A Shanghai dealer has issued an emergency recall of a batch of Optima dry dog food produced between August and September of 2008, according to an  article  by Shanghai Daily .

Some dogs eating Optima Puppy Lamb and Rice Dry Dog Food have been poisoned by aflatoxin - a naturally occurring toxic chemical that comes from a fungus found on corn and other grains. Side affects include severe liver damage.

"Three dogs have been confirmed dead, and they all ate the batch of Optima food," said the Shanghai Naughty Family Pet Company, a pet clinic on Hongqiao Road. These dogs were fussy about their food, had diarrhea and vomited, all symptoms of aflatoxin exposure, staff said.

An agent of Shanghai Yidi Pet Company, a Shanghai dealer of Optima food, admitted that a "severe quality problem" was found in the batch, and they are recalling the products.

Yidi said pet owners should return the contaminated food to be exchanged for other brands.