A Washington State company has taken the precautionary step of recalling a raw food product for cats this week, following concerns about potential contamination with bird flu. The recall comes amid ongoing outbreaks of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) H5N1, particularly affecting poultry and cattle across the United States. This announcement was made by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
The company, Wild Coast Raw, based in Olympia, Washington, has issued a recall for its frozen product known as the Boneless Free Range Chicken Formula, which is specifically designed for cats. The FDA's statement revealed that at least one pet has died after consuming this particular product, prompting immediate action from the company.
According to the FDA, the recalled cat food has the potential to be contaminated with Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) H5N1, commonly referred to as bird flu. The product was distributed to various pet food retailers across Washington and Oregon, raising serious concerns among pet owners in the region.
Tyler Duncan, the founder of Wild Coast Raw, emphasized the seriousness of the situation in a recent social media post, stating, “The recall is a precautionary measure.” He expressed deep sadness over the reported death of a pet linked to the consumption of the recalled product, stating, “The safety of our products and that of our customers’ beloved pets is always our top priority.”
In a letter addressed to customers and published on the company’s website, Duncan extended his condolences to the pet owner affected by this tragic incident. He reassured customers that the company is committed to addressing the issue and ensuring the safety of their products.
The FDA has confirmed that Wild Coast Raw is working closely with the Washington State Department of Agriculture to investigate the source of the contamination. Both entities are dedicated to resolving the issue and preventing future occurrences, which is essential for maintaining public trust in pet food safety.
As a reminder, pet owners who may have purchased this frozen Boneless Free Range Chicken Formula are encouraged to check their supplies and dispose of any affected products. For further assistance and updates, customers can contact Wild Coast Raw directly.
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