Pet Food Recall Issued Due to H5N1 Contamination Risk
Savage Pet, a popular pet food brand, has issued a recall for multiple lots of its chicken-based pet food due to potential contamination with H5N1, commonly known as bird flu. The recall includes 66 boxes of 84 oz. chicken and 74 boxes of 21 oz. chicken, all carrying the lot code/best by date of 11152026.
According to an announcement from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the recalled products were distributed to retailers in California, Colorado, New York, Pennsylvania, and Washington. Pet owners who have purchased these products are urged to stop feeding them to their animals immediately.
Discovery of Bird Flu Triggers Precautionary Measures
The recall follows an incident in February, when Savage Chicken-Based Pet Food was notified that a cat in Colorado had contracted H5N1, experienced illness, and later recovered. Subsequent testing conducted by Colorado State University’s laboratory on sealed packets of Savage Cat Food returned “non-negative” results for the virus.
Following this initial finding, samples were sent to the National Veterinary Services Laboratory in Ames, Iowa, for further virus isolation testing. While awaiting final test results, Savage Pet removed the affected product from the market as a precautionary measure. On February 17, the company contacted all retailers that may have received the potentially contaminated lot and instructed them to return the product for proper disposal.
Consumer Advisory and Refund Process
Savage Pet has strongly advised customers against feeding the recalled Chicken-Based Pet Food to their animals and has also urged against selling or donating any affected products. Pet owners who have purchased items from the recalled lot are encouraged to return them to the retailer where they were purchased. The company is offering full refunds and ensuring proper disposal of the affected products.
For concerned pet owners, staying informed about pet food recalls and monitoring pets for any unusual symptoms is crucial. Savage Pet continues to work closely with regulatory agencies to assess and mitigate risks, ensuring the safety of both pets and their owners.
