Thogersen Family Farm of Stanwood, WA, has voluntarily recalled raw frozen ground pet food because it has the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. The recall is the result of samples collected by the Washington State Department of Agriculture which revealed the finished products contained the bacteria.
The following varieties, packaged in two pound packs, are included in this recall:
– Coarse Ground Rabbit Frozen Raw Pet Food
– Coarse Ground Mallard Duck Frozen Raw Pet Food
– Ground Llama Frozen Raw Pet Food
– Ground Pork Frozen Raw Pet Food
Product labels on the recalled products did not contain any lot identification, batch codes, or expiration dates. Products were packaged in two-pound flattened, rectangular clear plastic packages and stored frozen. The front of the package contains one large white label with the company name, product type, and weight (see picture).
According to Thorgersen Family Farms, affected products were sold either to individual customers or two retail establishments that have been notified. Some product has not been distributed and is being held at the manufacturing location.
Listeria monocytogenes can affect animals eating the products as well as humans who have handled contaminated pet products, especially if they have not thoroughly washed their hands after having contact with the products or any surfaces exposed to these products. Although healthy individuals may suffer only short-term symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea, Listeria infection can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, the elderly, or those with compromised immune systems. Listeria infection can also cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women. Anyone experiencing these symptoms should immediately contact a health care provider.
Pets with Listeria infection may be lethargic and have diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever, and vomiting. Some pets will have only decreased appetite, fever and abdominal pain. Infected but otherwise healthy pets can be carriers and infect other animals or humans. If your pet has consumed the recalled product and has these symptoms, please contact your veterinarian.
Consumers who have purchased affected product should discontinue use and call Thorgersen Family Farms at (360) 929-9808.
See the full FDA Alert for this recall HERE.
