FDA Announces Nationwide Recall of Popular Dog and Cat Food
If you serve your pet raw food, here's something crucial to know: The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) published a company announcement on August 28 by Northwest Naturals of Portland, OR about two lots of its pet food that are potentially contaminated with Salmonella and/or Listeria monocytogenes bacteria. Not only could eating this contaminated food make your dog or cat sick, but by handling it, humans could become sick, too.
What is being recalled?
Northwest Naturals is voluntarily recalling 53 cases (1,272 pounds) of Northwest Naturals Frozen Chicken Recipe (cat food 2-pound bag), and 19 cases (684 pounds) of Northwest Naturals Frozen Raw Diet for Dogs Chicken Recipe (6-pound bag). These products were sent to retail stores nationwide.
The FDA collected two product samples of the foods and found that Northwest Naturals Frozen Chicken Recipe tested positive for Salmonella, and the Northwest Naturals Frozen Raw Diet for Dogs Chicken Recipe tested positive for Listeria monocytogenes and Salmonella . The good news: no illnesses have been reported yet in relation to either recalled product.
Look for the following information on each product's packaging:
● Northwest Naturals Frozen Chicken Recipe (cat food and protein topper
for dogs), 2-pound bag (12 bags per case) — Lot B-5 — Best By 01/26/2028 — UPC
087316384956
● Northwest Naturals Frozen Raw Diet for Dogs Chicken Recipe, 6-pound bag(6 bags per case) — Lot B-19 — Best By 01/25/2028 — UPC 087316380392.
What to know about Salmonella and Listeria monocytogenes
Salmonella causes an illness called salmonellosis, according to the
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
. It can cause illness in both people and animals. People can become infected after contact with contaminated pet food or surfaces and then transferring the bacteria to their mouth.
People most at risk for infection and/or serious complications of salmonellosis are:
-
Kids younger than 5, and especially babies under 1
-
Adults 50 years and older who have underlying health conditions
-
Adults who are 65 and older
-
Anyone with a weakened immune system
Symptoms of salmonellosis in people include:
-
Fever
-
Watery diarrhea that might have blood or mucus
-
Stomach cramps that can be severe
-
Headache
-
Nausea
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Vomiting
-
Loss of appetite
The FDA reports that Listeria monocytogenes bacteria are found in soil, water, sewage, rotting vegetation, and animals. Contamination usually happens when food is harvested, processed, prepared, packed, transported, or stored during manufacturing or production.
Listeria monocytogenes causes an illness called listeriosis, which has two forms: a GI version and an invasive version, when bacteria spread beyond your intestines. The GI version is less serious and symptoms include fever, muscle aches, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. The more serious course of illness can cause headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, and convulsions. People most at risk for severe complications are pregant people, newborn babies, anyone over 65, and anyone with a weakened immune system.
What's the risk to pets?
In the company announcement, Northwest Naturals stated: "Pets infected with salmonella or listeria monocytogenes may be lethargic and have diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever, and vomiting. Some pets will have only decreased appetite, fever, and abdominal pain. Infected but otherwise healthy pets can be carriers and infect other animals or people."
What should you do if you bought this food?
Stop giving the food to your pet immediately.Monitor yourself and your pet, and contact your health care provider and/or your pet's veterinarian if any symptoms appear.
Be sure to sanitize any areas that the food came in contact with. You can take any unused portion of the recalled food to the retailer you bought it from and get a full refund. If you have questions, contact Northwest Naturals at 1-866-637-1872, Monday–Thursday, 8 a.m.–4 p.m. PT.
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