Thousands of Pounds of Pet Food Recalled Over Contamination

Northwest Naturals has issued a voluntary recall for approximately 1,956 pounds of its frozen raw pet food. This action was taken after the Food and Drug Administration detected salmonella and listeria in the products. The contamination poses a risk of serious illness to dogs, cats, and humans who come into contact with the food.

The affected dog and cat food was sold at retailers and directly to consumers across the United States. Pet owners are strongly advised to cease using the recalled products immediately. They can return the food to the place of purchase for a refund or dispose of it securely to prevent access by pets, children, or wildlife.

Salmonella and listeria can cause severe illness in both pets and people. Symptoms in humans include diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps. In pets, symptoms can range from lethargy and diarrhea to more severe conditions. The FDA recommends contacting a veterinarian if a pet may have consumed the contaminated food, even if no symptoms are present.

Commercial raw pet food, while popular for its perceived nutritional benefits, carries an inherent risk due to the lack of heat treatment. This makes such products more susceptible to bacterial contamination like salmonella and listeria, which are commonly cited reasons for recalls in this category. Other pathogens, such as bird flu, have also been linked to raw pet food in recent years.