The FDA is alerting pet owners to a history of 4 recalls of and multiple complaints associated with Darwin’s Natural Pet Products and ZooLogics pet foods, manufactured by Arrow Reliance Inc., dba Darwin’s Natural Pet Products, over the period from October 17, 2016 to February 10, 2018. In each instance, the company recalled these products after being alerted to positive findings of Salmonella and/or Listeria monocytogenes in samples of their raw pet food products.
In its most recent recall, on February 10, 2018, Arrow Reliance/Darwin’s Natural recalled the following products because of possible contamination with Salmonella, as they have the potential to cause salmonellosis in humans and animals.
- ZooLogics Duck with Vegetable Meals for Dogs (Lot #41957)
- ZooLogics Chicken with Vegetable Meals for Dogs (Lot #41567)
In total, the FDA has investigated six complaints of illness and death in animals that have eaten the recalled products. The company states that it only sells its products online through direct-to-consumer sales. Arrow Reliance/Darwin’s Natural has notified its customers directly of the recalls, but has so far not issued any public notification announcing this or any of the previous recalls.
This issue is of particular public health importance because Salmonella can make both people and animals sick. Pets can get sick from Salmonella, but may also be carriers of the bacteria and can infect humans. Pets do not have to be apparently ill to be able to pass Salmonella onto their human companions. Raw pet food is more likely than other types of pet food to contain Salmonella and Listeria monocytogenes. Pet owners who choose to feed raw pet food should be aware of the risks associated with these products. In addition to reports of illnesses associated with Salmonella contamination in the products, the FDA is aware of complaints of at least three animals who were reportedly injured by bone shards in the Darwin’s Natural raw pet food products.
The FDA has a zero-tolerance policy for Salmonella or other pathogenic bacteria in all pet food, meaning the agency will take action, as appropriate, against any pet food found to be contaminated with the harmful bacteria. The FDA encourages consumers to report complaints about this and other pet food products electronically through the Safety Reporting Portal or by calling their state’s FDA Consumer Complaint Coordinators. Pet owners who opt to feed their pets a raw diet should consult FDA’s Tips to Prevent Foodborne Illness from Raw Pet Food.
Consumers should not feed their pets recalled lots of raw pet food manufactured by Arrow Reliance Inc. Consumers who purchased this raw pet food should throw it away. People who think they might have become ill or their pets may be ill from exposure to contaminated raw pet food should talk to their health care providers or veterinarians. Consumers who had these products in their homes should clean their refrigerator 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. Because animals can shed the bacteria when they have bowel movements, it’s particularly important to clean up the animal’s feces in yards or parks where people or other animals may become exposed.
Since 2016, Arrow Reliance/Darwin’s Natural has recalled the following raw pet food products:
| December 4, 2017 Recall
Darwin’s Natural Selections Duck with Organic Vegetables Meals for dogs, due to Salmonella |
| December 4, 2017 Recall
Darwin’s Natural Selections Chicken with Organic Vegetables Meals for Dogs, due to Salmonella and Listeria Monocytogenes |
| December 4, 2017 Recall
Darwin’s Natural Selections Turkey with Organic Vegetables Meals for Dogs, due to Salmonella |
| September 8, 2017 Recall
Darwin’s Natural Selections Frozen Duck Meals for Cats, due to potential contamination with Salmonella |
| October 17, 2016 Recall
Darwin’s Natural Selections Frozen Raw Beef with Organic Vegetables Meals for Dogs, due Listeria Monocytogenes |
| October 17, 2016 Recall
Darwin’s Natural Selections Frozen Raw Turkey with Organic Vegetables Meals for Dogs, due to Listeria Monocytogenes |
| October 17, 2016 Recall
ZooLogics Frozen Raw Turkey with Vegetable Meals for Dogs, due to Listeria Monocytogenes |
