An image displays sample labels from the recalled Viva Raw pet food products. FDA
A North Carolina-based pet food company has announced a nationwide recall of certain dog and cat food products due to potential contamination. The company, Viva Raw, says the products may contain salmonella and listeria monocytogenes, both of which can affect animals and humans.
The recall, announced Monday, involves two production lots. Lot 21495 includes Viva Ground Beef for Dogs and Viva Beef & Turkey for Puppies. Lot 21975 includes Viva Ground Chicken for Dogs, Viva Chunked Chicken for Dogs, Viva Chicken for Cats, and Viva Pure Chicken.
Health Risks for Pets and People
According to the recall notice, both salmonella and listeria can cause illness in pets and pose health risks to humans who handle the contaminated food. People are at risk if they touch the food or any surfaces exposed to it without properly washing their hands.
Symptoms in humans can include nausea, vomiting, fever, abdominal cramping, and diarrhea. In rare cases, infections may lead to serious conditions like endocarditis, arterial infections, or arthritis. Pregnant women are especially vulnerable to listeria, which can cause miscarriage.
Pets may show signs such as diarrhea, bloody stools, vomiting, loss of appetite, fever, or abdominal pain. Infected pets can also spread bacteria to household members even if they appear healthy.
Where the Food Was Distributed
Viva Raw says the recalled food was shipped directly to customers nationwide. It also went to retailers in Arizona, California, Florida, Illinois, Kansas, New York, and South Carolina.
The products come in frozen one-pound vacuum-sealed packages, with lot numbers printed at the top of each pack. No human or animal illnesses have been reported as of Monday.
The contamination was discovered during routine testing by the North Carolina Department of Agriculture.
What Consumers Should Do
Customers are advised to take immediate precautions. Anyone with recalled products should not feed them to pets, donate, or sell them. The food should be discarded in a secure way so that children, pets, and wildlife cannot access it.
Pet owners should wash and sanitize all food bowls, utensils, and containers that touched the recalled food. They should also wash their hands thoroughly after handling the products.
Consumers experiencing symptoms after handling the food should contact a healthcare provider. Pet owners who notice symptoms in their animals should seek veterinary care.
Refunds and Company Response
Viva Raw says customers can receive a refund for the recalled products. Anyone with questions can email [email protected] or call/text (919) 371-8882 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET, Monday to Friday.
The company added that it issued the recall voluntarily to protect pets and families across Canada and the United States.
