SeaBear Chowders and Savage Cat Food Recalled Over Health Risks

Two significant product recalls are currently affecting consumers across multiple states. SeaBear Company has recalled its seafood chowders due to potential botulism risk, while Savage Pet has pulled certain cat food products over bird flu concerns. Here’s what you need to know about these recalls and how to protect yourself and your pets.

SeaBear Company Recall: Botulism Risk in Seafood Chowders

SeaBear Company of Anacortes, Washington has issued a voluntary recall for two of its seafood chowder products: Smoked Salmon Chowder and Alehouse Clam Chowder. The company took this action after discovering a potential contamination with Clostridium botulinum, the bacterium responsible for botulism.

The recall was triggered by a customer complaint about pouch seal issues. Upon investigation, SeaBear identified a mechanical equipment problem that caused some pouch seals to not fully bond, creating leaks in the packaging. This defect could potentially lead to Clostridium botulinum contamination, as stated in the recall notice.

The affected products were distributed between October 1, 2024, and March 14, 2025, through retail stores in Alaska, California, Colorado, Oregon, and Washington. The products were also sold nationwide through SeaBear’s website.

The recalled items are packaged in 12-ounce dark blue pouches with specific lot codes that can be found on the back of the pouch. Multiple lot codes are affected, with “enjoy by” dates ranging from June 2028 to January 2029.

Though no illnesses have been reported so far, botulism is a serious concern. This potentially fatal form of food poisoning can cause weakness, dizziness, double vision, difficulty speaking or swallowing, breathing problems, and other serious symptoms. The FDA warns consumers not to use these products even if they look or smell normal.

Consumers who have purchased the affected chowders should not consume them and should contact SeaBear’s customer service at 1-800-645-3474 or [email protected] for a full refund.

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Savage Pet Recall: Bird Flu Risk in Cat Food

In a separate recall, Savage Pet of El Cajon, California is recalling 66 Large Chicken Boxes (84 oz) and 74 Small Chicken Boxes (21 oz) with the lot code/best by date of 11152026 due to potential H5N1 (bird flu) contamination.

The recall follows multiple incidents of cats becoming ill. In February, one cat in Colorado contracted H5N1 and got sick but recovered, according to the recall notice. More recently, on March 13, 2025, Savage Pet learned of an additional case in New York where a kitten feeding on the same lot code contracted avian flu.

Initial testing at Colorado State University Laboratory showed “non-negative” PCR test results for H5N1 in sealed packets of the cat food. While subsequent virus isolation testing at the National Veterinary Services Laboratory in Iowa initially came back negative on March 6, the company decided to upgrade their market withdrawal to a full recall after the New York case emerged.

The affected products were distributed to retailers in California, Colorado, New York, Pennsylvania, and Washington in November 2024. The cat food comes in cardboard boxes containing individual plastic packets, with the lot code/best by date stamped on the bottom of the box and on each packet.

Cat owners should watch for symptoms of bird flu in their pets, including fever, lethargy, reduced appetite, eye inflammation, respiratory difficulties, and neurological signs like tremors or seizures. Cats showing these symptoms after consuming the recalled food should be taken to a veterinarian immediately.

While no human infections have been linked to handling raw pet food products, people can become infected if live virus enters the eyes, nose, or mouth. Anyone who handled the recalled products should practice good hygiene and watch for flu-like symptoms.

Consumers who purchased this lot code should return it to their retailer for proper destruction and a full refund. For more information, contact Savage Pet at [email protected] or 619-270-0295.

Food Safety Implications

These recalls highlight the importance of food safety for both human and pet products. The SeaBear recall demonstrates how packaging defects can create potential health risks, while the Savage Pet situation underscores the potential for zoonotic diseases to affect the pet food supply chain.

Food safety measures in proper food handling and packaging play a crucial role in preventing contamination. When recalls occur, prompt action by both companies and consumers is essential to prevent illness.

These recalls serve as reminders of the critical importance of food safety measures throughout the production and distribution process.

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