Raw Pet Food Recall Raises Health Concerns Nationwide—Here’s What Pet Owners Need to Know

A pet food recall tied to dangerous bacteria is raising concerns beyond the Northeast, highlighting growing risks associated with raw pet diets. The recall involves products from Raaw Energy, LLC, a New Jersey-based company, after testing revealed contamination with multiple harmful pathogens.

According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), affected products tested positive for Salmonella, Listeria monocytogenes, E. coli, and Campylobacter jejuni—all of which can cause serious illness in both pets and humans.

Why This Recall Matters Nationwide

Although the recalled products were primarily distributed across Northeastern states, this story has broader implications for pet owners across the United States, including here in Arizona.

Raw pet food diets have grown in popularity in recent years, often marketed as a more natural alternative to traditional kibble. However, veterinary experts and federal agencies have consistently warned that raw diets carry a higher risk of bacterial contamination.

This recall reinforces those concerns, especially as it involves multiple products and several types of harmful bacteria—suggesting potential issues with handling or production safety.

Health Risks for Pets and Humans

One of the most important takeaways from this recall is that it is not just about pet safety—it’s also a human health issue.

• Salmonella and E. coli can cause severe gastrointestinal illness
• Listeria can be especially dangerous for pregnant individuals, seniors, and those with weakened immune systems
• Campylobacter infections can lead to fever, cramping, and diarrhea

Humans can become infected by handling contaminated pet food, touching contaminated surfaces, or failing to properly wash hands after feeding pets.

Pets May Not Show Immediate Symptoms

Another concern is that pets infected with these bacteria may not show obvious symptoms right away. Even healthy-looking animals can carry and spread bacteria in the home, increasing the risk for owners and family members.

When symptoms do appear, they may include:

• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Lethargy
• Loss of appetite

Products Included in the Recall

The recall affects multiple raw pet food products, including chicken, beef, turkey, and salmon blends sold in 2-pound and 5-pound tubes with 2025 date codes.

The wide range of affected products suggests this is not an isolated batch issue, but a broader safety concern.

What Pet Owners Should Do Now

If you feed your pet raw food or have purchased products from Raaw Energy, take the following steps immediately:

• Check packaging and date codes carefully
• Do not feed any recalled products
• Wash hands thoroughly after handling pet food
• Sanitize pet bowls, utensils, and surfaces
• Contact your veterinarian if your pet shows symptoms

An Ongoing Investigation

The FDA has not yet assigned an official classification to this recall, meaning the overall risk level is still under evaluation. Additional updates or expanded recalls could follow as more information becomes available.

For now, experts say this serves as a reminder that while raw pet food diets may appeal to some owners, they come with real and sometimes overlooked risks.

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The Bottom Line

This recall is more than a regional issue—it’s part of a growing national conversation about pet food safety. For pet owners, the priority is simple: stay informed, handle pet food safely, and act quickly when recalls are announced.

Last Updated on March 21, 2026 by Daily News Staff

Woman feeling headache holding a glass of water.Adobe Stock

Why do people get headaches and migraines? A child neurologist explains the science of head pain and how to treat it

Katherine Cobb-Pitstick, University of Pittsburgh Curious Kids is a series for children of all ages. If you have a question you’d like an expert to answer, send it to CuriousKidsUS@theconversation.com.

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Why do people get headaches? – Evie V., age 10, Corpus Christi, Texas

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Whether sharp and stabbing or dull and throbbing, a headache can ruin your day. But your brain doesn’t actually feel pain. So what is going on when it feels like your head is in a vise or about to explode? I am a child neurologist – that is, a doctor who specializes in diseases of the brain in kids. Most of my patients are kids and adolescents who are struggling with headaches. Head pain is complicated, and there is still a lot to learn about what causes it and how it can be treated. But researchers know there are a few key players that take part in generating pain.

What are headaches?

Nerves communicate information like pain through electrical signals between the body and the brain. While the brain itself doesn’t have any nerve sensors to feel pain, blood vessels in the head and structures that protect and surround the brain do sense pain. When these tissues detect injury or damage, they release chemicals that trigger transmission of electrical signals through nerves to tell the brain the head is hurting. The brain will also use nerves to signal the body to respond to pain with symptoms like feeling tired, teary eyes, runny nose, upset stomach and discomfort in bright or loud environments. It’s not clear why humans evolved to feel these symptoms, but some scientists theorize that this can lead to healthier lifestyle choices to decrease the chance of future headache attacks.

What causes headaches?

Often, headaches are a sign that the body is under some kind of stress. That stress triggers chemical and physical changes to the nerves and blood vessels around your brain, head and neck that can cause headaches. Many types of stresses can cause headaches, including an infection, allergies, hormone changes during puberty and menstrual cycles, not getting enough sleep, not drinking enough water, skipping meals or drinking too much caffeine or alcohol. Sometimes, headaches happen with emotional stress, like feeling anxious or depressed. Even pressure in your sinuses due to changes in the weather can cause your head to hurt. One in 11 kids have had a type of severe headache called a migraine. They feel like a pulsing and pounding pain in your head and come with other symptoms, including nausea or being sensitive to lights and sounds. During a migraine, it can be hard to do everyday activities because they can make the pain worse. It is also very common to feel unwell or irritable before the head pain starts and after the pain is gone.

Migraines occur when the nerves and other structures used in signaling and interpreting pain aren’t working properly, leading to pain and discomfort from stimulation that wouldn’t normally provoke this. There are many environmental and genetic factors that contribute to this dysfunction. Some people are born with a higher risk of developing migraines. Most people with migraines have someone in their family who also experiences them.

What can treat and prevent headaches?

Identifying what type of headache you’re experiencing is crucial to making sure it is treated properly. Because migraines can be severe, they’re the type of headache that most often leads to doctor’s visits for both kids and adults. There are several ways to reduce your chances of having headaches, such as drinking plenty of water and limiting caffeine. Eating, sleeping and exercising regularly are other ways you can help prevent headaches.

While painkillers like ibuprofen are often enough to relieve a headache, prescription medications are sometimes necessary to make head pain more bearable. Some medications can also help control or prevent headache episodes. Physical therapy to exercise the body or behavioral therapy to work on the mind can also help you manage headache pain. There are even electronic devices to treat headaches by stimulating different parts of the nervous system. It is important to talk with a doctor about headaches, especially if it’s a new problem or you experience a change in how they usually feel. Sometimes, brain imaging or blood tests are needed to rule out another health issue. Recognizing a headache problem early will help your doctor get started on helping you figure out the best way to treat it.

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Hello, curious kids! Do you have a question you’d like an expert to answer? Ask an adult to send your question to CuriousKidsUS@theconversation.com. Please tell us your name, age and the city where you live. And since curiosity has no age limit – adults, let us know what you’re wondering, too. We won’t be able to answer every question, but we will do our best. Katherine Cobb-Pitstick, Assistant Professor of Child Neurology, University of Pittsburgh This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

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Last Updated on March 20, 2026 by Daily News Staff

(Feature Impact) The first GLP-1 (Glucagon-Like Peptide-1) medication was approved for weight loss use more than a decade ago with new more effective versions being approved by the FDA over the past few years. As the use of these medications continues to rise, new research highlights the important role nutrition and lifestyle habits can play in supporting muscle, metabolism and long-term weight loss when using the medication.

Whether you’re new to GLP‑1s or navigating the next phase of your journey, small nutrition shifts powered by protein, fiber and hydration can help you feel strong, confident and supported.

Common side effects experienced by GLP-1 users are often digestive and include nausea, constipation, stomach pain, bloating and more. A pilot clinical trial by Atkins suggests pairing GLP‑1 use with targeted macronutrients, especially protein and fiber, may support healthier body composition and a lower-carb diet with higher protein and fiber intake is well tolerated.

Feast On Fiber
Digestive slow‑downs, including constipation, are among the most common GLP‑1 side effects. Prioritizing fiber not only helps food move comfortably through the body, it supports your gut health and steady energy. Many fibers are prebiotics, meaning they promote the growth of beneficial gut bacteria. Prioritize foods like apples, melon, berries, cruciferous vegetables and leafy greens to boost fiber intake.

Prioritize Protein
When your appetite changes, structure helps. Anchoring your day with reliable protein sources helps make nutrition easy. Prioritizing protein may help prevent lean muscle loss, and nutrient dense protein sources can help you get enough essential nutrients to support overall health. Supporting a protein- and fiber-rich diet can start with a solution like Atkins High Protein Shakes, which are packed with 30 grams of protein and 7 grams of prebiotic fiber and provide more than 20 essential vitamins and minerals.

Designed to be an ally for your nutritional goals, they’re gluten-free, low-glycemic and keto-friendly with 3 grams of net carbs and 1 gram of sugar per serving. Experts recommend making sure you’re consuming enough protein to help limit lean muscle loss when using a GLP-1 to lose weight.

Hydrate to Help Prevent Side Effects
GLP-1 users in particular are encouraged to prioritize fluids. Staying hydrated can help with both constipation and nausea, two common side effects. Drinking water helps support kidney and liver function, which are vital for weight loss and overall health. Adequate fluids help food move through your body, combat fatigue and replenish losses from potential nausea or constipation, preventing complications and improving tolerance to GLP-1s.

Eat Small, Frequent Meals
Large meals can feel uncomfortable when digestion slows. Instead, focus on smaller, more frequent eating moments that give your body a steady supply of nutrients without overwhelming your system.

For an easy, GLP‑1‑friendly option, try Atkins High Protein Bars, which are high in protein and fiber while minimizing net carbs. Available in flavors like Cookie Fusion, Chocolate Peanut Butter and Brownie Delight, they’re a satisfying way to stay fueled between meals and a simple solution when appetite cues are muted. The snacks are designed to take the guesswork out of choosing high‑protein, low‑carb options that support your goals.

Living well on a GLP‑1 is about support, confidence and clarity. Consuming adequate amounts of protein and fiber, staying hydrated and maintaining daily structure can help you feel energized and empowered every step of the way. By following nutritional guidelines and making mindful lifestyle choices, GLP-1 users can experience better outcomes on their weight loss journeys.

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To explore products that prioritize protein and fiber that can be a part of anyone’s daily diet, visit Atkins.com.

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