The FDA is advising owners to stop feeding two lots of Darwin's Natural Selections Chicken Recipe for Cats after samples tested positive for Salmonella. The October 26 advisory says the frozen food has no expiration date and may still be in home freezers.

Check the lower-left package unit

  • Lot 12731, manufactured July 8, 2026.
  • Lot 12493, manufactured April 2, 2026.

The food was sold online by subscription in 2-pound white and clear packages with green and black labels. Each package contains four units; the lot code is on the front of the lower-left unit.

The FDA says to discard affected food in a secure container that animals cannot reach. Do not feed or donate it. If the lot-code section is missing or unreadable, discard the food.

The warning followed a complaint about two sick cats, one of which was hospitalized. Both recovered. The agency says it recommended a recall to manufacturer Arrow Reliance, which does business as Darwin's, but the company had not initiated an adequate recall.

Darwin's October 13 statement disputes the FDA's earlier legal action and its Salmonella policy. The company says it contacts affected customers directly and offers replacement food when safety concerns arise. That statement predates the October 26 advisory and does not address its new lot-specific findings.

Clean the supplies and surfaces

The advisory calls for cleaning and disinfecting supplies and surfaces that the food or pet touched, including the refrigerator or freezer.

CDC guidance on pet supplies explains the two jobs: soap or detergent removes dirt and germs, while disinfectants kill germs. Follow an item's cleaning instructions and the disinfectant label.

Dishwasher-safe bowls and toys can go in the dishwasher. CDC specifies a high-temperature or sanitizing wash and heat drying for disinfection. Soft items such as bedding can go through a washing machine and dryer; follow the fabric's care requirements.

Keep pets away while cleaning. Do not mix bleach with other cleaners, including ammonia. CDC specifically warns cat owners against disinfectants containing phenol, including ingredients whose longer names contain that word, because phenols are very toxic to cats. Let items dry fully before pets use them again, following the product's directions.

Freezing does not remove the risk

The CDC's pet-food guidance says freezing, freeze-drying and dehydrating raw animal protein do not kill all germs. CDC does not recommend raw food for dogs or cats.

Wash hands with soap and water before and after handling pet food. Children under 5, adults 65 and older, pregnant people and people with weakened immune systems face greater risk of serious foodborne illness, according to CDC. Ask a veterinarian about an appropriate replacement diet.

Veterinary publication dvm360 reports that infected pets may have no symptoms while shedding bacteria in saliva and feces. Vomiting, diarrhea, fever, reduced appetite or decreased activity warrant prompt veterinary advice.