Home / Health / Raw Cat Food Linked to Pet Illnesses
Raw Cat Food Linked to Pet Illnesses
6 Nov
Summary
- Two cats fell ill, one hospitalized, after eating contaminated raw cat food.
- FDA issued a warning but the manufacturer refused to recall affected product lots.
- Salmonella was detected in the cat food production facility and products.
- A DOJ complaint alleges violations of food safety laws by the manufacturer.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a public warning concerning Darwin's Natural Selections chicken recipe for cats due to potential salmonella contamination. Two cats fell ill after consuming the food, with one needing extensive veterinary care. Both recovered after the food was discontinued. The affected product lots, identified by numbers 12731 and 12493, were manufactured on July 8, 2026, and April 2, 2026, respectively.
Darwin's Natural Pet Products, the seller, has refused to recall these specific lots. This situation follows a history of contamination findings at the manufacturer's Tukwila, Washington facility. Investigations have revealed salmonella and E. coli in their products, with a separate complaint alleging that a child developed kidney failure after exposure to contaminated pet food. The Justice Department is pursuing a permanent injunction against Arrow Reliance and its operator, Gary T. Tashjian, citing alleged violations of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act.
The FDA advises consumers to clean surfaces exposed to the food and dispose of it safely. Records indicate numerous consumer complaints between 2016 and January 2026, detailing sickness and deaths in both dogs and cats fed Darwin's raw food. The agency is seeking compliance with preventive-control requirements to ensure pet food safety.
