By admin Pet food manufactured by a West Coast company could sicken people as well as animals, federal officials say.
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The pet food company recently recalled frozen food for dogs and cats due to bacterial contamination, according to an announcement shared by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
The recalled products were distributed to retail stores nationwide, including those in California.
Here’s what pet owners should know:
Which dog and cat food was recalled? Why?
On Aug. 28, pet food company Northwest Naturals in Portland, Oregon, issued a voluntary recall for 53 cases of cat food and 19 cases of dog food.
Northwest Naturals recalled the products after discovering “salmonella or listeria monocytogenes contamination,” which can cause foodborne infections.
Animals can be affected by eating contaminated pet products.
People who handle contaminated pet products can also face health risks, especially if “they have not thoroughly washed their hands after having contact with contaminated pet products or any surfaces exposed to contaminated pet products and infected animals,” the FDA said.
Northwest Naturals recalled a frozen cat food that doubles as a protein topper for dogs, as well as frozen raw dog food.
Here’s which products have been recalled:
- Northwest Naturals Frozen Chicken Recipe: 2-pound bags “best by” Jan. 26, 2028
- Northwest Naturals Frozen Raw Diet for Dogs Chicken Recipe: 6-pound bags “best by” Jan. 25, 2028
No illnesses have been reported so far in connection to the contaminated pet food, according to the recall notice.
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What are symptoms of salmonella infection in pets?
According to PetMD and the FDA, symptoms of salmonella or listeria infection in pets include:
- Lethargy
- Diarrhea or bloody diarrhea
- Fever
- Vomiting
- Decreased appetite
- Abdominal pain
If your pet is showing symptoms after eating the recalled pet food, contact your veterinarian.
“Infected but otherwise healthy pets can be carriers and infect other animals or people,” the FDA said.
“People infected with salmonella should monitor themselves for … nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramping and fever,” the FDA said. “Most people recover without treatment, but in some people, diarrhea may be so severe that they need to be hospitalized.”
What should I do if I bought recalled pet food?
If you bought the recalled products, stop feeding them to your pets it and “return the unused portion to the place of purchase for a full refund,” the recall notice said.
For more information, call Northwest Naturals at 866-637-1872 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday.
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