Oregon Department of Agriculture just proved to the entire world they are a corrupt regulatory organization. How? By violating the #1 rule in testing protocol and recall procedure.
First…my sincere sympathies to the family whose cat died. Your loss is devastating, regardless to the actions of Oregon Department of Agriculture.
Background: Northwest Naturals pet food initiated a recall on 12/24/24 for “highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) virus.”
This was the first confirmation of HPAI in a pet food in the US. But…
The testing of the pet food was performed by Oregon Department of Agriculture on an opened bag of pet food.
Fact: It is mandatory for regulatory authorities to test unopened samples. The protocol for USDA, FDA, and all State Departments of Agriculture is to test an unopened sample; an opened sample is not an acceptable sample to force a company to recall. An opened sample can be contaminated from outside sources prior to analysis. Laboratory analysis of an opened sample should NEVER be used to issue a press release frightening a world of pet owners.
But in this instance, Oregon Department of Agriculture did not test any unopened packages of Northwest Naturals pet food.
Instead, Oregon Department of Agriculture issued an alarming press release relying on lab analysis of an opened bag of pet food neglecting to disclose to the public their lack of following proper procedure.
We have placed multiple phone calls to Oregon Department of Agriculture asking for a statement to why the agency DID NOT follow proper protocol, as of publishing this post – Oregon has not returned our calls.
A world of pet owners deserves a full investigation.
I am urging all pet owners to write the Governor of Oregon demanding for a public statement as to why the Department of Agriculture ignored all regulatory procedures that were required of them BEFORE they issued a press release. Contact Governor Tina Kotek here: https://www.oregon.gov/gov/Pages/share-your-opinion.aspx.
Ask Governor Kotek for a full investigation and a prompt public explanation.
Oregon Department of Agriculture has severely damaged the public’s confidence in raw pet food by neglecting to follow their own required procedures. This is unacceptable.
Personal statement: I have five cats, and I still feed them raw pet food. Oregon Department of Agriculture has not changed my mind in the least.
Wishing you and your pet(s) the best,
Susan Thixton
Pet Food Safety Advocate
Author Buyer Beware, Co-Author Dinner PAWsible
TruthaboutPetFood.com
Association for Truth in Pet Food
Become a member of our pet food consumer Association. Association for Truth in Pet Food is a a stakeholder organization representing the voice of pet food consumers at AAFCO and with FDA. Your membership helps representatives attend meetings and voice consumer concerns with regulatory authorities. Click Here to learn more.
What’s in Your Pet’s Food?
Is your dog or cat eating risk ingredients? Chinese imports? Petsumer Report tells the ‘rest of the story’ on over 5,000 cat foods, dog foods, and pet treats. 30 Day Satisfaction Guarantee. Click Here to preview Petsumer Report. www.PetsumerReport.com
Find Healthy Pet Foods in Your Area Click Here
The 2025 List
Susan’s List of trusted pet foods. Click Here to learn more.
The 2024/25 Treat List
Susan’s List of trusted pet treat manufacturers. Click Here to learn more.
