Dog, Cat Food Recall For Listeria Includes Florida

Credit: Jon Hathaway

Viva Raw LLC,  has initiated a voluntary recall of specific dog and cat food products due to potential contamination with Listeria monocytogenes. 

This recall poses a significant health risk to both people and pets.

Listeria monocytogenes can cause severe and sometimes fatal infections in pets consuming the contaminated products. Humans can become exposed to this pathogen through various means such as handling the contaminated products, contact with pets that have consumed the contaminated food, and contact with surfaces that have been in contact with the contaminated food, including bowls, utensils, or countertops. The risk of human illness increases if proper hygiene practices, such as thorough hand washing and surface cleaning, are not followed after handling the food or interacting with affected pets.

Healthy individuals infected with Listeria monocytogenes may experience symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, aches, fever, and diarrhea. Infections can escalate, spreading through the bloodstream to the nervous system and causing serious conditions like meningitis. Pregnant women are particularly vulnerable, as infection can lead to miscarriage. The elderly, young children, and those with weakened immune systems are also at greater risk. Anyone exhibiting symptoms after contact with the recalled products or pets should seek medical attention immediately.

While Listeria infections in pets are rare, symptoms can range from mild to severe diarrhea, anorexia, fever, nervous, muscular, and respiratory issues, to depression, shock, and even death. Pets can also carry and spread Listeria without showing symptoms. Owners should contact their veterinarians if their pets show any signs of illness after consuming the recalled products.

The products were distributed directly to consumers nationwide, including the District of Columbia. Only Lot 21244 is affected. Viva Raw is actively notifying customers who received these products between May 16 and June 28, 2024. To date, no illnesses related to this recall have been reported.

The recalled products are packaged as frozen 1 lb bricks in clear vacuum packaging. There are no expiration dates. Customers are advised to check the lot number on their products:

- Viva Turkey for Dogs Ground - Lot 21244

- Viva Turkey for Dogs Chunked - Lot 21244

- Viva Turkey for Cats - Lot 21244

- Viva Pure Turkey - Lot 21244

- Viva Beef & Turkey for Puppies - Lot 21244

The contamination was discovered during an inspection by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the North Carolina Department of Agriculture (NCDA). FDA tests confirmed the presence of Listeria monocytogenes in samples from Lot 21244, which were intended for destruction. However, some products from this lot were mistakenly released.

Consumers who have products from Lot 21244 should contact Viva Raw at [email protected] for a refund and ensure the food is destroyed safely. The FDA advises against handling the contaminated products with bare hands. Use gloves or paper towels to place the food in a sealed plastic bag and dispose of it in the garbage. Thoroughly sanitize any areas that may have come into contact with the contaminated product.

For more information or questions, contact Viva Raw at [email protected] or call/text (919) 371-8882 between 9:00 am and 5:00 pm EST, Monday to Friday.