Darwin's Salmonella Alert: Raw and Freeze-dried Pet Food Safety

# Darwin's Salmonella Alert: Raw and Freeze-dried Safety

On November 2, 2026, the US FDA issued a salmonella warning for 2 lots from Darwin's Natural Pet Products. A cat was hospitalized. Darwin's is a well-known raw pet food brand.

What happened

• Brand: Darwin's Natural Pet Products
• Issue: Salmonella contamination
• Lots: 2
• Outcome: Cat hospitalized
• Regulator: FDA

Why raw food is risky

1. Raw ingredients — beef and chicken may carry bacteria

2. No heat treatment — freezing inhibits but does not kill

3. Consumer handling — thawing at room temperature

How co-packers control bacteria

Ingredients

1. Supplier certification — salmonella test reports required

2. Incoming inspection — batch testing

3. Cold chain — ≤4°C throughout

Production

1. Zoned facility — raw and cooked separated

2. Surface testing — equipment swabs regularly

3. Personnel hygiene — gowning, gloves, handwashing

Finished product

1. Per-batch testing — salmonella, coliforms

2. Water activity — freeze-dried Aw≤0.6

3. Packaging — vacuum or nitrogen flush

Why freeze-dried is relatively safer

• Moisture ≤5%, bacteria cannot grow
• But freeze-drying does not sterilize — contaminated raw material stays contaminated
• Ingredient control matters more than the process

What brands should check

1. Per-batch test reports — not annual

2. Facility environment — not just the line

3. Label warnings — raw food handling instructions

4. Recall plan — batch traceability

Cost comparison

| Item | Dry Kibble | Raw/Freeze-dried |

|------|-----------|-------------------|

| Ingredient testing | Spot | Per batch |

| Facility | Standard | Cleanroom |

| Finished testing | Periodic | Per batch |

Judgment

• Raw food co-packing barrier is QC, not equipment
• Cheap raw food factories often skip testing
• Brands should not choose by price alone
• Freeze-dried is not risk-free

If you're looking for a raw or freeze-dried co-packer, focus on its bacteria control system. Mixiaoqi pet food OEM/ODM tests every batch for salmonella and coliforms.

FAQ

Is freeze-dried completely safe?

Not absolutely — ingredient control is key.

Is per-batch testing expensive?

Yes, but a recall costs far more.

What should brands tell consumers?

Raw food handling and hygiene instructions.