FDA EIR - Sunshine Mills, Inc. - September 23, 2021

This FDA Consumer Complaint/Injury Report, dated March 31, 2022, documents a consumer complaint received on August 23, 2021, regarding the possible death of a dog. The complaint alleges a link to "Heart To Tail Pure Being Natural Dog Food Deboned Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe," manufactured by Sunshine Mills, Inc. of Tupelo, Mississippi. The dog died on June 21, 2021, after experiencing lethargy, an unsteady gait, and organ failure. While the consumer attributed the death to the food, veterinary reports indicated a pre-existing severe skin condition might have been a contributing factor. A notable detail is that Sunshine Mills, Inc. had initiated a voluntary recall of some dog food products on July 26, 2021. However, the specific lot code (TD1) and expiration date (June 22, 2022) of the product in this complaint could not be matched to an active recall during the initial evaluation on September 23, 2021. Operating under the FDA's pet food safety regulatory framework, the agency's initial disposition was "Surveillance to Next EI," meaning the complaint will be factored into future routine inspections or investigations of the firm. No further consumer follow-up was requested at that time.