In cooperation with the Oregon Department of Agriculture, Northwest Naturals, based in Portland, Oregon, has issued a voluntary recall of one batch of its Northwest Naturals brand 2 pound Feline Turkey Recipe raw frozen pet food due to highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) contamination. HPAI, also known as bird flu, is highly contagious and an often deadly disease that affects birds, animals, and sometimes humans.
Background
The recall notice said that the specific batch tested positive for HPAI.
Distribution
The affected product was distributed to Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and Washington states along with the Canadian province of British Columbia.
Product Details
- Brand – Northwest Naturals
- Product – Turkey Recipe
- Size – 2 lbs
- Packaging – Plastic bags
- Best by Dates – May 21, 2026 B10 and June 23, 2026 B1
Consumer Action
As with all food recalls, consumers are strongly advised to discontinue use of the affected product with their pet even if it looks or smells safe to eat.
Anyone in possession of the recalled products is requested to not sell, serve, or distribute them.
Consumers are advised by the company to dispose of the affected product and contact the location of purchase for a refund.
Consumers with additional questions or concerns can contact the company by phone at 866-637-1872 from 7 am to 3:30 pm PST, Monday through Friday, or by email at [email protected].
Health Risks
There has been one reported death of a house cat in connection with consumption of the contaminated pet food. No cases of HPAI in humans have yet been linked to this incident and the Oregon Department of Agriculture says that the risk of transmission in humans is low.
Officials emphasize thorough cooking of all meat products and consumption of only pasteurized dairy items. The guidelines specifically advise maintaining distance from ill or deceased animals and implementing proper hand washing protocols after handling raw animal products or coming into contact with sick or dead animals.
In Oregon, residents should contact the Oregon Department of Agriculture at 503-986-4711 to report any sick or dead birds. Additionally, pet owners are instructed to keep their animals and poultry separated from wild waterfowl.
Raw meat can harbor various pathogens including Salmonella, Listeria, E. coli, and H5N1, which are eliminated through proper cooking. Similarly, unpasteurized milk may contain harmful bacteria and viruses, including HPAI, which are destroyed during the pasteurization process.
Commenting on this article, the nation’s leading food poisoning lawyer said, “While the risk is low, people can still contract bird flu. Any consumer in possession of this product should dispose of it immediately to reduce the risk of bird flu infection to their pets and themselves.”
