The United States Department of Justice (DOJ) filed a lawsuit on August 7 against Arrow Reliance Inc., a Washington-based pet food manufacturer, and its owner, Gary T. Tashjian. The lawsuit aims to permanently prevent the company from producing and selling what the DOJ describes as ‘adulterated’ pet food products.
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The civil complaint, submitted to the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington, claims that Arrow Reliance, which operates under the name Darwin’s Natural Pet Products, has violated federal law by failing to implement required preventive controls, resulting in the contamination of uncooked pet food.
The DOJ asserts that Arrow Reliance did not meet the necessary food safety controls mandated by the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act. The lawsuit seeks a permanent injunction requiring improvements in sanitation and compliance with federal safety standards before the company can resume manufacturing or distributing pet food.
Between 2017 and 2025, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) conducted tests on finished pet food products and found contamination with pathogenic bacteria such as Salmonella, Listeria monocytogenes, and Shiga toxin-producing E. coli. In a 2024 inspection, FDA officials also identified Salmonella within the company's Tukwila facility.
The lawsuit highlights instances of consumer infections linked to Arrow Reliance's products over several years. Notably, in 2024, a four-year-old child contracted an E. coli infection and developed Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome after exposure to pet food given to the family dog. Independent bacterial testing on unopened food packages from the home confirmed the presence of both Salmonella and E. coli.
Salmonella, Listeria, and E. coli infections in healthy adults often lead to symptoms like diarrhea and vomiting. These pathogens can be particularly harmful to vulnerable populations, including pregnant women, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems. Exposure to Listeria can also lead to miscarriages and stillbirths.
Assistant Attorney General Brett A. Shumate stated that pet food manufacturers need to ensure the safety of their products, underscoring the importance of protecting consumers who frequently handle pet food. The DOJ plans to work alongside the FDA to take action against manufacturers that fail to uphold sanitary standards.
Dr. Timothy Schell, director of the FDA’s Center for Veterinary Medicine, emphasized that all pet owners deserve assurance regarding the safety of pet food, noting that despite several FDA warnings, Arrow Reliance continues to distribute products that are contaminated with harmful bacteria.