Bacteria Contamination Sparks Northwest Naturals Pet Food Recall

PORTLAND, OR — A possible pet food contamination has caused a recall for Northwest Naturals' 5lb frozen Chicken and Salmon petfood chubs, the Food and Drug Administration announced Friday.

Listeria monocytogenes, a pathogenic bacteria capable of making a person seriously ill, was found in a chub sample tested in Michigan by the Michigan Department of Agriculture (MDA). The test was negative for e coli and salmonella, but positive for Listeria monocytogenes.

The FDA and MDA reportedly notified the Portland-based company of the positive test Feb. 21.

Sold at specialty pet retail stores across the nation, the potentially contaminated batch was part of 94 cases distributed in California, Washington, Texas, Michigan, Georgia, and Rhode Island. Concerned pet owners can identify the product by checking for UPC code 0 87316 38440 6 and a product best buy date code of 15 082218.

Affecting both animals and their owners, Listeria monocytogenes can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramping, and fever.

The FDA confirmed no Listeria monocytogenes-related illnesses have been reported at this time, noting "The product passed lab testing on Dec. 22, 2016, and was sold over one year ago to distributors listed above, on or before Jan. 23, 2017. Reports from distributors indicate there is no product at any distributors."

Any consumers with a matching lot code can return their product to the store where they bought it for a full refund, FDA officials said.

Consumers with questions may contact Northwest Naturals at 866-637-1872, Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. PST, or go to www.nw-naturals.net.

Image via US Food and Drug Administration