As of 9 August, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is aware of more than 130 pet deaths and more than 220 pet illnesses possibly linked to eating brands of pet food manufactured by the pet food manufacturer Midwestern Pet Foods that contained high levels of aflatoxin. Inspections of its four manufacturing sites revealed apparent violations of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act that were shared across the sites. The FDA found that Midwestern's food safety programme appears inadequate to significantly minimise or prevent salmonella in its pet food. These conditions likely contributed to the illness or death of hundreds of dogs. The FDA has requested a written response from the company within 15 working days stating the specific steps they have taken to correct any violations. Failure to adequately address any violations promptly may result in legal action, writes the administration on its website.