NewsMacroNorthwest Naturals Recalls Nearly 2,000 Pounds of Raw Pet Food Over Salmonella and Listeria Risk

Northwest Naturals Recalls Nearly 2,000 Pounds of Raw Pet Food Over Salmonella and Listeria Risk

Author: Fox Business Markets·

Key Takeaways

  • Northwest Naturals is recalling 1,956 pounds of raw pet food after FDA testing detected salmonella and Listeria monocytogenes contamination.
  • The 2-pound Frozen Chicken Recipe tested positive for salmonella, while the 6-pound Frozen Raw Diet for Dogs Chicken Recipe tested positive for both salmonella and Listeria monocytogenes.
  • No illnesses linked to the recalled products had been reported as of Aug. 28.
  • The recalled products were distributed to retail stores nationwide, with affected lots B-5 and B-19 carrying best-by dates in January 2028.
  • Consumers are advised to stop feeding the products and return unused portions for a full refund, and to sanitize any surfaces or utensils that contacted the food.
Northwest Naturals Recalls Nearly 2,000 Pounds of Raw Pet Food Over Salmonella and Listeria Risk

Northwest Naturals is recalling nearly 2,000 pounds of raw cat and dog food after federal testing detected salmonella and Listeria monocytogenes contamination in two chicken products distributed nationwide.

The Portland, Oregon-based company is voluntarily recalling 53 cases, or 1,272 pounds, of Northwest Naturals Frozen Chicken Recipe, and 19 cases, or 684 pounds, of Northwest Naturals Frozen Raw Diet for Dogs Chicken Recipe, according to a company announcement posted Friday by the Food and Drug Administration. The recall covers a total of 1,956 pounds of product.

The 2-pound Frozen Chicken Recipe, which is marketed as cat food and as a protein topper for dogs, tested positive for salmonella. The 6-pound Frozen Raw Diet for Dogs Chicken Recipe tested positive for both salmonella and Listeria monocytogenes, according to the announcement.

The contamination was identified after product samples were collected and tested by the FDA. No illnesses had been reported in connection with the recall as of Aug. 28, the company said.

The affected 2-pound Frozen Chicken Recipe bears lot number B-5, a best-by date of Jan. 26, 2028, and UPC 087316384956. The affected 6-pound Frozen Raw Diet for Dogs Chicken Recipe bears lot number B-19, a best-by date of Jan. 25, 2028, and UPC 087316380392. The recalled products were distributed to retail stores nationwide.

Raw pet food diets have grown in popularity in recent years, but the FDA and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have long cautioned that raw or undercooked animal-sourced foods carry an inherent risk of bacterial contamination, because freezing and refrigeration do not reliably destroy pathogens such as salmonella and listeria. Recalls of raw pet food products over bacterial contamination have occurred repeatedly across the industry, including past cases involving both salmonella and listeria.

Salmonella and Listeria monocytogenes can sicken animals that eat contaminated products and can also pose a risk to people who handle the food or come into contact with contaminated surfaces, according to the recall notice. Pets infected with either bacterium may show lethargy, diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever, vomiting, decreased appetite, and abdominal pain. Infected animals can also carry the bacteria and potentially spread them to people or other animals. Listeria monocytogenes is of particular concern for pregnant women, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems.

Consumers who purchased the affected products are advised to stop feeding them to their pets and to return any unused portion to the place of purchase for a full refund. Northwest Naturals also advised consumers handling raw pet food to wash their hands thoroughly and to clean and sanitize bowls, utensils, surfaces, and storage areas that come into contact with the products.

FOX Business reached out to Northwest Naturals for additional comment.