Diamond Pet Food Agrees to 3.1 Million Settlement in Aflatoxin Contamination

Diamond Pet Food will pay $3.1 million in a settlement with pet owners after pet food contaminated by aflatoxin, a mold, was sold in 23 states in 2005. Dozens of dogs died after eating the contaminated food.

Consumers may be able to receive compensation if they can show that the recalled food they purchased was not returned for a refund. Consumers will also be entitled to payment for any veterinary expenses that were incurred as a result of their dog being injured after eating the contaminated pet food.

Aflatoxin, a naturally occurring chemical that comes from a fungus sometimes found on corn and in other crops, can cause severe liver damage.

People who reside in the following states and purchased recalled Diamond Brand or Country Value Brand Pet Food products in 2005, and did not return the food for a refund are included in this settlement: Alabama, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Mississippi, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Vermont, Virginia, and West Virginia.