In a troubling turn of events, the Oregon Department of Agriculture (ODA) has come under fire for a glaring breach of established pet food safety protocols. Their questionable actions have raised significant concerns among pet owners across the nation.

First, let me express my heartfelt condolences to the family grieving the loss of their beloved cat. This tragedy is a poignant reminder of the serious implications that arise from regulatory oversights.

What Happened?

On December 24, 2024, pet food manufacturer Northwest Naturals announced a recall due to the detection of the highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) virus—marking the first detected case in pet food in the United States. However, the method employed by the ODA for testing this pet food was far from standard.

A Grave Mistake:

In a shocking violation of testing norms, the ODA conducted tests on an opened bag of dog food instead of adhering to the mandated protocol of testing unopened samples. This is critical because opened samples can easily be contaminated before analysis, which renders the results unreliable. Federal and state regulations enforced by organizations such as the USDA and FDA explicitly require unopened samples for such serious assessments.

Yet, instead of executing proper testing, the ODA released a press statement based on their analysis of the opened bag. This lack of transparency disregards due diligence and raises alarming questions about the agency's competence and integrity.

Despite numerous attempts to obtain clarification from the ODA regarding their deviation from these crucial procedures, there has been no response to inquiries as of the time of this report. This silence further fuels the growing dissatisfaction and fear among the pet-owning community regarding the safety of their pets' food.

It's critical for pet owners to voice their concerns.

I strongly urge everyone to reach out to Oregon Governor Tina Kotek and demand an independent investigation into this regulatory failure. You can contact her and express your concerns here.

The Bigger Picture:

This incident has not only jeopardized public trust in the Oregon Department of Agriculture but also calls into question the entire framework of pet food safety regulations. By circumventing established testing protocols, the ODA has potentially set a dangerous precedent that could endanger the health of pets nationwide.

As a responsible pet owner, I maintain my commitment to raw pet food despite this incident, but I encourage others to be vigilant and informed. Ensuring the safety and quality of pet food must remain a top priority for both consumers and regulatory bodies alike.

In the wake of this shocking failure, it’s time for the community to unite and demand accountability. Our pets depend on us, and we must advocate for their safety relentlessly.

Stay safe and informed, pet owners!