Hillsborough, North Carolina-based Viva Raw LLC has issued a voluntary recall of several dog and cat food products due to potential Listeria monocytogenes (“Listeria”) contamination. Listeria is a bacterium that can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections, particularly in vulnerable populations such as young children, the elderly, and individuals with compromised immune systems.
Background
The contamination was discovered during a facility inspection 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 all product from Lot 21244 was scheduled for destruction, some product from this lot was mistakenly released from the company’s warehouse.
Viva Raw is actively notifying all customers who received Turkey or Beef & Turkey for Puppies products between May 16th and June 28th, 2024. The affected products were distributed directly to consumers nationwide.
Product Details
| PRODUCT: | LOT# |
| Viva Turkey for Dogs Ground | 21244 |
| Viva Turkey for Dogs Chunked | 21244 |
| Viva Turkey for Cats | 21244 |
| Viva Pure Turkey | 21244 |
| Viva Beef & Turkey for Puppies | 21244 |
Consumer Action
Consumers who have purchased these products are urged to check for Lot 21244 on the packaging. If found, contact Viva Raw at [email protected] for a refund.
The affected product should be safely disposed of to prevent access by children, pets, or wildlife.
The FDA advises against handling the contaminated food with bare hands and recommends using gloves or paper towels to place it in a sealed plastic bag before disposal.
Health Risks
As of now, no illnesses related to this lot have been reported. However, pet owners who suspect their animals have consumed the recalled products and are showing symptoms should consult their veterinarian immediately. Similarly, individuals experiencing symptoms of Listeria infection after contact with the recalled products or infected pets should seek medical attention.
This recall is particularly concerning as Listeria monocytogenes poses a significant health risk to both pets and humans. The bacteria can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in animals consuming contaminated products. Moreover, humans can be exposed through handling the products, contact with infected pets, or interaction with contaminated surfaces.
For humans, Listeria infection symptoms may 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 especially vulnerable.
While Listeria infections in pets are rare, they can manifest as 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 show symptoms but can still act as carriers, potentially spreading the bacteria to humans and other animals in the household.
Commenting on this story, one national food safety attorney said, “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 with disposing of any found product and keep it out of children’s hands.”
