The U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued a safety advisory in March 2026 warning pet owners about elevated mycotoxin levels — specifically aflatoxin and deoxynivalenol — detected in several grain-based dry pet food products during routine surveillance testing.
Aflatoxin, produced by Aspergillus mold species that commonly contaminate corn, peanuts, and other grains, is one of the most potent naturally occurring carcinogens known. In pets, aflatoxin exposure causes liver damage, lethargy, loss of appetite, and in high doses, acute liver failure.
The advisory follows a series of pet food recalls in late 2025 linked to aflatoxin contamination and the deaths of dozens of dogs. The FDA is working with manufacturers to improve testing protocols and is considering mandatory mycotoxin testing for all grain-based pet foods.
For pet owners, the advisory recommends checking the FDA recall database regularly, storing dry pet food in cool, dry conditions to prevent secondary mold growth, and watching for symptoms of aflatoxin poisoning: unusual lethargy, loss of appetite, vomiting, and jaundice.
The advisory underscores that pets face mold exposure from multiple pathways — not only from contaminated indoor environments but also from their food supply — making comprehensive awareness essential for responsible pet ownership.
