Hillsborough, North Carolina – A far-reaching recall has been initiated by Viva Raw, an online pet food subscription site, due to concerns over bacterial contamination in several of its products. The recall impacts five items produced under the same lot that has been exposed to Listeria monocytogenes, a bacterium that poses health risks for both humans and pets, as per information released by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
The products subject to the recall include Viva Turkey for Dogs Ground, Viva Turkey for Dogs Chunked, Viva Turkey for Cats, Viva Pure Turkey, and Viva Beef & Turkey for Puppies, all of which were manufactured under Lot 21244. These products were distributed nationwide to customers across all 50 states and the District of Columbia by Viva Raw, an online service that delivers fresh dog and cat food to customers on a scheduled subscription basis.
After conducting sample testing on Viva Turkey for Dogs, the FDA detected the presence of Listeria in samples from Lot 21244, prompting the recall. The company explained that while all products from the affected batch were intended for disposal, some items were inadvertently released to customers. Viva Raw is reaching out to customers who received any Turkey or Beef & Turkey for Puppies products between May 16th and June 28th, 2024, emphasizing that there have been no reported illnesses associated with this batch.
The recalled products are frozen, one-pound bricks that come in clear packaging without an expiration date listed. According to the FDA, Listeria can lead to serious and sometimes fatal infections in pets and humans. Humans can be exposed to the bacteria by handling contaminated products or coming into contact with pets that have consumed the recalled items, emphasizing the importance of thorough handwashing and cleaning contaminated surfaces.
Symptoms of Listeria infection in humans may include nausea, vomiting, fever, diarrhea, and aches, with pregnant women, the elderly, and individuals with weakened immune systems at higher risk. While pet illnesses from Listeria infection are rare, animals may exhibit symptoms ranging from mild to severe, including diarrhea, anorexia, fever, and respiratory issues, among others.
Customers who have purchased the recalled products are advised to contact Viva Raw for a refund and are instructed to dispose of the items to prevent access by children, pets, or wildlife. The FDA recommends handling the contaminated products with gloves or paper towels, sealing them in a plastic bag, and sanitizing any areas that may have come in contact with the items. Donation or sale of the recalled products is strongly discouraged to prevent further exposure.