DOJ Sues Darwin's Pet Food Over Bacteria Contamination

At a Glance — DOJ Sues Darwin’s Natural Pet Products

DOJ has sued Tukwila-based Darwin’s Natural Pet Products and founder Gary T. Tashjian over repeated bacterial contamination in its raw pet food
FDA testing found pathogens in 12 of 18 recent product samples, including Salmonella and Listeria monocytogenes
The complaint says a four-year-old child developed a severe E. coli infection and chronic kidney disease after the family’s dog was fed contaminated Darwin’s food
FDA has received 49 consumer complaints since 2016 involving 34 sickened dogs and 35 sickened cats, including nine reported pet deaths
DOJ is asking a federal court to permanently stop Darwin’s from manufacturing or distributing pet food until it meets federal safety standards
Darwin’s produces about 85,000 pounds of raw pet food weekly and distributes nationwide from its Tukwila facility

By BRIAN HENDERSON · August 11, 2026 · PNW Daily

SEATTLE, Wash. — The U.S. Department of Justice has filed a lawsuit seeking to stop a Washington pet food company from manufacturing and selling products the government alleges have been repeatedly contaminated with dangerous bacteria.

The civil complaint, filed Aug. 7 in U.S. District Court in Seattle, names Arrow Reliance Inc., which operates as Darwin’s Natural Pet Products, and company founder and President Gary T. Tashjian.

The government alleges the Tukwila-based company violated federal food safety laws by producing adulterated raw pet food and failing to follow required preventive controls.

FDA Found Pathogens in Darwin’s Products

According to the complaint, FDA testing of 18 of Darwin’s finished raw pet food samples collected since 2023 found pathogens in 12 of them.

Nine samples contained Salmonella, one contained Listeria monocytogenes and two contained both bacteria. Third-party testing in 2025 also found Salmonella and Shiga toxin-producing E. coli, or STEC, in unopened Darwin’s products.

The complaint alleges FDA has been investigating the company for years. The agency issued warning letters in 2018 and 2023 after finding contaminated products.

In 2024, FDA investigators found Salmonella inside the hopper used to package finished raw pet food at Darwin’s Tukwila facility. Investigators also reported damaged and rusted food-contact equipment, condensation falling onto sanitized equipment, and water, blood and raw ingredients accumulating in damaged areas of the production floor.

“Pet food manufacturers must ensure the safety of their products. Given the high likelihood that consumers will come into direct contact with pet food products, the Department of Justice will continue to work closely with FDA and take action against food manufacturers that operate under insanitary conditions.”

Brett A. Shumate, Assistant Attorney General, DOJ Civil Division

Government Cites Illnesses Involving Pets and People

The complaint describes multiple reports of animals becoming sick after eating Darwin’s products.

From 2016 through January 2026, FDA received 49 consumer complaints involving pets reportedly becoming sick after eating Darwin’s raw food. The complaints involved 34 dogs, including five reported deaths, and 35 cats, including four reported deaths.

The government also alleges a four-year-old child developed a STEC infection and hemolytic uremic syndrome after the family dog was fed Darwin’s raw pet food.

The child was hospitalized and continues to experience chronic kidney disease, according to the complaint. Testing of unopened food from the family’s home found Salmonella and E. coli O157:H7. FDA experts found an exact genomic match between the STEC found in the child and the bacteria found in the Darwin’s food.

“Every American pet owner deserves confidence that the food they feed their animals is safe and will not pose health risks to their families. Despite repeated FDA warnings, this company continues to manufacture and distribute products contaminated with harmful bacteria. When a company does not take responsibility for product safety, FDA will intervene to protect public health.”

Timothy Schell, Ph.D., Director, FDA Center for Veterinary Medicine

DOJ Seeks to Stop Production

The government is asking the court to permanently prohibit Darwin’s and Tashjian from manufacturing or distributing animal food until the company’s facilities, processes and food-safety controls comply with federal requirements.

The proposed injunction would also allow FDA to inspect the company’s facilities and records to monitor compliance.

Darwin’s produces raw dog and cat food at its Tukwila facility and distributes its products nationwide. The complaint says the company produces approximately 85,000 pounds of finished raw pet food each week.

The case is United States of America v. Arrow Reliance Inc. d/b/a Darwin’s Natural Pet Products and Gary T. Tashjian, case number 2:26-cv-02805.

The allegations in the complaint have not been proven in court. The government must prove its claims by a preponderance of the evidence if the case proceeds to trial.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the DOJ lawsuit against Darwin’s Natural Pet Products about?

DOJ alleges Darwin’s, a Tukwila raw pet food maker, repeatedly produced adulterated food contaminated with bacteria and failed to follow required food-safety controls, despite past FDA warning letters.

What did FDA testing find in Darwin’s pet food?

Of 18 recent samples, 12 contained pathogens: nine had Salmonella, one had Listeria monocytogenes and two had both. Third-party testing also found Salmonella and STEC in unopened products.

Has anyone gotten sick from Darwin’s pet food?

The complaint alleges a four-year-old child developed a severe E. coli infection and chronic kidney disease after the family dog was fed contaminated Darwin’s food. FDA has also logged 49 consumer complaints involving sickened pets since 2016.

What is DOJ asking the court to do?

DOJ wants a permanent injunction stopping Darwin’s from manufacturing or distributing pet food until its facilities and processes comply with federal law, with FDA authorized to inspect for compliance.