The bacteria discovered in tests of the food could be hazardous to both pets and the humans feeding them.
WASHINGTON — Dog and cat food sold across the U.S. is being recalled over concerns that the packages could be contaminated with salmonella and listeria.
The recall was issued by Charlotte-based Viva Raw LLC on Monday, and includes products sold under two lot numbers, according to a notice posted by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
Lot 21495 contains products sold as Viva Ground Beef for Dogs and Viva Beef & Turkey for Puppies. Lot 21975 was sold as Viva Ground Chicken for Dogs, Viva Chunked Chicken for Dogs, Viva Chicken for Cats and Viva Pure Chicken.
The products were distributed nationwide directly to consumers between July 2 and Aug. 21, and to select retailers in New York, Illinois, South Carolina, Florida, Kansas, California and Arizona. It’s unclear exactly how many packages were included in the recall.
The raw pet foods were sold frozen in 1-pound bricks in clear, vacuum-sealed packaging, with lot numbers printed on the top of the packages.
The contamination was identified during routine testing conducted by the North Carolina Department of Agriculture, according to the company. No illnesses in pets or people connected to the affected products have been reported.
Salmonella and listeria are two bacterial infections that can be caused by consuming raw meat. The infections can pose a risk to animals that eat the food, or to humans who handle it without washing their hands and sanitizing surfaces the meat has touched.
Human Symptoms
For both diseases, symptoms in people include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramping and fever. More severe cases may lead to arterial infections, endocarditis, arthritis, muscle pain, eye irritation or urinary tract issues.
Pregnant women are particularly vulnerable to listeria, which can cause miscarriage.
Pet Symptoms
Pets who contract either infection may develop lethargy, diarrhea, fever and vomiting, though some may show only reduced appetite and abdominal pain.
Infected but otherwise healthy pets can spread the bacteria to other animals or humans.
What should I do if I have recalled pet food?
Anybody who has purchased Viva Raw pet food should check the lot number written on the packaging. If that number is 21495 or 21975, customers should stop using the pet food immediately and dispose of it in a way that wildlife can’t get ahold of it.
The recalled products should not be sold, donated or fed to any animals.
Customers are also encouraged to wash and sanitize pet food bowls, storage containers or anything that may have come into contact with the recalled meat.
Anybody with questions about the recall can contact Viva Raw by email at info@vivarawpets.com or by calling or texting (919) 371-8882 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. EST Monday to Friday.
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