The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is advising the public not to feed certain lots of Darwin’s Natural Pet Products raw food to their pets after a four-year-old child became ill with E. coli O157:H7.
The contamination came to light after food-safety attorney, William Marler, initiated third-party testing of an previously unopened package of BioLogics All-Natural and Grain Free, Beef Recipe for Dogs found E. coli O157:H7 in the raw, frozen product. Whole genome sequencing (WGS) confirmed that the strain found in the pet food was a match for the strain recovered from the child.
In addition to the E. coli O157:H7-positive sample, the third-party lab recovered Salmonella Infantis and Salmonella Hadar from previously sealed packages of Darwin’s chicken dog food and duck dog food, respectively.
The FDA recommended that Arrow Reliance, Inc. (the manufacturer of Darwin’s Natural Pet Products) recall the product lots that tested positive for E. coli O157:H7 and Salmonella; however, the company has not recalled the affected products.
The products in question were manufactured in May or June 2024, were sold frozen, have no expiration date on the label, and could still be in consumers’ freezers. The FDA urges consumers who purchase Darwin’s products to check their freezers for the following three items:
Darwin’s Natural Pet Products, BioLogics All-Natural and Grain Free, Beef Recipe for Dogs:- Lot 10662, MFG Date of May 30, 2024
Darwin’s Natural Pet Products, BioLogics All-Natural and Grain Free, Chicken Recipe for Dogs:- Lot 10683, MFG date of June 05, 2024
Darwin’s Natural Pet Products, Natural Selections Duck Recipe for Dogs:- Lot 10638, MFG date of May 22, 2024
The affected lots of pet food were sold in frozen 2-pound white and clear plastic packages with four separate units. The beef and chicken BioLogics dog food have orange labeling, and the duck Natural Selections dog food has blue labeling. If you have any of these products, please throw them away in a secure container. DO NOT FEED THEM TO YOUR PETS.
Anatomy of an illness investigation
In August 2024, a four-year-old boy living in Utah became ill and was diagnosed with E. coli O157:H7.
The child was hospitalized, and developed a severe case of hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), requiring dialysis. He spent a total of six weeks in hospital and is at risk of permanent injury to his kidneys.
As a matter of routine, the strain of E. coli O157:H7 that was recovered from the boy was genetically typed using WGS and, in September 2024, the genetic profile was uploaded to the CDC’s National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) database.
Investigations carried out by the health authorities in Utah were unable to find any other related cases or to determine a possible source for the infection. It appeared to be an isolated incident.
In October 2024, the family contacted food-safety attorney, William Marler.
According to information provided to eFoodAlert by Marler, initial reviews of the files did not reveal any clues about the source of the infection. However, when Marler reviewed the files once more, he noted that the family had a dog, and asked about the dog’s health and diet. He learned that the dog exclusively ate Darwin’s pet food, and had begun vomiting one day before the child fell ill. The dog subsequently died in a car accident, so could not be tested, but the family had not discarded the remaining frozen, raw dog food.
Marler arranged for an accredited third-party laboratory to test the sealed packages of food that were still in the family’s freezer. On June 19, 2025, the lab reported that they had found E. coli O157:H7 in a sample of the Darwin’s beef dog food and that the strain was a perfect match to the strain recovered from the Utah boy.
Marler notified the FDA, the Utah health department, the Washington Department of Agriculture (Darwin’s manufacturer is located in Tukwila, WA) and Arrow Reliance, Inc. (the manufacturer) of the lab’s findings.
The FDA sent an investigator to Utah to interview the family, and also tried to locate additional samples of the affected products for testing. Unfortunately, by the time the FDA became involved, there were no retail samples available for testing, nor did the company have any samples from the specified production lots available to test.
And, as has occurred of several prior occasions, Arrow Reliance has not complied with the FDA’s request for a voluntary recall.
What consumers need to know
If you have any of the lots of Darwin’s BioLogics or Natural Selections pet food products listed above, stop feeding the product to your pets and throw it away in a secure container where other animals, including wildlife, cannot access it. Do not donate the food.
The product lot codes are printed on the front of the lower left unit of the package of food. If you no longer have the package or can’t read the lot code, throw the food away.
Consumers who have had the products listed above in their homes should clean and disinfect all pet supplies, including all storage containers, bowls, utensils, food prep surfaces, pet bedding, toys, floors, and any other surfaces that the food or pet may have had contact with, including your refrigerator or freezer. Clean up the pet’s feces in yards, parks, or other places where people or other animals may become exposed. Consumers should thoroughly wash their hands after handling the product or cleaning up potentially contaminated items and surfaces.
Salmonella, E. coli O157:H7 and your pet
Dogs and cats can become infected with STEC, although the symptoms are generally milder than symptoms in people. Dogs and cats infected with STEC can develop watery diarrhea, bloody diarrhea, urinary tract infections, and vomiting. Symptoms may be more severe in pets with weakened immune systems. The infection is rarely lethal in pets, but deaths have been reported in infected dogs. If your pet has symptoms of a STEC infection, consult a veterinarian promptly.
Pets do not need to display symptoms to be able to pass STEC on to their human companions. Whether or not a pet is symptomatic, once STEC gets established in the pet’s gastrointestinal tract, the animal can shed the bacteria when having bowel movements, contaminating their environment.
Pets do not always display symptoms when infected with Salmonella, but signs can include vomiting, diarrhea (which may be bloody), fever, loss of appetite and/or decreased activity level. If your pet has these symptoms, consult a veterinarian promptly. You should also be aware that infected pets can shed the bacteria in their feces without showing signs of being sick.
How to report a pet illness?
People who think their pets have become ill after consuming contaminated pet food should first contact their veterinarians.
“A complete and compelling account of the hidden and not-so-hidden ways the food we give our beloved pets can be contaminated.” – JoNel Aleccia, Health Reporter, Food & Nutrition, The Associated Press.
“An invaluable resource for busy pet owners” – Food Safety News
Here is today’s list of food safety recalls, product withdrawals, allergy alerts and miscellaneous compliance issues. The live links will take you directly to the official recall notices and company news releases that contain detailed information for each recall and alert.
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“Reads like a true crime novel” – Food Safety News
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CANADA (Update): The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) reports 72 lab-confirmed cases of Salmonella infections in a multi-province outbreak linked to consumption of Rea and Bona brands of Genoa salami. Outbreak cases have been reported in Alberta (57), Manitoba (1) and Ontario (14). The manufacturer has recalled the implicated salami products, which were distributed in all three of the provinces reporting outbreak cases.
FRANCE: The regional health authority of Hauts-de-France reports an outbreak of severe bloody diarrhea that has affected 22 individuals (21 children and one elderly person) in the town of Saint-Quentin since June 12, 2025. Nine of the victims have developed hemolytic uremic syndrome. As of now, 10 of the outbreak patients remain in hospital, four of them on dialysis. 11 have been released. One child has died. Multiple meat products have been recalled (see recall notices, below).
Allergy Alert: Lipari Foods recalls JLM Branded “Dark Chocolate Nonpareils” food treats (14 oz; Lots 28202501A, 29202501A, 23202504A, 14202505A, 15202505A, and 03202506A) due to undeclared milk.
Allergy Alert: Sabores Fit Bakery recalls Sabores A Tu Mesa in flavors of Choco Mousse, Passion Fruit Mousse, 4 Milk Mousse, 3 Milk Mousse, 3 Milk Strawberry (8 oz; Expiration dates June 26, 2025 and July 02, 2025) due to undeclared milk, eggs, soy ingredients (soybean oil, soy lecithin), wheat, tree nuts (almonds, hazelnuts).
Allergy Alert: International Foodsource, LLC recalls Southeastern Grocers Dark Chocolate Nonpareils (10 oz; Lots 242645, 238466, 235643, 237319, 241581, 239202) due o undeclared milk.
Allergy Alert: Kilwins Quality Confections, LLC recalls Mocha Truffles (Sold from April 28, 2025 through May 30, 2025) due to undeclared pecans.
Food Safety Recall: Face Rock Creamery recalls Vampire Slayer Garlic Cheddar Curds (6-oz cups; Lots 20250519VS01 & 20250519VS02; Use by 08292025) due to Listeria monocytogenes contamination.
Food Safety Recall: Target Corporation recalls Good & Gather brand and Boar’s Head brand Grilled Chicken Greek Style Salad with Balsamic Dressing (11 oz & 11.2 oz, respectively; Expiration dates 5/10/25 & 5/24/25) due to possible Salmonella contamination in the cucumber ingredient.
Food Safety Recall: RGB Soda, LLC. recalls Refrigerated Cucumber X Tarragon Ginger Beer (ginger juice) (5 gal pony keg; Expiry dates 12/15/2024-1/6/2025) due to possible Salmonella contamination.
Food Safety Recall: Starway International Group, LLC recalls two additional Siluriformes sausage products produced by an establishment in Vietnam that is not eligible to export these products to the United States.
Public Health Alert: FSIS issues Public Health Alert for meat sauce products produced by Thompson’s Spanish Sauce Manufacturing, LLC without benefit of federal inspection.
Canada
Allergy Alert: Save Plus Trading Ltd. recalls Fried Vegetable Fish Cake (800g; Best before 2026/10/07; UPC 8 809193 373234) due to undeclared egg.
Allergy Alert: Dollarama L.P. recalls Snowtime brand Berry Ice Smoothie Pops (700 ml; All codes with best before date before 2026 SE 07; UPC 6 67888 18972 4) due to undeclared milk.
Food Safety Recall: Panier Gourmand inc. (Montréal, QC) recalls Huile d’olive aux piments oiseaux / Olive oil with bird’s eye chilies and Huile d’olive au thym et romarin / Olive oil with thyme and rosemary (Products sold up to 23 June 2025) due to potential for Clostridium botulinum growth.
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Europe
Allergy Alert (UK): Fortune Foods Ltd recalls Laoganma Brand Black Bean Chili Sauce (280g; Batch code 18232; Best before 8 March 2026) due to undeclared peanuts.
Allergy Alert (UK): Aldi recalls Inspired Cuisine Baby Potatoes with Herbs and Butter (385g; All Use by dates up to and including 01 July 2025) due to undeclared milk.
Allergy Alert (UK): Redmoor Ltd recalls Japanese Rice Crackers (125g & 250g; Batch codes 2254770, 2254689 (125g) and 2254608 (250g; Best before April 2026) due to undeclared peanuts.
Food Safety Recall (Austria): Pur Alpenrauch recalls Pur Alpen Rauch brand Seesaibling aus Österreich / Arctic Char from Austria (75g; Batch code 27194; Best before 18.06.2025, 21.06.2025, and 28.06.2025) due to possible Listeria monocytogenes contamination.
Food Safety Recall (Belgium): Délifin recalls Délifin brand Jambon artisanal / Artisanal ham (4 slices; Expiry date 07/07/2025) due to possible Salmonella contamination.
Food Safety Recall (Belgium): AFSCA recalls ‘t Hennehof brand les œufs de poules élevées en plein air et les œufs de poules élevées au sol / Free-range eggs and barn eggs (All Best before dates up to 21/07/2025) due to Salmonella contamination.
Food Safety Recall (Denmark): True Food ApS recalls Hverdagskylling Kyllingeoverlår uden ben / Everyday chicken Boneless chicken thighs (300g; Lot 2350260223; Best before 19.06.2025) due to Salmonella contamination.
Food Safety Recall (France): ZATIK recalls Du goût à emporterbrand Baos saumon, fromage blanc et aneth / Salmon, cottage cheese and dill (180g; Lot LT25163; Use by 25/06/2025 & 28/06/2025) due to Listeria monocytogenes contamination.
Food Safety Recall (France): LEONETTI JEAN recalls Fromage leonettibrand Fromage affiné / Aged cheese (Lots 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9; Best before dates between 01/08/2025 and 01/09/2025) due to Listeria monocytogenes contamination.
Food Safety Recall (France): CARREFOUR HYPERMARCHES carrefour boisseuil recalls Ossau Iraty AOP FQC vendu en libre service et au rayon crémerie de votre magasin / cheese (Lot 25 BC W27; Use by dates between 15-06-2025 and 01-07-2025) due to Listeria monocytogenes contamination.
Food Safety Recall (France): RUTHENES VIANDES recalls MIAM (Ruthènes Viandes) brand Barquette d’agneau UVCI / Lamb (Lot Z5257026; Use by 07/07/2025) due to Salmonella contamination.
Food Safety Recall (France): AUCHAN RETAIL SERVICES AUCHAN recalls AUCHANbrand BEURRE BARQUETTE DOUX / Unsalted butter (250g; Lot 125; Use by 04/07/2025) due to possible Listeria monocytogenes contamination.
Food Safety Recall (France): COOPERATIVE U ENSEIGNErecalls U brand Beurre extra fin doux 82%mg / Extra-fine unsalted butter, 82% MF (250g; Lot 125; Use by 14/07/2025) due to possible Listeria monocytogenes contamination.
Food Safety Recall (France): LA BRESSE SIBERT recalls LA BRESSEbrand HURE GEANTE AUX PISTACHES / Giant Hure with pistachios (~5 kg; Lot 167170; Use by 24/07/2025) due to possible Listeria monocytogenes contamination.
Food Safety Recall (France): Industry recalls Valldanbrand Fuet tranché / Sliced whip (125g; Lot L5136/4742; Use by 11/09/2025) due to Salmonella contamination.
Food Safety Recall (France): GAEC PRAT recalls Fromage fermier au lait cru / Raw sheep’s milk farm-style cheese (4.8 kg wheels; Lots 1512 to 282) due to possible Listeria monocytogenes contamination.
Food Safety Recall (France): SARL PALAIS DES METS recalls Palais des Metsbrand Emincés de saumon marinés à l’aneth / Slice dill-marinated salmon (Multiple lot codes and Use by dates) due to Listeria monocytogenes contamination.
Food Safety Recall (France): SODIAG Intermarché recalls Produits hachés et produits de saucisserie / Minced products and sausage products (All lots; Sold in AISNE from 01/06/2025 to 21/06/2025) following the risk of persistent bacterial contamination of premises, equipment and materials or products for several weeks and the urgency to act in view of the seriousness of the symptoms observed and of one death (See outbreak notice, above).
Food Safety Recall (France): SA SODIBAG LECLERC recalls Moule de bouchot / Bouchot mussels (Bulk; Sold from 17/06/2025 to 20/06/2025) due to E. coli contamination.
Food Safety Recall (France): SA SODIBAG LECLERC SAPIAC recalls steak haché frais à la demande / Fresh ground beef patties (Sold from 17/06/2025 to 23/06/2025) due to possible Listeria monocytogenes contamination.
Food Safety Recall (France): TMS DESTOCK-TMS MARKET (distributors) recalls Sur tous les produits tels que les merguez, saucisses et viandes d’agneau / All meat products, such as merguez, sausages and lamb meats (Sold from 01/06/2025 to 21/06/2025) following the risk of persistent bacterial contamination of premises, equipment and materials or products for several weeks and the urgency to act in view of the seriousness of the symptoms observed and of one death (See outbreak notice, above).
Food Safety Recall (France): SCAMARK E.LECLERC recalls LES CROISÉSbrand BEURRE EXTRA-FIN DOUX / Extra-fine unsalted butter (250g; Lot 125; Best before 04/07/2025) due to Listeria monocytogenes contamination.
Food Safety Recall (France): SARL Boucherie LA DEFENSE (distributor) recalls Sur tous les produits tels que les merguez, saucisses et viandes d’agneau / All meat products, such as merguez, sausages and lamb meats (Sold from 01/06/2025 to 21/06/2025) following the risk of persistent bacterial contamination of premises, equipment and materials or products for several weeks and the urgency to act in view of the seriousness of the symptoms observed and of one death (See outbreak notice, above).
Food Safety Recall (France): IM VIANDES “LA BOUCHERIE”(distributor) recalls Sur tous les produits tels que les merguez, saucisses et viandes d’agneau / All meat products, such as merguez, sausages and lamb meats (Sold from 01/06/2025 to 21/06/2025) following the risk of persistent bacterial contamination of premises, equipment and materials or products for several weeks and the urgency to act in view of the seriousness of the symptoms observed and of one death (See outbreak notice, above).
Food Safety Recall (France): NOUGALET SAS recalls Nougalet brand Fritures caramel / Caramel candies (Lots 720003935, 780003935, 840003935, 920003935, 940003935, 970003935, 1040003935, and 0990003935) due to possible Salmonella contamination.
Food Safety Recall (France): Boucherie La Direction recalls Sur tous les produits tels que les merguez, saucisses et viandes d’agneau / All meat products, such as merguez, sausages and lamb meats (Sold from 01/06/2025 to 21/06/2025) following the risk of persistent bacterial contamination of premises, equipment and materials or products for several weeks and the urgency to act in view of the seriousness of the symptoms observed and of one death (See outbreak notice, above).
Food Safety Recall (France): Boucherie Family recalls Sur tous les produits tels que les merguez, saucisses et viandes d’agneau / All meat products, such as merguez, sausages and lamb meats (Sold from 01/06/2025 to 21/06/2025) following the risk of persistent bacterial contamination of premises, equipment and materials or products for several weeks and the urgency to act in view of the seriousness of the symptoms observed and of one death (See outbreak notice, above).
Food Safety Recall (France): GAEC RICHARD recalls EARL RICHARDbrand Cottin Valençay Pyramide Blanche Pointu Buche Rond Plat Fromage Blanc / Goat cheeses (All lots; Best before dates between 20/06/2025 and 16/07/2025) due to Listeria monocytogenes contamination.
Food Safety Recall (France): SALAISONS DE GUADELOUPE recalls L’eleveurbrand Cote de porc – Poitrine tranchée – ragout de porc – rouelle épaule en barquette / raw pork products (Lot 25155; Use by 14/06/2025) due to the presence of E. coli above permitted levels.
Food Safety Recall (France): SALAISONS DE GUADELOUPE recalls L’eleveurbrand Poitrine tranchée barquette / Sliced pork breast (Lot 25163; Use by 22/06/2025) due to the presence of E. coli above permitted levels.
Food Safety Recall (France): SALAISONS DE GUADELOUPE recalls L’eleveurbrand Chipolatas nature barquette / Pork sausages (Lot 25157; Use by 16/06/2025) due to the presence of E. coli above permitted levels.
Food Safety Recall (France): SCAMARK E.LECLERC recalls VOLANDRIEbrand HACHÉ A LA DINDE / Ground turkey meat (350g; Lot 25 162; Use by 24/06/2025) due to Salmonella contamination.
Food Safety Recall (France): ARRIVE recalls MAITRE COQ brand HACHE A CUISINER A LA DINDE / Ground turkey meat (350g; Lot 25162; Use by 24/06/2025) due to Salmonella contamination.
Food Safety Recall (France): FROMAGERIE DU PAYS WELSCHE recalls HAXAIRE brand Munster fermier AOP au lait cru / Raw milk Munster cheese (220g; Lot P091; Use by 30/06/2025 & 10/06/2025) due to Listeria monocytogenes contamination.
Food Safety Recall (Germany): Fleischerei Wohlgezogen recalls Rindfleischsalat / Beef salad (Sold 17.06.2025) due to Salmonella and verotoxin-producing E. coli contamination.
Food Safety Recall (Germany): Firma Tillman´s Convenience GmbH recalls Zimbo Frische Schinken-Zwiebelmettwurst Klassik / Fresh ham and onion mettwurst (200g; Lot 38202198) due to verotoxin-producing E. coli contamination.
Food Safety Recall (Ireland): Orgenism recalls Orgenism Eggshell Membrane Capsules (60 capsules, 500mg per serving; All batch codes) due to Salmonella contamination.
Food Safety Recall (Luxembourg): Delifin recalls Delifin brand JAMBON ARTISANAL / Artisanal ham (150g; Lot DM 103594; Best before 07/07/2025) due to possible Salmonella contamination.
Food Safety Recall (Luxembourg): Maître Coq recalls Maître Coq brandHaché à cuisiner à la dinde / Ground turkey meat (Lot 25162; Use by 24/06/25) due to Salmonella contamination.
Food Safety Recall (Switzerland): Coop recalls Naturaplan Bio Mischsalat / Organic mixed salad (100g; Batch A516254101; Best before 19.06.2025) due to possible Listeria monocytogenes contamination.
Food Safety Recall (UK): Orgenism recalls Orgenism Eggshell Membrane Capsules (60 capsules, 500mg per serving; All batch codes) due to Salmonella contamination.
Hong Kong and Singapore
No Alerts
Australia and New Zealand
No Alerts
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“A complete and compelling account of the hidden and not-so-hidden ways the food we give our beloved pets can be contaminated.” – JoNel Aleccia, Health Reporter, Food & Nutrition, The Associated Press.
“An invaluable resource for busy pet owners” – Food Safety News
Seven victims of last autumn’s deadly E. coli O157:H7 outbreak have filed lawsuits alleging lettuce supplied by Taylor Farms to be the source of the outbreak.
The multi-state outbreak was investigated by the US Centers for Diseae Control and Prevention (CDC) in cooperation with the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and various state and local public health partners.
As a result of its traceback, sampling, and inspection efforts, the FDA’s Coordinated Outbreak Response & Evaluation (CORE) Network established that a single processor was the source of the contaminated romaine lettuce that sickened 89 people, resulting in 36 hospitalizations, 7 cases of hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), and one death.
The processor sourced the lettuce from a single grower.
The CDC and FDA closed their investigation on January 15, 2025, just one week before the inauguration of Donald Trump. According to the FDA’s final report, the processor, “…was not named during this outbreak because there was no product remaining in commerce.”
The FDA redacted the name of the processor from the version of the report obtained by eFoodAlert in response to a Freedom of Information Act request.
Thanks to an excellent piece of epidemiological detective work by the Marler Clark law firm, Taylor Farms has now been identified as the processor of the contaminated romaine lettuce.
Commenting on the law firm’s investigation in his Marler Blog, Bill Marler wrote, “Because we represent people and families from several states that were WGS matches to each other, it was not long until our on-staff Epidemiologist determined that the common link was that all clients consumed Taylor Farms romaine lettuce in the outbreak period.”
One of the victims represented by Marler Clark—a ten-year old child—experienced the following symptoms after consuming Taylor Farms romaine lettuce purchased by his parents at a Kroger supermarket (as extracted from the court filing):
On or about November 10, 2024, Plaintiff began to feel ill with symptoms including loss of appetite, nausea, diarrhea (that eventually became bloody), stomach cramps, fever, muscle aches and fatigue.
The diarrhea, stomach cramping, and pain increased, and, by November 17, 2024, Plaintiff was seen in the emergency department of Hendricks Regional Health Brownsburg Hospital.
Due to his deteriorating condition, Plaintiff was transferred to Riley Hospital for Children in Indianapolis.
Plaintiff was hospitalized from November 17, 2024 to December 5, 2024. Plaintiff was diagnosed with life-threatening hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) due to E. coli O157:H7 that was confirmed to be a whole genome sequence (WGS) match to a nationwide outbreak linked to Defendants’ romaine lettuce.
While hospitalized Plaintiff underwent 9 days of continuous renal replacement therapy (hemodialysis) followed by another five days of intermittent hemodialysis, and he received 5 blood transfusions over the 18 days he was hospitalized. He also required medication for blood pressure and pain management. He turned 10 while hospitalized.
Since being released from the hospital, Plaintiff has continued medical and psychological care and Plaintiff is at risk for ongoing treatment, including the risk of kidney failure.
The Trump administration has severely cut back FDA and CDC personnel since taking office, including axing communications teams, records management staff, and Freedom of Information management staff.
More and more, the future of food safety will have to rest on the shoulders of individual consumers, bloggers, and law firms such as Marler Clark.
“Reads like a true crime novel” – Food Safety News
Interested in learning more about food safety and the history of foodborne disease outbreaks and investigations?
Click on the link to listen to a short excerpt, then follow the buy links to add a digital, print, or audio copy to your personal library.
eFoodAlert 