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The bacteria discovered in tests of the food could be hazardous to both pets and the humans feeding them.
WASHINGTON — A recall has been issued for dog and cat food sold throughout the U.S. due to potential contamination with salmonella and listeria.
On Monday, Charlotte-based Viva Raw LLC announced the recall, affecting products associated with two specific lot numbers, as detailed in a notice from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
Lot 21495 includes Viva Ground Beef for Dogs and Viva Beef & Turkey for Puppies. Meanwhile, Lot 21975 encompasses Viva Ground Chicken for Dogs, Viva Chunked Chicken for Dogs, Viva Chicken for Cats, and Viva Pure Chicken.
The recalled items were distributed nationwide straight to consumers between July 2 and August 21, with additional distribution to selected retailers in states such as New York, Illinois, South Carolina, Florida, Kansas, California, and Arizona. The exact number of packages affected remains undisclosed.
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.
Routine testing by the North Carolina Department of Agriculture uncovered the contamination, according to the company. So far, no related illnesses in humans or animals have been reported.
Salmonella and listeria are bacterial infections linked to raw meat consumption. These infections can threaten animals that consume the food or humans who come into contact with the food without proper handwashing and surface sanitization.
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.
