Viva Raw LLC, headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, has voluntarily recalled two lots of its raw dog and cat food after routine testing revealed contamination with Salmonella and Listeria monocytogenes. While no illnesses have been reported so far, the recall affects pet health and also poses possible risks to humans through handling contaminated products.
Products Affected
The recall targets two specific lots:
- Lot 21495: Includes Viva Ground Beef for Dogs and Beef & Turkey for Puppies – associated with Listeria monocytogenes.
- Lot 21975: Includes Ground Chicken for Dogs, Chunked Chicken for Dogs, Chicken for Cats, and Pure Chicken – linked to Salmonella contamination.
Products were sold as frozen 1-pound bricks in clear vacuum packaging, with lot numbers printed on the top. Distribution occurred nationwide, both direct-to-consumer and via select retailers in New York, Illinois, South Carolina, Florida, Kansas, California, and Arizona, from July 2 to August 21, 2025.
Health Risks for Pets and People
Contaminated pet food can make animals sick, with symptoms including lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea (possibly bloody), fever, abdominal pain, or loss of appetite. Some pets may show no symptoms but become carriers and transmit pathogens through saliva or feces.
Human handlers are also at risk if proper hygiene isn’t maintained. Infected individuals may experience nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramping, diarrhea (or bloody), and fever. In rare cases, Salmonella and Listeria can cause severe complications like arterial infections, endocarditis, arthritis, muscle pain, urinary tract symptoms, or miscarriage in pregnant individuals. Young, elderly, and immunocompromised people are particularly vulnerable.
Cause of Recall and Detection
The contamination was detected by the North Carolina Department of Agriculture during routine product testing at Viva’s facility. Upon confirmation, Viva Raw acted promptly and collaborated with regulatory authorities to notify consumers and initiate the voluntary recall.
Viva Raw’s Response and Safety Measures
Viva Raw has communicated directly with affected customers and stressed that only the specified lots are involved. A detailed update highlighted the company’s previously implemented safety measures such as rigorous sampling, probiotics, sanitation protocols, and single-protein production, designed to detect and eliminate pathogens during manufacturing.
Following this incident, Viva is reviewing its testing, sanitation, and pathogen intervention methods with external experts and may adopt additional safety technologies to further safeguard product integrity.
What Pet Owners Should Do
If you have food from Lot 21495 or Lot 21975, do not feed it to pets, contact Viva Raw for a refund, and dispose of it safely, in a sealed bag where no children, pets, or wildlife can access it. Wash and sanitize any bowls, utensils, or storage containers that came into contact with the affected food, and wash your hands thoroughly afterward.
Monitor pets for symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, or fever. Pets may also act as asymptomatic carriers, so if any concerns arise, contact your veterinarian promptly.
Humans who handle the food should also watch for symptoms and seek medical advice if symptoms develop, especially those at higher risk or who are pregnant.
Broader Implications for Pet Food Safety
This recall underscores the vulnerability of raw pet foods to contamination, emphasizing the importance of robust testing and strict manufacturing hygiene. Pet food recalls not only threaten animal health but also raise human health risks through cross-species transmission.
Viva’s proactive response, collaborating with regulators, communicating clearly with consumers, and reviewing its safety protocols, provides a model approach. Still, the industry must continue improving standards around sampling, environmental testing, pathogen intervention strategies, and transparency.
Final Note
While no illnesses have yet been reported, the recall of Viva Raw’s pet food due to Salmonella and Listeria contamination serves as a critical reminder of the risks associated with raw pet diets. Vigilance, from manufacturer testing to consumer handling, is essential. By following recall instructions, monitoring pets, and practicing good hygiene, pet owners can protect both their animals and themselves.
