FDA finds Salmonella, Listeria in Darwin’s pet foods; company refuses to recall products

The producer of Darwin’s Natural Pet Products has refused to recall certain raw cat and dog foods despite the fact that the FDA has found contamination with Salmonella and Listeria.

Because Arrow Reliance Inc. has not recalled the implicated pet foods, the Food and Drug Administration has issued a public warning. The FDA is recommending that pet owners discontinue use and throw away the implicated foods in secure containers. There is concern that some pet owners may still have the foods in their freezers.

Pathogen contamination of pet food is not only dangerous to pets, but can also infect the people handling the food. Also, surfaces and utensils used during preparation of the foods can cross contaminate human foods.

A similar incident in October 2023 led to the FDA issuing a public warning. At that time, the Darwin’s producer refused to recall certain pet foods that had been found to be contaminated with Salmonella.

The current warning covers certain lots of pet foods that are sold in 2-pound white and clear plastic packages with four separate units. The dog food has blue labeling, and the cat food has blue and green labeling. The lot codes are printed on the front of the lower left unit of the package. The affected varieties and lot codes are:

• 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

About Salmonella infections

Food contaminated with Salmonella bacteria does not usually look, smell, or taste spoiled. Anyone can become sick with a Salmonella infection. Infants, children, seniors, and people with weakened immune systems are at higher risk of serious illness because their immune systems are fragile, according to the CDC.

Anyone who has handled any of the implicated products and developed symptoms of Salmonella infection should seek medical attention. Sick people should tell their doctors about the possible exposure to Salmonella bacteria because special tests are necessary to diagnose salmonellosis. Salmonella infection symptoms can mimic other illnesses, frequently leading to misdiagnosis.

Symptoms of Salmonella infection can include diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and fever within 12 to 72 hours after eating contaminated food. Otherwise, healthy adults are usually sick for four to seven days. In some cases, however, diarrhea may 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 a severe illness and serious, sometimes life-threatening conditions.

Some people get infected without getting sick or showing any symptoms. However, they may still spread the infections to others.

About Listeria infections

Food contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes may not look or smell spoiled but can still cause serious and sometimes life-threatening infections. Anyone who has handled any of the implicated products and developed symptoms of Listeria infection should seek medical treatment and tell their doctors about the possible Listeria exposure.

Also, anyone who has eaten any of the recalled products should monitor themselves for symptoms during the coming weeks because it can take up to 70 days after exposure to Listeria for symptoms of listeriosis to develop. 

Symptoms of Listeria infection can include vomiting, nausea, persistent fever, muscle aches, severe headache, and neck stiffness. Specific laboratory tests are required to diagnose Listeria infections, which can mimic other illnesses. 

Pregnant women, the elderly, young children, and people such as cancer patients who have weakened immune systems are particularly at risk of serious illnesses, life-threatening infections, other complications and death. Although infected pregnant women may experience only mild, flu-like symptoms, their infections can lead to premature delivery, infection of the newborn, or even stillbirth.

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Source: https://www.foodsafetynews.com/2024/09/fda-finds-salmonella-listeria-in-darwins-pet-foods-company-refuses-to-recall-products/