Charlotte, North Carolina — August 25, 2025 — Viva Raw LLC has issued a voluntary nationwide recall of certain frozen raw dog and cat food products due to contamination risks from Salmonella and Listeria monocytogenes. The recall was announced after routine testing by the North Carolina Department of Agriculture detected potential bacterial contamination.
Products Recalled
The affected products include items from Lot 21495 and Lot 21975, all sold between July 2 and August 21, 2025:
- Viva Ground Beef for Dogs
- Viva Beef & Turkey for Puppies
- Viva Ground Chicken for Dogs
- Viva Chunked Chicken for Dogs
- Viva Chicken for Cats
- Viva Pure Chicken
Each product was packaged as 1-pound frozen bricks in clear vacuum-sealed bags, with the lot number printed on the package top. Distribution covered direct-to-consumer sales nationwide, as well as retail outlets in New York, Illinois, South Carolina, Florida, Kansas, California, and Arizona.
Health Risks
The recall was issued as a precaution, and no human or pet illnesses have yet been reported. However, the risks are significant:
- Pets may experience lethargy, fever, diarrhea (sometimes bloody), vomiting, abdominal pain, and loss of appetite. Even if asymptomatic, infected pets can shed bacteria and spread it to humans or other animals.
- Humans handling contaminated food risk diarrhea, fever, abdominal cramps, nausea, and vomiting. Severe cases may lead to arterial infections, arthritis, or urinary issues. Pregnant women face a heightened risk of miscarriage or stillbirth from Listeria.
Consumer Guidance
Pet owners who purchased products from either recalled lot should:
- Stop using the food immediately.
- Dispose of it safely—do not donate or continue feeding it.
- Request a full refund by contacting Viva Raw’s customer support.
- Sanitize bowls, containers, utensils, and surfaces that may have come into contact with the recalled food.
- Wash hands thoroughly after handling pet food or cleanup.
- Seek veterinary care if pets show symptoms; consult a doctor if human illness occurs.
Wider Pattern of Pet Food Recalls
This recall follows several other recent safety alerts in the pet food industry. Earlier in 2025, Blue Ridge Beef recalled its “Kitten Mix” and “Puppy Mix” due to similar contamination concerns. Experts warn that raw pet food, while popular among owners seeking a “natural diet,” carries higher risks of harboring pathogens without proper handling.
The Bottom Line
Pet owners are urged to remain vigilant, check lot numbers on any Viva Raw products, and follow FDA safety recommendations. While no illnesses have been confirmed, the presence of Salmonella and Listeria in pet food poses a dual risk to both pets and humans, underscoring the importance of strict food safety oversight in the rapidly growing raw pet food market.
