Following reports in the media of dogs dying after consuming pet food suspected to be contaminated with aflatoxins the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries conducted an inspection at facilities where Hi-Pro, Legends and Buddies products are manufactured.
Samples of Hi-Pro and Buddies products were taken to ARC-Onderstepoort Veterinary Institute for analyses and these samples tested positive for aflatoxins. These results establish an association between the cases of aflatoxicosis that have been reported and the products in question.
During the inspections at the respective facilities a number of non-compliance cases were uncovered ranging from practices followed and the operations of the undertaking not being suitable for the manufacturing of dog food. After satisfying himself that these facilities have failed to comply with the requirements of the Act, the Registrar cancelled the Registrations of Buddies Complete Dog Food (V 15814), Legends Dog Food (V 17593); and Hi-Pro Dog Food (V 16809) on 11 May 2011. This implies that these products cannot be marketed, distributed or sold in South Africa as it is not in the public interest to have these products in the channels of trade.
On Monday, 9 May 2011, Act No. 36 of 1947 inspectors seized 3 149 bags of unregistered product called Mighty Bite at Hi-Pro Dog Food manufacturing facilities. Another consignment of Mighty Bite dog food was seized at a local Spar in Pretoria on 11 May 2011. The public is warned to be on the lookout for these products and where they are found they must immediately inform the office of the Registrar. The contact person is:
Tiyani Chauke
Tel: 012 319 6887
E-mail: TiyaniC@daff.gov.za
Maganyele Masenya
Tel: 012 319 7226
E-mail: MaganyeleM@daff.gov.za
The department continues to monitor the situation.
For further information contact:Mr Steve Galane
Tel: 012 319 7960
Fax: 012 319 6943
Cell: 083 635 7346
E-mail: DAIS@daff.gov.za /stevegalane@mtn.blackberry.com
