Watch-out! Cancer-causing substances found in pet food

The Hong Kong Consumer Council tested dry dog and cat food and revealed yesterday finding the substance aflatoxin B1 in the samples collected.

Aflatoxin B1 is known as a carcinogen and was detected in seven of the 39 pet food brands tested. Although limits were not exceedingly high – still within the European Union’s safety limits and unlikely to pose immediate health risks, the Hong Kong Consumer Council still recommends owners avoid feeding such foods to their furry friends.

The four dog foods found with traces of aflatoxin B1 are Purina One smart blend chicken and rice formula adult premium dog food, First Choice chicken flavoured dog food (adult formula), Pedigree chicken flavour (adult) and No Frills beef flavoured dog food (adult formula).

The cat foods detected with the carcinogen are Kitekat tuna flavour for adult cats, Hill’s science diet adult optimal care dry cat food (original) and AvoDerm natural chicken and herring meal formula adult cat food.

Source: Hong Kong Consumer Council, SCMP

Photo: Wikimedia Commons