Recall alert: Viva Raw Pet Food has recalled 9,760 pounds of raw dog and cat food because of listeria and salmonella contamination.
The recall was prompted by a consumer complaint, which subsequently led the FDA to acquire and test samples of the food from lot #22853. This may indicate a lapse in quality control at the manufacturing facility.
This particular lot was distributed between October 24, 2023, and December 6, 2023. The Viva Raw Recall was initiated on January 27th, 2024.
Information about the recall can be found in this document from Viva Raw.
Viva Raw Recall for Salmonella & Listeria
Salmonella can cause illness in both animals who consume the contaminated products and humans who handle them, posing a risk to both pet owners and their pets.
Listeria is a type of bacteria that can cause a foodborne illness called listeriosis when consumed.
Dogs can suffer from Listeria and Salmonella poisoning.
While it is more commonly associated with humans, dogs can become infected with Listeria or salmonella bacteria if they consume contaminated food, particularly raw or undercooked meat, or other foods contaminated with the bacteria.
Symptoms may include diarrhea, vomiting, fever, lethargy, and, in severe cases, neurological symptoms. If you suspect your dog may have consumed contaminated food, it’s important to consult a veterinarian for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Dogs can shed food-borne pathogens in their saliva and stool; when handling and feeding raw pet food it is important to use good hygiene and sanitation practices.
Studies indicate that while salmonella, listeria, and E. coli have been detected in both raw and dry pet foods, the strains found in raw pet food are more frequently resistant to drugs.
Additionally, raw pet food is much more likely to contain potentially harmful bacteria and pathogens than dry pet food.
On their website, Viva Raw states “We use validated hurdle methods such as an organic lactic acid spray on all of meat & vegetable ingredients and monitor our product temperature to stay within 28-32F during production. Finally, we test each batch of food for Salmonella, E. Coli, and Listeria monocytogenes & swab our production area regularly for Listeria monocytogenes as well.“
If you believe your pet has been made sick by Viva Raw or any other pet food, contact your veterinarian and submit a report to the FDA HERE.