Northwest Naturals Issues Nationwide Recall of Cat Food Due to Bird Flu Contamination
Northwest Naturals, a Portland-based pet food company, has issued a voluntary nationwide recall of its 2-pound Feline Turkey Recipe raw frozen pet food after a cat in Oregon died from consuming the product, which tested positive for highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) virus, commonly known as bird flu.•
Affected Products and Distribution
The recalled product was packaged in 2-pound plastic bags with "Best if used by" dates of 05/21/26 B10 and 06/23/2026 B1. It was distributed to retailers in 12 states: Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and Washington, as well as British Columbia in Canada.
Health Risks and Symptoms
Consumption of raw or uncooked pet food contaminated with HPAI can cause illness in animals. Pet owners should be aware of symptoms such as lethargy, decreased appetite, and difficulty breathing. The Oregon Health Authority is monitoring individuals who lived with the infected cat, although no human cases have been reported.
Consumer Advisory
Consumers who have purchased the recalled items are urged to dispose of them immediately and contact the retailer for a full refund. The company is working in cooperation with the Oregon Department of Agriculture to manage the voluntary recall.
Other Recent Pet Food Recalls
This recall follows other recent pet food safety concerns:
- Carolina Prime Pet Inc. recalled 400 16-ounce bags of "Hollywood Feed Carolina Made Chicken Chips" dog treats due to potential Salmonella contamination.
- Gaines Pet Treats LLC issued a voluntary recall of 204 bags of their "Gaines Family Farmstead Chicken Chips" for similar Salmonella concerns.
These incidents highlight the importance of pet food safety and the need for consumers to stay informed about potential risks to their pets' health