- Recall Date: March 1, 2025
- Announced by: FDA on March 1, 2025
- Company: Wild Coast LLC dba Wild Coast Raw
- Product: Frozen Boneless Free Range Chicken Formula raw pet food for cats
- Issue: Potential contamination with Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) H5N1 (bird flu)
- Product Details: 16oz and 24oz frozen containers with lot numbers #22660, #22653, #22641, #22639, #22672, and #22664
- Action Required: Securely discard the product and contact your place of purchase for a full refund
Want to learn more about this recall? Keep reading!
What happened?
Wild Coast LLC dba Wild Coast Raw has issued a voluntary recall for its Frozen Boneless Free Range Chicken Formula raw pet food for cats after the Oregon Department of Agriculture detected the Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) H5N1 virus in the product. The recall was announced on March 1, 2025, in coordination with the FDA.
Product details:
Brand | Product | Size | UPC | Best By Date | Lot Numbers | Issue |
Wild Coast Raw | Boneless Free Range Chicken Formula | 16oz & 24oz | Not Provided | 12/25 | #22660, #22653, #22641, #22639, #22672, #22664 | Possible H5N1 Contamination |
The affected pet food was distributed to retailers in Washington State and Oregon and sold in white plastic containers with green labels. The recalled batches include lot numbers #22660, #22653, #22641, #22639, #22672, and #22664 with a Best By date of 12/25. The recall has been expanded to include any raw material from the same production dates.
What caused the issue?
Oregon Department of Agriculture and the Washington State Department of Agriculture confirmed the presence of the H5N1 virus (bird flu) through testing conducted. The virus can spread to animals through contaminated food and may cause serious health risks to pets and humans.
Understanding HPAI H5N1
HPAI (Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza) H5N1 is a particularly dangerous strain of bird flu that spreads easily among birds and has the potential to infect mammals, including pets and humans. The virus has been responsible for outbreaks in poultry farms and wild bird populations worldwide.
Who is at risk?
- Pets: Cats and dogs that consume contaminated food are at high risk of infection.
- Humans: While rare, humans can contract H5N1 through direct contact with infected animals or contaminated surfaces.
- Farm Animals & Wildlife: Birds and mammals that scavenge or consume raw meat from infected sources are susceptible.
Common symptoms:
- In Pets: Fever, lethargy, low appetite, eye inflammation, nasal discharge, breathing difficulties, tremors, seizures, and blindness.
- In Humans: Eye redness, respiratory issues, fever, muscle aches, nausea, and vomiting.
If your pet or anyone in your household experiences these symptoms after handling the product, contact a veterinarian or healthcare provider immediately.
10 common questions you might have
- Is my pet at risk if they ate the recalled food?
- Yes, watch for symptoms and contact a vet if any signs of illness appear.
- Can humans get bird flu from handling pet food?
- While rare, transmission is possible. Wash hands and sanitize surfaces after handling raw pet food.
- What should I do with the recalled product?
- Securely discard it in a sealed container to prevent wildlife or stray animals from consuming it.
- Will I get a refund for the recalled food?
- Yes, contact your place of purchase for a full refund.
- How was the contamination discovered?
- Testing by the Oregon and Washington State Departments of Agriculture confirmed H5N1 in the product.
- Can cooking the raw food eliminate the virus?
- Cooking may reduce the risk, but it is not recommended to feed the recalled product to pets in any form.
- Is Wild Coast Raw taking steps to prevent future contamination?
- The company is working with state agriculture departments to address the issue and improve safety measures.
- How can I protect my pet from future recalls?
- Stay informed on pet food recalls and choose brands with strong safety protocols.
- Has this happened with Wild Coast Raw before?
- This is their first bird flu-related recall, but raw pet food recalls have occurred in the past.
- Where can I get updates on future recalls?
- Check the FDA website and subscribe to recall alerts from your pet food retailer.
Here’s what you should do
- Do NOT feed the recalled product to pets or other animals.
- Check the label for lot numbers and expiration dates.
- Securely discard the product to prevent wildlife or stray animals from consuming it.
- Sanitize hands, surfaces, and utensils that have come in contact with the product.
- Contact Wild Coast Raw at [email protected] or (360) 591-3543 for a refund.
Behind the brand
Wild Coast Raw is a Washington-based company specializing in raw pet food products. While this is their first bird flu-related recall, H5N1 contamination has been an ongoing concern in the pet food industry. Similar recalls occurred the last couple of months: Last December, Northwest Naturals 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).
Ensuring pet food safety is crucial, and manufacturers must take extensive measures to prevent contamination.
“Recalls like this could often be prevented if brands exercised stricter oversight of their supply chains and manufacturing processes. When a recall is necessary, swift and transparent action not only reduces risks but also helps maintain consumer trust. In today’s competitive pet food market, proactive safety measures are essential to ensuring reliability and protecting both pets and their owners.” Eran Mizrahi, Source86’ CEO.
Ensuring safe eats
The pet food industry must prioritize stringent safety protocols to prevent future contamination risks. Companies should:
- Implement regular pathogen testing for raw materials.
- Establish enhanced quality control measures to detect issues early.
- Provide clear labeling and rapid recall procedures for affected products.
Want to stay updated on food safety news? If you have inquiries about sourcing safe, top-quality ingredients, reach out to Source86 today or browse our selection of trusted, high-quality ingredients. Let’s collaborate to guarantee the safety of your products and the health of your customers!
