Some of Darwin’s raw pet food lots test positive for salmonella

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has recommended that the company initiate a recall​​ of the affected products. 

However, in a notification​​ on its website, Darwin’s said it believed the FDA’s action was “wholly unnecessary, and ultimately, based on flawed regulatory decision-making. To prevent a recurrence of this situation, we have taken steps to make this position clear to the agency.”

The Tukwila, Washington headquartered company added that the FDA has received no consumer complaints regarding these lots. 

Darwin's said it was confident its meals were safe: "We use only high-quality ingredients, sourcing all of our proteins from facilities that meet or exceed USDA standards. In addition to a rigid vendor approval program, all of our products are treated in advance of production with an antimicrobial solution to reduce pathogens. Our rigorous sourcing and manufacturing protocols help ensure the safety of our products while maintaining the good bacteria that are crucial to our pets’ gut health and immune systems."

Health concerns​

The FDA said such pet food contamination raises significant health concerns for both pets and humans, as Salmonella and L. mono can be transmitted between animals and their owners. Salmonella infections can lead to severe gastrointestinal symptoms in pets and humans alike, with vulnerable populations such as young children, the elderly, and immunocompromised individuals at heightened risk. In pets, signs include vomiting, diarrhea, and fever, while infected humans may experience fever, cramps, and diarrhea, reported the agency.

Although rare in pets, the FDA noted that L. mono infections can be serious and may result in pregnancy complications, respiratory issues, or death. Both bacteria can spread through contact with infected animals or contaminated environments, as pets may shed these pathogens even when asymptomatic.

The US Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA) requires that all animal foods, like human foods, be safe to eat, produced under sanitary conditions, contain no harmful substances, and be truthfully labeled, added the US food and feed safety officials.