Hillsborough, NC—Viva Raw LLC has announced a voluntary recall of several dog and cat food products following the discovery of potential Listeria monocytogenes contamination. Listeria is a bacterium known to cause serious, sometimes fatal infections, particularly in young children, the elderly, and those with compromised immune systems.
Contamination Discovery
The contamination was identified during an inspection conducted by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the North Carolina Department of Agriculture (NCDA). Testing of Viva Turkey for Dogs samples from Lot 21244 confirmed the presence of Listeria. Although the company had scheduled all products from Lot 21244 for destruction, some were inadvertently released from the warehouse.
Viva Raw is actively reaching out to customers who received Turkey or Beef & Turkey for Puppies products between May 16 and June 28, 2024. The affected products were distributed directly to consumers nationwide.
Consumer Advisory
Consumers are advised to dispose of the affected products safely, ensuring they are kept out of reach of children, pets, and wildlife. The FDA recommends handling the contaminated food with gloves or paper towels, placing it in a sealed plastic bag before disposal.
Health Risks
To date, no illnesses related to this lot have been reported. However, pet owners who suspect their pets have consumed the recalled products and are exhibiting symptoms should contact their veterinarian immediately. Individuals experiencing symptoms of Listeria infection after contact with the recalled products or infected pets should seek medical attention promptly.
Listeria monocytogenes poses significant health risks to both pets and humans. In animals, consumption of contaminated products can lead to severe and sometimes fatal infections. Humans can be exposed through handling contaminated food, contact with infected pets, or contaminated surfaces.
Symptoms of Listeria infection in humans include nausea, vomiting, aches, fever, and diarrhea. In severe cases, the infection can spread to the nervous system, leading to meningitis and other life-threatening conditions. Pregnant women, young children, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems are particularly vulnerable.
In pets, Listeria infections, though rare, can result in mild to severe diarrhea, loss of appetite, fever, and various nervous, muscular, and respiratory symptoms. In extreme cases, it can lead to miscarriage, depression, shock, and death. Importantly, infected pets may not exhibit symptoms but can still act as carriers, potentially spreading the bacteria to humans and other animals in the household.
Expert Opinion
A national food safety attorney commented on the recall, noting, “Last week saw a similar recall. Because humans can be infected by the contaminated pet food, I recommend that parents and caregivers take extra care in disposing of any found product and keep it out of children’s hands.”
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