The manufacturer of Darwin’s Natural Pet Products has declined to recall certain raw cat and dog foods, despite the FDA finding Salmonella and Listeria contamination.
Because Arrow Reliance Inc. has not recalled the affected pet food, the Food and Drug Administration has issued a public warning. The FDA recommends that pet owners discontinue use and dispose of affected food in secure containers. There are concerns that some pet owners may still have the food in their freezers.
Pathogens from pet food are not only dangerous to pets, but can also infect the people who handle the food. Also, surfaces and utensils used during food preparation can cross-contaminate human food.
A similar incident in October 2023 led to the FDA issuing a public warning. At the time, the Darwin manufacturer refused to recall certain pet foods found to be contaminated with Salmonella.
The current alert concerns certain lots of pet food sold in white and clear plastic 2-pound containers containing four individual units. The dog food has a blue label and the cat food has a blue and green label. The lot codes are printed on the front of the unit on the lower left side of the package. The varieties and lot codes involved are:
- Darwin’s Natural Selections Antibiotic and Grain Free Chicken Recipe for Cats; Lot number: 10832 MFG. Date: July 25, 2024
- Darwin’s Natural Selections Antibiotic and Grain Free Chicken Recipe for Cats; Lot number: 10856 MFG. Date: August 4, 2024
- Darwin’s Natural Selections Antibiotic and Grain Free Chicken Recipe for Cats; Lot number: 10890 MFG. Date: August 13, 2024
- Darwin’s Natural Selections Antibiotic and Grain Free Chicken Recipe for Dogs; Lot number: 10828 MFG. Date: July 24, 2024
- Darwin’s Natural Selections Antibiotic and Grain Free Chicken Recipe for Dogs; Lot number: 10844 MFG. Date: July 30, 2024
- Darwin’s Natural Selections Antibiotic and Grain Free Chicken Recipe for Dogs; Lot number: 10887 MFG. Date: August 12, 2024
About Salmonella infections
Food contaminated with Salmonella bacteria usually does not look, smell or taste spoiled. Anyone can become ill from a Salmonella infection. Infants, children, seniors and people with weakened immune systems are at greater risk for serious illness because their immune systems are vulnerable, according to the CDC.
Anyone who has handled any of the affected products and developed symptoms of Salmonella infection should seek medical attention. Sick people should tell their doctor about possible exposure to Salmonella bacteria, because special tests are needed to diagnose salmonellosis. Symptoms of Salmonella infection can mimic other diseases, often leading to misdiagnosis.
Symptoms of a Salmonella infection may include diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and fever within 12 to 72 hours of eating contaminated food. Otherwise, healthy adults are usually sick for four to seven days. However, in some cases, the diarrhea can be so severe that patients require hospitalization.
Older adults, children, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems, such as cancer patients, are more likely to develop serious illness and serious, sometimes life-threatening conditions.
Some people become infected without becoming ill or showing symptoms. However, they can still spread the infections to others.
About Listeria infections
Food contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes may not look or smell putrid, but it can still cause serious and sometimes life-threatening infections. Anyone who has used any of the affected products and developed symptoms of a Listeria infection should seek medical attention and tell their doctor about the possible exposure to Listeria.
Also, anyone who has eaten any of the recalled products should monitor themselves for symptoms in the coming weeks, as it can take up to 70 days after exposure to Listeria for symptoms of listeriosis to develop.
Symptoms of a Listeria infection may include vomiting, nausea, persistent fever, muscle aches, severe headaches, and neck stiffness. Specific laboratory tests are needed to diagnose Listeria infections, which can mimic other diseases.
Pregnant women, the elderly, young children and people such as cancer patients with weakened immune systems are at particular risk of serious illness, life-threatening infections, other complications and death. Although infected pregnant women may experience only mild, flu-like symptoms, their infections can lead to preterm labor, infection of the newborn, or even stillbirth.
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