Summary (tl;dr)

Raaw Energy pet food is currently subject to an expanded recall due to widespread contamination with dangerous bacteria such as Listeria, Salmonella, E. coli O157, and Campylobacter, posing significant health risks to both pets and humans. The company, after initially resisting a full recall, has now voluntarily expanded its recall and temporarily halted production to address the issue.

Essential Background

The concerns surrounding Raaw Energy dog food first emerged in January 2026, when a consumer in Connecticut reported a dog illness. This complaint prompted an investigation by state agriculture officials in Connecticut and New Jersey. Testing of eight unopened product samples revealed the presence of multiple pathogenic bacteria, including Listeria monocytogenes, Salmonella, Campylobacter jejuni, and in one instance, Escherichia coli O157:H7. Despite the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) advising Raaw Energy to issue a recall at that time, the company initially did not initiate an adequate recall, leading the FDA to issue a public warning.

The Full Story

The recall of Raaw Energy dog food has significantly expanded, now encompassing all products manufactured between July 17, 2025, and December 23, 2025, along with an additional batch from March 31, 2026. This expansion follows further testing by state regulators, particularly in New Jersey, which continued to confirm Listeria contamination in various batches. In response to the escalating concerns and additional reports of pet illnesses, Raaw Energy announced on May 21, 2026, that it would voluntarily expand the recall and temporarily cease all dog food production. This production halt is intended to allow the company to undertake extensive cleaning, sanitation, and corrective actions within its facility. The affected products are raw, frozen dog food sold in 2-lb or 5-lb clear plastic tubes within brown cardboard boxes and were distributed primarily through online ordering with in-person pickup.

Why It Matters

The presence of pathogenic bacteria like Listeria, Salmonella, E. coli O157, and Campylobacter in pet food poses serious "One Health" risks, affecting both animals and humans. Pets consuming contaminated food may experience gastrointestinal illness, fever, or lethargy, and even asymptomatic pets can shed these bacteria, contaminating household environments and potentially infecting other animals and people. For humans, exposure can lead to symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, aches, fever, and diarrhea, with severe infections potentially causing meningitis, abortion, and even death, especially in vulnerable populations like pregnant women, the elderly, and those with compromised immune systems. The expanded recall and temporary production halt underscore the serious nature of the contamination and the potential public health implications.

Geographic Location

• Connecticut, United States (initial consumer complaint and testing by Department of Agriculture)
• New Jersey, United States (testing by Department of Agriculture)
• Connecticut, United States (products sold)
• Delaware, United States (products sold)
• Massachusetts, United States (products sold)
• Maryland, United States (products sold)
• New Hampshire, United States (products sold)
• New Jersey, United States (products sold)
• New York, United States (products sold)
• Pennsylvania, United States (products sold)
• Virginia, United States (products sold)