UPDATED: Added comments from the producer.
The US Food and Drug Administration is warning pet owners not to feed their pets certain batches of Darwin’s Natural Pet Products raw cat food after samples from those batches tested positive for Salmonella.
The FDA advised Arrow Reliance Inc. voluntarily recall these products and notify the public, but the company has not done so.
There is a risk to people when handling contaminated pet products, especially if they have not washed their hands thoroughly after contact with the products or surfaces that have been exposed to these products.
These foods have been linked to illness in three kittens in one household.
The products are manufactured by Arrow Reliance Inc., which does business as Darwin’s Natural Pet Products, and are sold directly to consumers online.
Because these products are sold and stored frozen, the FDA is concerned that people may still possess them and feed them to their pets.
Products subject to a warning:
- Darwin’s Natural Pet Products Natural Selections Antibiotic and Grain Free Chicken Recipe for Cats, Lot 9116, manufactured May 2, 2022.
- Darwin’s Natural Pet Products Natural Selections Antibiotic & Grain Free Turkey Recipe for Cats, Lot 9121, Manufactured May 4, 2022.
- The products are sold in white and clear plastic packaging with blue and green labelling. Each pack weighs two pounds and consists of four separate units. The lot codes are on the front bottom left corner of the package.
The FDA collected and analyzed unopened samples of products from these two batches after receiving a report of illness from three kittens in a single household who had consumed the food and developed diarrhea. A stool sample from one of the kittens tested positive for Salmonella. A fourth kitten did not eat the food and did not get sick.
Whole genome sequencing of the Salmonella in the two products revealed that the turkey product contained Salmonella Typhimurium, while the chicken product contained Salmonella Typhimurium and Kentucky.
Darwin’s Natural Pet Products released a memo on Aug. 4 stating that they believe the FDA’s warning is unnecessary. “We believe that the FDA’s request is totally unnecessary; there are no pet health risks to address. We also believe that the FDA’s request is based on flawed regulatory decision-making and have taken steps to clarify our position with the agency.” The full memo can be viewed here.
Consumers who have any of the above two Darwin’s Natural Pet Products Natural Selections Cat Foods should stop feeding it to their pets and dispose of it in a secure container where other animals, including wildlife, cannot access it.
Consumers who have had this product in their home should clean refrigerators/freezers where the product is stored and all bowls, utensils, food preparation surfaces, pet bedding, litter boxes, toys, floors and any other surfaces that the food or pet may come into contact with had.
Clean up the pet’s droppings in places where people or other animals may be exposed. Consumers should wash their hands thoroughly after handling pet food or cleaning up potentially contaminated items and surfaces.
About Salmonella Infections in Pets
Pets do not always show symptoms when infected with Salmonella, but signs may include vomiting, diarrhea (which can be bloody), fever, loss of appetite and/or decreased activity. If a pet has these symptoms, owners should immediately consult a veterinarian. Consumers should also be aware that infected pets can shed the bacteria in their feces without showing any signs of being sick.
Pet food contaminated with Salmonella are of particular importance to public health because they can affect both human and animal health, the FDA said. Pets can get sick from Salmonella and can also carry the bacteria and pass it on to their human companions without appearing sick. The FDA is aware of cases where humans and/or animals have become ill from exposure to Salmonella-contaminated pet food
Because animals can shed the bacteria when they have a bowel movement, it’s especially important to clean up the animal’s feces in gardens or parks where people or other animals may be exposed, in addition to cleaning items around the house.
About Salmonella infections in humans
Food from humans or animals that is contaminated with Salmonella bacteria usually does not look, smell or taste spoiled. Anyone can get sick with a Salmonella infection. Infants, children, seniors and people with weakened immune systems are at greater risk of serious illness, according to the CDC because their immune systems are vulnerable.
Anyone who has been in contact with any of the recalled products and developed symptoms of Salmonella infection should seek medical attention. Sick people should inform their doctor about possible exposure to Salmonella bacteria, as special tests are needed to diagnose salmonellosis. Symptoms of salmonella infection can mimic other illnesses, often leading to misdiagnosis.
Symptoms of Salmonella infection can 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, 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 getting sick or showing any symptoms. However, they can still spread the infections to others.
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