by Leigh Goessl

Created on: December 19, 2010

Kroger Co. has recalled pet foods in 19 US states. The December 18 2010 recall affects select pet food packages due to a possible contamination of aflatoxin.

CNN reports "The recall involves certain bags of Pet Pride Cat Food, Pet Pride Kitten Food, Old Yeller Chunk Dog Food, Kroger Value Cat Food and Kroger Value Chunk Food."

Kroger owned stores that sell the recalled brands of pet food are located in Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, Ohio, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia and West Virginia.

The large chain also reports that the recall also affects other stores that operate under a name other than Kroger. These stores are Dillons and Gerbes in Kansas and Missouri, Baker's stores in Nebraska, Food 4 Less stores in Nebraska, Illinois and Indiana and Jay C, Hilander, Owen's Pay Less and Scott's stores in Illinois and Indiana.

Most of the recalled products have a listed expiration date of October 23 or 24, 2011.

Aflatoxin is a poisonous chemical byproduct that could be very harmful and poses a serious health risk to pets. The chemical is a naturally occurring one that results from the growth of a fungus called Aspergillus flavus that can appear on crops.

Pets that consume this chemical byproduct can become very sick. Pets that exhibit signs of sluggishness, lethargy, and lack the desire to eat should be seen by a veterinarian. Other warning signs of illness associated with aflatoxin are a yellowish tint to eyes and/or gums and severe blood or diarrhea. Kroger urges pet owners to contact their veterinarian if any of these symptoms emerge.

The company states "The safety of our customers and their pets is important to Kroger. The company is using its Customer Recall Notification system to alert customers who may have purchased these recalled products through register receipt tape messages and automated phone calls. "

Consumers who have purchased any of the recalled pet food items should not give the foods to their pet and return to the store for a full refund or replacement product of the recalled item. Customers who have questions about the recall are being told they can contact Kroger at (800) 632-6900 or visit the company's recall website. The Kroger recall page also provides a full list of recalled pet food products including size, sell by date and UPC code. 

The Cincinnati based company (NYSE:KR) is one of the largest grocery stores in the US.  Kroger also operates multi-department stores, convenience stores and mall jewelry stores.

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