Darwin’s Pet Food Recall Spurs “Serious Threat” Warning from FDA

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a warning to dog owners who feed their dogs Darwin’s Natural Pet Food to dispose of certain batches of the product immediately. According to the agency’s website, three lots of dog food tested positive for salmonella.

“The FDA is issuing this alert because these three lots of Darwin’s Natural Pet Products raw dog food represent a serious threat to human and animal health,” the release says.

The products that are affected by the FDA’s alert to pet owners are:

• Darwin’s Natural Pet Products Natural Selections Chicken Recipe with Organic Vegetables for Dogs: 5309(11)181019, manufactured on October 19, 2018
• Darwin’s Natural Pet Products Natural Selections Chicken Recipe with Organic Vegetables for Dogs: 5375(11)181106, manufactured on November 11, 2018
• Darwin’s Natural Pet Products Natural Selections Turkey Recipe with Organic Vegetables for Dogs: 5339(11)181026, manufactured on October 26, 2018

Pet owners who have the above lots of Darwin’s Natural Pet Food should throw them away “in a secure container where other animals, including wildlife, cannot access it,” according to the FDA. The agency also warns consumers to clean any surfaces that the product may have touched.

“Consumers who have had this product in their homes should clean refrigerators/freezers where the product was stored and clean and disinfect all bowls, utensils, food prep surfaces, pet bedding, toys, floors, and any other surfaces that the food or pet may have had contact with. Clean up the pet’s feces in yards or parks where people or other animals may become exposed,” the release stated.

The products were manufactured by Arrow Reliance, Inc. (Arrow), a company based in Tukwila, Washington and do business under the name Darwin’s Natural Pet Products.

Arrow has taken steps to remove these products from the marketplace but has not issued a public notification, according to the FDA. The agency said it is not confident that the company’s notifications are effective and have issued the recall as a result.

Salmonella can affect both human and animal health and people with symptoms of salmonella infection should consult their health care providers. Additionally, if you think your pet might be sick after eating the contaminated food, you are urged to contact your veterinarian.