Urgent Pet Food Alert: Darwin's Raw Products Recalled Over Salmonella and Listeria Danger

A critical health alert has been issued for pet owners across the nation. Darwin’s Natural Pet Products has initiated a voluntary recall of specific lots of its raw dog and cat food due to potential contamination with harmful bacteria, namely Salmonella and Listeria monocytogenes. This recall underscores the serious health risks associated with raw pet food, not just for our beloved animal companions but for human handlers as well.

The U.S.

Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has highlighted that exposure to these bacteria can lead to severe illness. For pets, symptoms of Salmonella infection can include lethargy, diarrhea (which may be bloody), fever, vomiting, and decreased appetite. While some pets may only experience mild symptoms, others can become seriously ill.

Alarmingly, even pets that appear healthy can carry and shed Salmonella, potentially spreading the bacteria to other animals and humans.

Listeria monocytogenes poses a similar threat. In animals, symptoms can range from fever, muscle pain, nausea, diarrhea, and other gastrointestinal issues to more severe conditions like abortions in pregnant animals, paralysis, or even death.

Pets can carry Listeria without showing symptoms, becoming a silent carrier of the bacteria.

The danger extends directly to humans. Individuals who handle contaminated pet food, even indirectly through contact with pet surfaces or utensils, are at risk. Symptoms of Salmonella in humans include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea (which may be bloody), abdominal cramping, and fever.

Listeria infection can cause fever, muscle aches, headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, and convulsions. Pregnant women, young children, the elderly, and individuals with weakened immune systems are particularly vulnerable to severe and potentially fatal infections from Listeria.

The specific recalled products are Darwin’s Natural Raw Dog Food and Darwin’s Natural Raw Cat Food.

Consumers should carefully check their pet food supply for the following affected lot numbers:

• Darwin’s Natural Raw Dog Food (Adult Canine Lamb Recipe with Organic Vegetables): Lot 5306, Manufactured on 12/13/2023
• Darwin’s Natural Raw Dog Food (Adult Canine Turkey Recipe with Organic Vegetables): Lot 5327, Manufactured on 12/28/2023
• Darwin’s Natural Raw Cat Food (Adult Feline Turkey Recipe): Lot 5330, Manufactured on 12/31/2023

If you have purchased any of these recalled products, it is crucial not to feed them to your pets.

The FDA advises consumers to immediately dispose of the food in a secure container in a way that prevents consumption by other animals. Furthermore, thorough cleaning and sanitization of all surfaces, bowls, utensils, and storage areas that may have come into contact with the raw food is essential to prevent cross-contamination.

Pet owners are urged to monitor their pets for any signs of illness after potential exposure.

If your pet exhibits any symptoms consistent with Salmonella or Listeria infection, contact your veterinarian immediately. Similarly, if you or any family member experiences symptoms after handling the recalled food, seek medical attention. Darwin’s Natural Pet Products encourages affected customers to contact them directly for further information or to arrange for a refund or replacement.

This recall serves as a vital reminder for all pet owners to practice stringent hygiene when handling raw pet food and to stay informed about potential product recalls that can impact the health and safety of their entire household.