Washington, D.C., USA- January 13, 2020: FDA Sign at its headquarters in Washington DC. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA or USFDA) is a federal agency of the USA.
Savage Pet, based in El Cajon, California, has announced a recall of its Savage Cat Food Chicken, sold in both large 84 oz. and small 21 oz. boxes, due to a possible bird flu contamination risk. The recall affects a specific batch of products with the lot code/best by date of 11/15/2026. The affected products were distributed in California, Colorado, New York, Pennsylvania, and Washington.
The Food and Drug Administration reports the recall stems from concerns that the products could contain the H5N1 virus, commonly known as bird flu. While no human infections have been reported from handling the raw pet food, the virus poses a health risk to both pets and people. Individuals who have fed the recalled food to their cats should monitor them for symptoms of bird flu, which include fever, lethargy, eye irritation, respiratory distress, and neurological signs such as tremors or difficulty moving. If any of these symptoms appear, pet owners are urged to contact their veterinarian immediately.
Additionally, people who handled the recalled cat food should watch for signs of bird flu in themselves, including eye irritation, coughing, sore throat, muscle aches, fever, or trouble breathing. If any of these symptoms occur, individuals should seek medical attention and contact their local health department.
The recall follows an incident in Colorado, where a cat that had eaten from the affected lot became ill and recovered. Initial testing of the food returned “non-negative” results for H5N1, prompting further investigation. Although subsequent tests from the National Veterinary Services Laboratory confirmed the absence of the virus, a second case of avian flu in a kitten in New York led Savage Pet to expand the recall as a precautionary measure.
The affected products were distributed in November 2024 and are packaged in cardboard boxes containing individual plastic packets. The lot code/best by date of 11/15/2026 is stamped on the bottom of the boxes and on each packet.
Consumers who have purchased the recalled products are advised to return them to the retailer for proper destruction and a full refund. Savage Pet has emphasized that the recalled food should not be fed to pets or animals, nor should it be sold or donated.
The company urges pet owners who may have concerns to consult with their veterinarians or healthcare providers. For more information, customers can contact Savage Pet directly or visit the company’s website for further updates on the recall.
