrition understandably has parents concerned about the health of their babies. One pediatrician told Fox News he has expanded his emergency room hospital examination screenings to include asking parents of sick infants, what type of formula does the baby use?

Dr. Matthew Harris, a pediatric emergency medicine physician at Northwell Health in New Hyde Park N.Y., told Fox News that there are certain symptoms to look for in infants who may have become sick after consuming the recalled lot of reportedly contaminated powdered baby formula.

Close-up of bottles of Similac brand pro sensitive infant or baby formula, Lafayette, California, September 30, 2021. (Photo by Smith Collection/Gado/Getty Images)

“Parents should be on the lookout for fever, vomiting, shortness of breath, or yellowing of the eyes or skin if their children are drinking these formulas, but once again we should caution parents that these are rare and Abbott has taken appropriate steps in minimizing the risk,” Harris told Fox News.  

As Fox News reported, Abbott Nutrition expanded its voluntary baby formula recall this week to include one lot of Similac PM 60/40 formula, after learning that an infant died who had “consumed Similac PM 60/40 from this lot” but that the cause of the infection “has not been determined.”  

ABBOTT NUTRITION’S BABY FORMULA RECALL WIDENS AFTER ANOTHER INFANT DIES

Harris told Fox News, this formula is specifically for children who are at high risk for nutrition, who have difficulty absorbing nutrients and is commonly used in premature children. 

The Similac PM 60/40 lot was manufactured in a Sturgis, Michigan facility, the same facility where three other powdered infant formulas: Similac, Alimentum and EleCare that were recalled last month, were produced, the Food and Drug Administration said in a report on their website. The formulas were recalled after the agency received reports of infants getting sick after consuming the formula, the FDA said. 

According to the FDA, so far there have been four reports of Cronobacter sakazakii infections in infants and one case of Salmonella Newport. The health agency said on its website, the illnesses resulted in hospitalization and “Cronobacter may have contributed to death in two patients.”

Abbott Divisional Vice President of Nutrition Global Research and Development Dr. Hakim Bouzamondo speaks during a keynote address by Abbott Chairman of the Board and CEO Robert B. Ford at CES 2022 at The Venetian Las Vegas on January 6, 2022 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)

Cronobacter sakazakiim is a particularly nasty gram-negative infection which is a type of severe bacterial infection,” Harris told Fox News in an interview and added, “There have been also cases of salmonella which is a more common bacterial infection that typically causes a diarrheal illness sometimes with fever in all sorts of children and infants.” 

Health experts said in some cases, cronobacter bacteria could cause life-threatening infections such as sepsis or meningitis. Harris said in the interview, if you think your child is sick, seek medical help and discuss any concerns with your pediatrician.

PRODUCT RECALLS PUBLISHED BABY TEETHERS SOLD AT TARGET, OTHER STORES RECALLED DUE TO CHOKING HAZARD

Harris, who is also a father of an infant, told Fox News it was very difficult in the previous months to obtain regular formula due to global shipping issues and that this recent recall, while appropriate, can be quite crippling to parents of newborns, especially those of deprived socioeconomic need.

A biologist uses a Cell-Dyn 3200 analyzer, manufactured by Abbott Laboratories, to test blood samples in the medical laboratory of the Casa di Cura San Feliciano hospital in  Rome, Italy, on Monday, July 23, 2012.  (Photographer: Alessia Pierdomenico/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

Abbott initiated the first voluntary recall on Feb. 17. The company said it tests for pathogens in its manufacturing facilities routinely and “found evidence of Cronobacter sakazakii in the plant in non-product contact areas” at the Michigan facility.  

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

Abbott said on its website, its distributed product has not tested positive for the presence of Cronobacter sakazakii and that product samples of the recalled Similac PM 60/40 lot also recently tested negative for the bacteria. The company also stated on the site that it did not find evidence of salmonella Newport however the investigation is ongoing. 

To find out if you have a recalled formula lot click here.

Supplement facing recall over unapproved, ‘possibly unsafe’ additive

Two dietary supplements are facing a recall, according to a notice posted to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s website this week. 

In a notice posted to the FDA’s website on Monday, Fusion Health and Vitality LLC said all of its 2020 lots of Core Essential Nutrients and of Immune Boost Sublingual Vitamin D3 are subject to the recall, each for different reasons.

This product has been found to contain an unapproved food additive, hordenine HCl, per the FDA notice.
(FDA)

The first, the company’s Core Essential Nutrients supplement, was found to contain an unapproved food additive known as hordenine HCl.

Hordenine HCl, according to the recall notice, “is possibly unsafe when taken by mouth. Hordenine HCl might have similar stimulant effects and side effects such as rapid heart rate and high blood pressure.” 

DOG FOOD RECALLED OVER SALMONELLA CONCERNS, FDA SAYS

The Core Essential Nutrients supplement was first shipped on Jan. 2 of this year, per the notice. 

“Immune Boost Labeling was found to contain statements that caused it to become and unapproved new drug under FDA labeling laws,” per the notice.
(FDA)

The recall also affects the company’s Immune Boost Sublingual Vitamin D3 over a labeling issue. 

“Immune Boost Labeling was found to contain statements that caused it to become an unapproved new drug under FDA labeling law,” the notice reads. 

CDC INVESTIGATES E. COLI OUTBREAK POTENTIALLY LINKED TO ROMAINE LETTUCE

No adverse reactions related to either product have been reported to date, however. 

“Fusion Health and Vitality is notifying its customers by email and is arranging for return of all recalled products,” the company said. “Consumers that have product which is being recalled should stop using it and return it to Fusion Health and Vitality for destruction.”

DOG FOOD RECALLED OVER HIGH LEVELS OF MOLD BYPRODUCT: FDA

Consumers with further questions can contact Fusion Health and Vitality at 1-888-964-5327. 

Supplement facing recall over unapproved, ‘possibly unsafe’ additive

Two dietary supplements are facing a recall, according to a notice posted to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s website this week. 

In a notice posted to the FDA’s website on Monday, Fusion Health and Vitality LLC said all of its 2020 lots of Core Essential Nutrients and of Immune Boost Sublingual Vitamin D3 are subject to the recall, each for different reasons.

This product has been found to contain an unapproved food additive, hordenine HCl, per the FDA notice.
(FDA)

The first, the company’s Core Essential Nutrients supplement, was found to contain an unapproved food additive known as hordenine HCl.

Hordenine HCl, according to the recall notice, “is possibly unsafe when taken by mouth. Hordenine HCl might have similar stimulant effects and side effects such as rapid heart rate and high blood pressure.” 

DOG FOOD RECALLED OVER SALMONELLA CONCERNS, FDA SAYS

The Core Essential Nutrients supplement was first shipped on Jan. 2 of this year, per the notice. 

“Immune Boost Labeling was found to contain statements that caused it to become and unapproved new drug under FDA labeling laws,” per the notice.
(FDA)

The recall also affects the company’s Immune Boost Sublingual Vitamin D3 over a labeling issue. 

“Immune Boost Labeling was found to contain statements that caused it to become an unapproved new drug under FDA labeling law,” the notice reads. 

CDC INVESTIGATES E. COLI OUTBREAK POTENTIALLY LINKED TO ROMAINE LETTUCE

No adverse reactions related to either product have been reported to date, however. 

“Fusion Health and Vitality is notifying its customers by email and is arranging for return of all recalled products,” the company said. “Consumers that have product which is being recalled should stop using it and return it to Fusion Health and Vitality for destruction.”

DOG FOOD RECALLED OVER HIGH LEVELS OF MOLD BYPRODUCT: FDA

Consumers with further questions can contact Fusion Health and Vitality at 1-888-964-5327. 

Supplement facing recall over unapproved, ‘possibly unsafe’ additive

Two dietary supplements are facing a recall, according to a notice posted to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s website this week. 

In a notice posted to the FDA’s website on Monday, Fusion Health and Vitality LLC said all of its 2020 lots of Core Essential Nutrients and of Immune Boost Sublingual Vitamin D3 are subject to the recall, each for different reasons.

This product has been found to contain an unapproved food additive, hordenine HCl, per the FDA notice.
(FDA)

The first, the company’s Core Essential Nutrients supplement, was found to contain an unapproved food additive known as hordenine HCl.

Hordenine HCl, according to the recall notice, “is possibly unsafe when taken by mouth. Hordenine HCl might have similar stimulant effects and side effects such as rapid heart rate and high blood pressure.” 

DOG FOOD RECALLED OVER SALMONELLA CONCERNS, FDA SAYS

The Core Essential Nutrients supplement was first shipped on Jan. 2 of this year, per the notice. 

“Immune Boost Labeling was found to contain statements that caused it to become and unapproved new drug under FDA labeling laws,” per the notice.
(FDA)

The recall also affects the company’s Immune Boost Sublingual Vitamin D3 over a labeling issue. 

“Immune Boost Labeling was found to contain statements that caused it to become an unapproved new drug under FDA labeling law,” the notice reads. 

CDC INVESTIGATES E. COLI OUTBREAK POTENTIALLY LINKED TO ROMAINE LETTUCE

No adverse reactions related to either product have been reported to date, however. 

“Fusion Health and Vitality is notifying its customers by email and is arranging for return of all recalled products,” the company said. “Consumers that have product which is being recalled should stop using it and return it to Fusion Health and Vitality for destruction.”

DOG FOOD RECALLED OVER HIGH LEVELS OF MOLD BYPRODUCT: FDA

Consumers with further questions can contact Fusion Health and Vitality at 1-888-964-5327. 

Supplement facing recall over unapproved, ‘possibly unsafe’ additive

Two dietary supplements are facing a recall, according to a notice posted to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s website this week. 

In a notice posted to the FDA’s website on Monday, Fusion Health and Vitality LLC said all of its 2020 lots of Core Essential Nutrients and of Immune Boost Sublingual Vitamin D3 are subject to the recall, each for different reasons.

This product has been found to contain an unapproved food additive, hordenine HCl, per the FDA notice.
(FDA)

The first, the company’s Core Essential Nutrients supplement, was found to contain an unapproved food additive known as hordenine HCl.

Hordenine HCl, according to the recall notice, “is possibly unsafe when taken by mouth. Hordenine HCl might have similar stimulant effects and side effects such as rapid heart rate and high blood pressure.” 

DOG FOOD RECALLED OVER SALMONELLA CONCERNS, FDA SAYS

The Core Essential Nutrients supplement was first shipped on Jan. 2 of this year, per the notice. 

“Immune Boost Labeling was found to contain statements that caused it to become and unapproved new drug under FDA labeling laws,” per the notice.
(FDA)

The recall also affects the company’s Immune Boost Sublingual Vitamin D3 over a labeling issue. 

“Immune Boost Labeling was found to contain statements that caused it to become an unapproved new drug under FDA labeling law,” the notice reads. 

CDC INVESTIGATES E. COLI OUTBREAK POTENTIALLY LINKED TO ROMAINE LETTUCE

No adverse reactions related to either product have been reported to date, however. 

“Fusion Health and Vitality is notifying its customers by email and is arranging for return of all recalled products,” the company said. “Consumers that have product which is being recalled should stop using it and return it to Fusion Health and Vitality for destruction.”

DOG FOOD RECALLED OVER HIGH LEVELS OF MOLD BYPRODUCT: FDA

Consumers with further questions can contact Fusion Health and Vitality at 1-888-964-5327. 

Manufacturer recalling ‘subpotent’ thyroid tablets, adverse effects reported, FDA says

A manufacturer is recalling thyroid tablets found to be subpotent and with adverse effects, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Acella Pharmaceuticals is recalling two lots of NP Thyroid, which “may have as low as 87% of the labeled amount of levothyroxine,” or less than the required amount, according to the company announcement posted by the FDA.

Acella Pharmaceuticals is recalling two lots of NP Thyroid, which “may have as low as 87% of the labeled amount of levothyroxine,” or less than the required amount. (Photo courtesy of the FDA)

(Photo courtesy of the FDA)

CDC DELETES CORONAVIRUS AIRBORNE TRANSMISSION GUIDANCE, SAYS UPDATE WAS ‘DRAFT VERSION’

The products may be too weak to fully treat hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid), and patients could experience fatigue, constipation, and slow heart rate, among other effects, said the announcement.

There was also said to be a “reasonable risk of serious injury” for newborns and pregnant women with hypothyroidism.

“In elderly patients and patients with underlying cardiac disease toxic cardiac manifestations of hyperthyroidism may occur, such as cardiac pain, palpitations or cardiac arrhythmia,” the announcement reads.

“To date, Acella has received four reports of adverse events for these lot numbers possibly related to this recall,” it said.

The products under the recall are in 100-count bottles; one lot of 15-mg and a second lot of 120-mg NP Thyroid, Thyroid Tablets. Those taking the medication were advised to contact their healthcare provider before stopping use.

See more information about the recall here.

CLICK HERE FOR THE FOX NEWS APP

Manufacturer recalling ‘subpotent’ thyroid tablets, adverse effects reported, FDA says

A manufacturer is recalling thyroid tablets found to be subpotent and with adverse effects, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Acella Pharmaceuticals is recalling two lots of NP Thyroid, which “may have as low as 87% of the labeled amount of levothyroxine,” or less than the required amount, according to the company announcement posted by the FDA.

Acella Pharmaceuticals is recalling two lots of NP Thyroid, which “may have as low as 87% of the labeled amount of levothyroxine,” or less than the required amount. (Photo courtesy of the FDA)

(Photo courtesy of the FDA)

CDC DELETES CORONAVIRUS AIRBORNE TRANSMISSION GUIDANCE, SAYS UPDATE WAS ‘DRAFT VERSION’

The products may be too weak to fully treat hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid), and patients could experience fatigue, constipation, and slow heart rate, among other effects, said the announcement.

There was also said to be a “reasonable risk of serious injury” for newborns and pregnant women with hypothyroidism.

“In elderly patients and patients with underlying cardiac disease toxic cardiac manifestations of hyperthyroidism may occur, such as cardiac pain, palpitations or cardiac arrhythmia,” the announcement reads.

“To date, Acella has received four reports of adverse events for these lot numbers possibly related to this recall,” it said.

The products under the recall are in 100-count bottles; one lot of 15-mg and a second lot of 120-mg NP Thyroid, Thyroid Tablets. Those taking the medication were advised to contact their healthcare provider before stopping use.

See more information about the recall here.

CLICK HERE FOR THE FOX NEWS APP

Manufacturer recalling ‘subpotent’ thyroid tablets, adverse effects reported, FDA says

A manufacturer is recalling thyroid tablets found to be subpotent and with adverse effects, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Acella Pharmaceuticals is recalling two lots of NP Thyroid, which “may have as low as 87% of the labeled amount of levothyroxine,” or less than the required amount, according to the company announcement posted by the FDA.

Acella Pharmaceuticals is recalling two lots of NP Thyroid, which “may have as low as 87% of the labeled amount of levothyroxine,” or less than the required amount. (Photo courtesy of the FDA)

(Photo courtesy of the FDA)

CDC DELETES CORONAVIRUS AIRBORNE TRANSMISSION GUIDANCE, SAYS UPDATE WAS ‘DRAFT VERSION’

The products may be too weak to fully treat hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid), and patients could experience fatigue, constipation, and slow heart rate, among other effects, said the announcement.

There was also said to be a “reasonable risk of serious injury” for newborns and pregnant women with hypothyroidism.

“In elderly patients and patients with underlying cardiac disease toxic cardiac manifestations of hyperthyroidism may occur, such as cardiac pain, palpitations or cardiac arrhythmia,” the announcement reads.

“To date, Acella has received four reports of adverse events for these lot numbers possibly related to this recall,” it said.

The products under the recall are in 100-count bottles; one lot of 15-mg and a second lot of 120-mg NP Thyroid, Thyroid Tablets. Those taking the medication were advised to contact their healthcare provider before stopping use.

See more information about the recall here.

CLICK HERE FOR THE FOX NEWS APP

Dog food recalled over high levels of mold byproduct: FDA

Heads up, pet owners: The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently announced the voluntary recall of three dog foods over concerns the products contain a mold byproduct that is potentially above acceptable levels.

On Sept. 2, the FDA announced Sunshine Mills’ voluntary recall of the following three dogs foods:

  • Family Pet Meaty Cuts: Beef, Chicken & Cheese Flavors
  • Heartland Farms Grilled Favorites: Beef, Chicken & Cheese Flavor
  • Paws Happy Life Butcher’s Choice Dog Food

DOG FOOD RECALLED OVER SALMONELLA CONCERNS: FDA

The products were called back over concerns they contain above-limit levels of aflatoxin, which the FDA said is a “naturally occurring mold byproduct from the growth of Aspergillus flavus and can be harmful to pets if consumed in significant quantities.”

“The potential for aflatoxin levels above the acceptable limit in these products was discovered by routine sampling performed by the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry showing that a sample of a single 4-pound bag of one lot of the product contained elevated levels of aflatoxin,” said the FDA, which noted that no illnesses have occurred in connection to the recalled dog foods.

The recall was issued as a precaution, and no other Sunshine Mills products are affected at this time.

The recall was issued as a precaution, and no other Sunshine Mills products are affected at this time. 
(iStock)

The affected foods were distributed to retailers across the nation, and the FDA is now advising that any retailers who received the products to take them off store shelves. Consumers who purchased one of the recalled products can return it to the place of purchase for a full refund, according to the announcement.

“Pets that have consumed any of the recalled products and exhibit symptoms of illness including sluggishness or lethargy combined with a reluctance to eat, vomiting, yellowish tint to the eyes or gums, or diarrhea should be seen by a veterinarian,” the FDA said.

Consumers with further questions or concerns can contact the company’s customer service line at (800) 705-2111 or email customer.service@sunshinemills.com.

CLICK HERE FOR THE FOX NEWS APP

Photos of the affected products can be found here.

The recall, announced earlier this month, is the second for Sunshine Mills in recent weeks. In late August, the company issued a voluntary recall over Nature’s Menu Super Premium Dog Food with a Blend of Real Chicken & Quail after a sample of the product tested positive for salmonella.