3 lots of Darwin’s Natural Pet Products raw CAT and DOG food tested positive for salmonella - do NOT feed to your pets
Packaging photo from FDA website.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is cautioning pet owners to NOT feed their pets certain lots of Darwin’s Natural Pet Products raw cat and dog food, made by Arrow Reliance, Inc., after FDA samples from three lots (listed below in red) tested positive for Salmonella.
The FDA recommended that Arrow Reliance Inc. voluntarily recall these products and notify the public, but the company had NOT done this as of August 16, 2023.
DARWIN COMPANY STATEMENT
Darwin issued a statement regarding the "recent incident regarding the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)...finding traces of salmonella during routine testing." It stated that, "the food samples were flagged under the FDA’s zero-tolerance policy," that they had "not received any complaints from customers," and they "believe the FDA’s action is wholly unnecessary, and ultimately, based on flawed regulatory decision-making." Read the full statement here: www.darwinspet.com/memo081623.html.
The copany also stated, "If you have any questions or concerns please don’t hesitate to send us an email to safety@darwinspet.com."
WHY THE FDA ISSUED AN ADVISORY
The FDA is issuing this advisory because these lots of Darwin’s Natural Pet Products cat and dog food pose a significant risk to human and animal health. Because these products are sold and stored frozen, the FDA is concerned that people may still have them in their possession and feed them to their pets.
Salmonella can affect both human and animal health. People with symptoms of Salmonella infection should consult their health care providers. Consult a veterinarian if your pet has symptoms of Salmonella infection.
AFFECTED PRODUCTS
Darwin’s Natural Pet Products
Natural Selections Chicken Recipe with Organic Vegetables for Dogs
Lot 9774, manufactured on Jun 13, 2023.
Darwin’s Natural Pet Products
Natural Selections Chicken Recipe for Cats
Lot 9795, manufactured on Jun 28, 2023.
Darwin’s Natural Pet Products
Natural Selections Chicken Recipe for Cats
Lot 9830, manufactured on Jul 19, 2023
PRODUCT DESCRIPTION
The products are in white and clear plastic packages.
The dog food has blue labeling, and the cat food has blue and green labeling.
Each package weighs two pounds and consists of four separate units.
The lot codes are printed on the front of the lower left unit of the package.
WHAT TO DO
Do NOT feed the affected products to your pets.
If you have these lots of pet food from Darwin’s Natural Pet Products, or you can’t be sure of the lot code of the products you have, throw them awayin a secure container where other animals, including wildlife, cannot access it
If you have had this product in your home, clean refrigerators/freezers where the product was stored, and clean and disinfect all bowls, utensils, food prep surfaces, pet bedding, litter boxes, toys, floors, and any other surfaces that the food or pet may have had contact with.
Clean up the pet’s feces in places where people or other animals may become exposed.
You should thoroughly wash your hands after handling the product or cleaning up potentially contaminated items and surfaces.
SYMPTOMS OF SALMONELLA INFECTION
Salmonella is a bacterium that can cause illness and death in humans and animals, especially those who are very young, very old, or have weak immune systems.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), people infected with Salmonella can develop diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps. Most people recover without treatment, but in some people, the diarrhea may be so severe that they need to be hospitalized. In these patients, the Salmonella infection may spread from the intestines to the blood stream and then to other body sites unless the person is treated promptly with antibiotics. Consult your health care provider if you have symptoms of Salmonella infection.
Pets do not always display symptoms when infected with Salmonella, but signs can include vomiting, diarrhea (which may be bloody), fever, loss of appetite and/or decreased activity level. If your pet has these symptoms, consult a veterinarian promptly. You should also be aware that infected pets can shed the bacteria in their feces without showing signs of being sick.
HOW TO REPORT A PROBLEM
People who think their pets have become ill after consuming contaminated pet food should first contact their veterinarians. Veterinarians who wish to have pets tested for Salmonella may do so through the Veterinary Laboratory Investigation and Response Network (Vet-LIRN Network) if the pet is from a household with a person infected with Salmonella here: www.fda.gov/animal-veterinary/science-research/veterinary-laboratory-investigation-and-response-network.
The FDA encourages consumers to report complaints about pet food products electronically through the Safety Reporting Portal or by calling their state’s FDA Consumer Complaint Coordinators here: www.fda.gov/safety/report-problem-fda/consumer-complaint-coordinators.
Canadians can report any health or safety incidents related to the use of this product by filling out the Consumer Product Incident Report Form here: www.canada.ca/en/services/health/report-health-safety-concern.html.