WA Raw Pet Food Recalled After Testing Finds Listeria monocytogenes

Thogersen Family Farm, a Washington State establishment is recalling raw frozen ground pet food after the State of Washington tested and found the product was positive for Listeria monocytogenes.  While freezing will restrict growth, it does not eliminate it.  And once the food is opened and poured into Rex's bowl, the organism is in the kitchen, on the dog, and on the owner's hands.  And if Rex's owners are older, or have young children, or are immune compromised in some way, they are at an increased risk of illness.

https://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm635396.htm
Thogensen Family Farm Recalls Raw Frozen Ground Pet Food (Rabbit; Duck; Llama; Pork) Because of Possible Listeria Monocytogenes Health Risk
For Immediate Release
April 4, 2019



Contact
Consumers. Thogensen Family Farm. Jennifer Thogersen  (360) 929-9808

Announcement
Thogersen Family Farm of Stanwood, WA is voluntarily recalling raw frozen ground pet food because it has the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. The following varieties, packaged in two pound packs, are included in this recall: course ground rabbit, course ground mallard duck, ground llama, and ground pork frozen raw pet food
L. monocytogenes can affect animals eating the products and there is risk to humans from handling contaminated pet products, especially if they have not thoroughly washed their hands after having contact with the products or any surfaces exposed to these products.

Listeria monocytogenes infections can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Although healthy individuals may suffer only short-term symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea, Listeria infection can cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women. Anyone experiencing these symptoms should immediately contact a health care provider.

Pets with Listeria monocytogenes infections may be lethargic and have diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever, and vomiting. Some pets will have only decreased appetite, fever and abdominal pain. Infected but otherwise healthy pets can be carriers and infect other animals or humans. If your pet has consumed the recalled product and has these symptoms, please contact your veterinarian.

Recalled product labels did not contain any lot identification, batch codes, or expiration dates. Products were packaged in two pound flattened, rectangular clear plastic packages and stored frozen. The front of the package contains one large white square label with the company name, product type and weight.

Thogersen Family Farm stated the affected products were either sold to individual customers or two retail establishments that have been notified. Some of the product has not been distributed and held at the manufacturing location.

No illnesses have been reported to date.

The recall is the result of samples collected by the Washington State Department of Agriculture and revealed the finished products contained the bacteria.

Consumers who have purchased affected product should discontinue use. For questions, consumers may contact the company at (360) 929-9808.