Northwest Naturals Recalls Turkey Recipe Pet Food Over Bird Flu Contamination

• Date Issued: December 26, 2024
• Announced by: Oregon Department of Agriculture (ODA)
• Company Name: Northwest Naturals
• Product Name: 2-pound Feline Turkey Recipe raw & frozen pet food
• Issue: Contamination with Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) H5N1
• Product Details: Sold nationwide and in British Columbia, Canada
• Action: Discard the product and contact the retailer for a refund

Want to learn more about this recall? Keep reading!

What happened?

On December 26, 2024, Northwest Naturals, a Portland-based pet food company, voluntarily recalled its 2-pound Feline Turkey Recipe raw and frozen pet food after samples tested positive for the H5N1 strain of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI). This followed the tragic death of a house cat in Washington County, Oregon, who contracted the virus after consuming the contaminated product. Genetic testing confirmed a match between the virus in the pet food and the cat.

The affected product details:

Brand	Product	Size	Best By Dates
Northwest Naturals	Feline Turkey Recipe Raw & Frozen	2 lbs	05/21/26 B10, 06/23/26 B1

The contaminated product was distributed across multiple states, including Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and Washington in the United States, and British Columbia in Canada.

What caused the issue?

The contamination was traced to H5N1, a highly pathogenic strain of bird flu. Avian influenza, or “bird flu,” is a viral infection primarily affecting birds but can occasionally infect other species. The H5N1 strain is particularly severe and has caused significant outbreaks in poultry worldwide.

Understanding Avian Influenza (H5N1)

• Transmission: Spreads through direct contact with infected birds, their droppings, or contaminated surfaces.
• Risks to Pets: Pets consuming contaminated products risk severe illness.
• Symptoms in Animals: Fever, lethargy, and respiratory distress.
• Human Impact: While rare, certain strains can infect humans, underscoring the need for caution.

1. What is avian influenza? Avian influenza, or “bird flu,” is a viral infection that primarily affects birds but can infect other species, including pets and humans, in rare cases.
2. What is the H5N1 strain? H5N1 is a highly pathogenic form of bird flu that spreads rapidly among birds and poses risks to other species if transmitted.
3. Can pets get bird flu? Yes, pets, especially cats, can contract bird flu if exposed to contaminated food or environments.
4. What are the symptoms of bird flu in pets? Symptoms include fever, lethargy, and respiratory issues. Consult a veterinarian if your pet shows these signs.
5. Is bird flu dangerous to humans? While rare, certain strains of bird flu can infect humans. Proper handling and cooking of animal products significantly reduce this risk.
6. How can I protect my pet from bird flu? Avoid feeding raw meat to pets and ensure their environment is free from exposure to wild birds or contaminated products.
7. What should I do if I suspect my pet has bird flu? Isolate your pet and consult a veterinarian immediately for proper diagnosis and care.
8. Is it safe to handle raw pet food? Yes, but practice proper hygiene, such as washing hands and disinfecting surfaces, to minimize risks.
9. Why was this recall issued? The recall was prompted by confirmed contamination of pet food with the H5N1 virus, linked to a cat’s death.
10. What steps should manufacturers take to prevent such issues? Manufacturers should implement rigorous quality testing and sourcing controls to ensure product safety.

Here’s what you should do

• Check the label for the product details (size, and Best By dates).
• Discard the product immediately.
• Contact Northwest Naturals for a refund at [email protected] or 866-637-1872.
• Wash your hands thoroughly after handling any raw pet food.
• Monitor pets for symptoms and consult a veterinarian if concerns arise.

Behind the brand

Northwest Naturals, renowned for its premium raw pet food, has faced previous voluntary recalls due to contamination concerns. Similar incidents involving avian influenza in pet products highlight the ongoing need for stringent quality controls. This issue isn’t isolated; in November, the USDA initiated proactive testing of bulk raw milk to detect potential bird flu contamination. This decision stemmed from the virus’s severe impact on poultry, which had affected over 100 million chickens, and because of the  H5N1  detections in dairy herds, particularly in California. Collaborating with state veterinarians, the USDA aimed to enhance biosecurity measures and reduce exposure risks for farm workers. Following these tests, three significant recalls were issued due to H5N1 detections in raw milk—two by Raw Farm Milk and one by Valley Milk Simply Bottled.

“Serious issues like product recalls can often be avoided when brands maintain strict control over their supply chains and manufacturing processes. Acting quickly and transparently when a recall is necessary not only mitigates risk but also reinforces trust with consumers. Proactive measures are essential to uphold safety and reliability in today’s competitive market.”  Eran Mizrahi, Source86’ CEO.

Ensuring safe eats

This recall underscores the importance of rigorous testing and safety measures in the pet food industry. Contaminations like these not only risk the health of pets but also impact consumer trust and the industry’s reputation. Companies must invest in robust quality assurance protocols to prevent such issues.

For pet owners and industry professionals, this is a reminder to:

• Choose pet food from trusted suppliers.
• Handle raw food with care.
• Prioritize safety through cooked or processed options.

Have questions about sourcing safe, high-quality ingredients? Contact Source86 today or explore our range of reliable, premium ingredients. Let’s work together to ensure the safety of your products and the well-being of your customers!