The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a cautionary alert for pet owners regarding certain lots of Darwin Pet Food. FDA testing of Darwin’s Natural Pet Products, manufactured by Arrow Reliance, Inc., revealed the presence of harmful bacteria in several samples. Specifically, five samples of raw cat and dog food tested positive for Salmonella, and an additional sample was found to contain both Salmonella and Listeria monocytogenes (L. mono). This discovery raises significant concerns about the safety of darwin pet food products and the potential health risks to both pets and humans.
The affected darwin pet food products are from the Darwin’s Natural Selections line, specifically the Antibiotic & Grain-Free Chicken Recipe for Cats and the Antibiotic & Grain-Free Chicken Recipe for Dogs. These products are sold frozen in 2-pound packages and are typically purchased online through a subscription service. The FDA is urging consumers to check their freezers immediately for the following specific lot numbers and to avoid feeding these potentially contaminated products to their pets.
Arrow Reliance, Inc., the manufacturer of darwin pet food, has been recommended by the FDA to recall all six affected lots. However, to date, the company has not initiated a recall, and these products may still be in distribution. This lack of action from the manufacturer emphasizes the importance of pet owners taking proactive steps to ensure the safety of their animals. The FDA strongly advises consumers to diligently check any Darwin’s Natural Selection Antibiotic & Grain-Free products they may have against the list of affected lot numbers before feeding it to their pets.
If you find that you possess any of the darwin pet food products listed below, it is crucial to dispose of them properly. The FDA recommends discarding the food in a secure container, ensuring that pets and wildlife cannot access it. It is also important not to donate the contaminated food. Furthermore, thorough cleaning and disinfection of all pet supplies and surfaces that may have come into contact with the food or your pet is essential to prevent the spread of bacteria.
Affected Darwin Pet Food Products
The recalled darwin pet food lots are packaged in 2-pound white and clear plastic containers, divided into four units. The dog food packaging features blue labeling, while the cat food uses blue and green labeling. The crucial lot codes are printed on the front of the lower left unit of each package. Here is a detailed list of the specific darwin pet food varieties and lot codes to check:
- Darwin’s Natural Selections Antibiotic & Grain-Free Chicken Recipe for Cats
- Lot No: 10832 MFG. Date: Jul 25, 2024
- Darwin’s Natural Selections Antibiotic & Grain-Free Chicken Recipe for Cats
- Lot No: 10856 MFG. Date: Aug 04, 2024
- Darwin’s Natural Selections Antibiotic & Grain-Free Chicken Recipe for Cats
- Lot No: 10890 MFG. Date: Aug 13, 2024
- Darwin’s Natural Selections Antibiotic & Grain-Free Chicken Recipe for Dogs
- Lot No: 10828 MFG. Date: Jul 24, 2024
- Darwin’s Natural Selections Antibiotic & Grain-Free Chicken Recipe for Dogs
- Lot No: 10844 MFG. Date: Jul 30, 2024
- Darwin’s Natural Selections Antibiotic & Grain-Free Chicken Recipe for Dogs
- Lot No: 10887 MFG. Date: Aug 12, 2024
Immediate Actions for Pet Owners
If you possess any of the listed darwin pet food products, the most important step is to immediately stop feeding it to your pets. Dispose of the food in a securely sealed container and place it in the trash, ensuring no animals can access it. Remember, donating the food is not advisable due to the contamination risk.
Even if you are unsure about the lot code, or if the packaging is no longer available, it is best to err on the side of caution and discard the darwin pet food if it matches the product descriptions.
After handling the potentially contaminated darwin pet food, thorough cleaning and disinfection are crucial. This includes all pet supplies, such as storage containers, food bowls, utensils, food preparation surfaces, pet bedding, litter boxes, and toys. Don’t forget to clean floors and any other surfaces that may have come into contact with the food or your pet. Special attention should be paid to cleaning refrigerators or freezers where the darwin pet food was stored. Clean up any pet feces in areas where people or other animals might be exposed. Finally, and importantly, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water after handling the product or cleaning potentially contaminated items and surfaces.
Understanding Salmonella and its Risks
Salmonella is a bacterium known to cause illness, and in severe cases, death, in both humans and animals. Young, elderly, and immunocompromised individuals are particularly vulnerable. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Salmonella infection in humans typically manifests as diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps. While most individuals recover without specific treatment, severe cases may require hospitalization due to dehydration. If left untreated, Salmonella can spread from the intestines to the bloodstream and other parts of the body, becoming life-threatening. If you experience symptoms of Salmonella infection, seek medical attention promptly.
Pets infected with Salmonella may not always show obvious symptoms. However, signs of infection can include vomiting, diarrhea (possibly bloody), fever, loss of appetite, and decreased energy levels. If your pet exhibits these symptoms, it is essential to consult a veterinarian immediately. Even pets that appear healthy can still shed Salmonella bacteria in their feces, posing a risk to other animals and humans in the household.
Understanding Listeria monocytogenes (L. mono) and its Risks
Listeria monocytogenes (L. mono) is another dangerous bacterium that can cause severe illness and death, especially in vulnerable populations like pregnant women, newborns, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems. The CDC explains that listeriosis symptoms in humans can vary widely depending on the individual and the affected body part. Symptoms may include headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, and convulsions, alongside common symptoms like fever and muscle aches.
Pregnant women often experience milder symptoms, such as fever and flu-like symptoms. However, L. mono infection during pregnancy carries significant risks, including miscarriage, stillbirth, premature birth, or life-threatening infections in newborns. Individuals in the high-risk groups mentioned above are significantly more susceptible to severe listeriosis. If you experience any symptoms of listeriosis, it is crucial to contact a healthcare provider immediately.
While L. mono infections are less common in pets, they are still possible. Symptoms in pets can range from mild diarrhea to severe conditions including anorexia, fever, neurological signs, muscle weakness, respiratory issues, pregnancy loss, depression, shock, and even death. Similar to Salmonella, pets can carry and shed L. mono in their feces and saliva without showing any signs of illness, further contributing to environmental contamination.
Why is the FDA Concerned about Salmonella and L. mono in Pet Food?
The presence of Salmonella and L. mono in darwin pet food is a serious public health concern because these bacteria can harm both animal and human health. Pets can become ill from contaminated food and, importantly, can also act as carriers, spreading these bacteria to humans without appearing sick themselves. The FDA has documented cases of both humans and animals becoming ill due to Salmonella-contaminated pet foods. Although there are no documented cases of human L. mono infection from pet food, the risk of transmission remains once these bacteria establish themselves in a pet’s digestive system. Contamination can spread through fecal shedding, emphasizing the need for careful hygiene and sanitation.
The Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act mandates that pet food, like human food, must be safe, produced hygienically, free from harmful substances, and accurately labeled. It’s important to note that freezing or refrigeration does not eliminate Salmonella or L. mono, highlighting the persistent risk associated with contaminated darwin pet food.
Reporting Pet Illnesses Related to Darwin Pet Food
If you believe your pet has become sick after consuming contaminated darwin pet food, the first step is to contact your veterinarian. Veterinarians can utilize the Veterinary Laboratory Investigation and Response Network (Vet-LIRN Network) to test pets for Salmonella and L. mono, especially if there are human cases in the same household.
Consumers are also encouraged to report any complaints about darwin pet food products directly to the FDA through their Safety Reporting Portal. For electronic assistance with submitting a report, consumers can visit the SmartHub – Safety Intake Portal – Report a Product Problem.
By staying informed and taking proactive measures, pet owners can protect their beloved animals and families from the risks associated with contaminated darwin pet food.
