Northwest Naturals has voluntarily recalled two frozen raw pet food products after the FDA detected dangerous bacterial contamination that poses risks not just to pets, but to the humans handling the food. The Portland, Oregon company recalled 53 cases (1,272 pounds) of Northwest Naturals Frozen Chicken Recipe cat food and 19 cases (684 pounds) of Northwest Naturals Frozen Raw Diet for Dogs Chicken Recipe due to potential Salmonella and Listeria monocytogenes contamination. While no illnesses have been reported to date, the recall highlights an often-overlooked food safety concern: the cross-contamination risk that raw pet food poses to household members.

Why Should Pet Owners Worry About Raw Pet Food Safety?

Raw pet food has grown in popularity among pet owners seeking what they believe are more natural, nutrient-dense diets for their animals. However, raw products carry inherent food safety challenges that differ from conventional pet foods. The contamination in the Northwest Naturals products was identified after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) collected and tested product samples. The Frozen Chicken Recipe tested positive for Salmonella, while the Frozen Raw Diet for Dogs tested positive for both Listeria monocytogenes and Salmonella.

The concern extends beyond pets. Listeria monocytogenes and Salmonella can spread to people who handle contaminated pet products without proper hygiene. Pregnant women, newborns, adults over 65, and people with weakened immune systems face the highest risk of serious complications from Listeria infection, including miscarriage, stillbirth, or life-threatening newborn infection. For Salmonella, severe infections can spread from the intestines to the bloodstream, potentially causing arterial infections, endocarditis, arthritis, and urinary tract infections.

How to Safely Handle Raw Pet Food and Reduce Contamination Risk

• Hand Hygiene: Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water immediately after handling raw pet food, feeding your pet, or touching any surfaces that may have come into contact with the product.
• Surface Sanitation: Clean and sanitize all bowls, utensils, storage areas, and countertops that have touched raw pet food before using them for human food preparation.
• Separate Storage: Keep raw pet food completely separate from human food in your freezer or refrigerator to prevent cross-contamination.
• Temperature Control: Store raw pet food frozen or refrigerated until use, and never leave it at room temperature for extended periods.

The FDA emphasizes that safe handling practices are essential for protecting both pets and household members. Anyone handling raw pet food should follow these precautions consistently, as bacterial contamination may not be visible to the naked eye.

What Are the Symptoms of Salmonella and Listeria Infection?

Pet owners and household members should monitor themselves for warning signs after handling raw pet food. Salmonella infection typically causes nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramping, and fever. Most people recover without treatment, but severe cases may require hospitalization. Listeria monocytogenes symptoms include confusion, loss of balance, convulsions, headache, fever, muscle aches, lethargy, nausea, and diarrhea.

Pets infected with either pathogen may show lethargy, diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever, vomiting, decreased appetite, and abdominal pain. Importantly, infected but otherwise healthy pets can become carriers and transmit the bacteria to other animals or people in the household. If your pet has consumed the recalled product and develops these symptoms, contact your veterinarian immediately.

The affected products were distributed to retail stores nationwide. Consumers who purchased Northwest Naturals Frozen Chicken Recipe (2-pound bag, Lot B-5, Best By 01/26/2028, UPC 087316384956) or Northwest Naturals Frozen Raw Diet for Dogs Chicken Recipe (6-pound bag, Lot B-19, Best By 01/25/2028, UPC 087316380392) should stop feeding them to their pets and return the unused portion to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions can contact Northwest Naturals at 1-866-637-1872, Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Pacific Time.

This recall is part of a broader pattern of food safety concerns affecting both human and pet food supplies. Recent recalls have also involved Salmonella in eggs, jalapeño peppers, and alfalfa sprouts, as well as E. coli contamination in blueberries and mixed berries. The FDA continues to monitor and investigate these outbreaks to protect public health.