Viva Raw LLC has announced a voluntary recall of specific batches of its raw dog and cat food products due to potential contamination with Listeria monocytogenes. This recall affects several Viva brand raw food options, and pet owners who have purchased these products are urged to take immediate action to ensure the safety of themselves and their pets.
The recalled Viva Raw Cat Food and dog food products were distributed across all fifty states and the District of Columbia directly to consumers. The concern stems from the possible presence of Listeria monocytogenes, a bacterium that poses significant health risks to both animals and humans.
Understanding the Viva Raw Recall: Which Products Are Affected?
The recall specifically involves products manufactured under Lot 21244. This lot includes the following Viva Raw product lines:
- Viva Turkey for Dogs Ground
- Viva Turkey for Dogs Chunked
- Viva Turkey for Cats
- Viva Pure Turkey
- Viva Beef & Turkey for Puppies
These raw pet food products are packaged as frozen 1 lb bricks in clear vacuum packaging. It’s important for consumers to check their freezers for products matching these descriptions and, crucially, the lot number 21244. This information is vital as only this specific lot is subject to the recall. Viva Raw has been proactively contacting customers who received shipments of these turkey and beef & turkey products between May 16th and June 28th, 2024.
The Serious Risks of Listeria Monocytogenes in Raw Cat Food and Pet Food
Listeria monocytogenes is a bacterium that can cause listeriosis, a serious infection. While Listeria infections in pets are less common, they can still occur and present with symptoms like diarrhea (ranging from mild to severe), loss of appetite (anorexia), fever, and in severe cases, neurological, muscular, or respiratory issues. Pregnant animals can suffer miscarriages, and in the most critical situations, pets can experience shock and even death. Alarmingly, pets can be infected and carry Listeria without showing any outward signs, shedding the bacteria in their feces and saliva, thus contaminating the home environment and potentially infecting humans and other pets.
For humans, especially those with weakened immune systems, pregnant women, young children, and the elderly, Listeria infection can be particularly dangerous. Symptoms in humans can include nausea, vomiting, aches, fever, and diarrhea. In more severe cases, the infection can spread to the nervous system, leading to meningitis and other life-threatening conditions. Pregnant women face the risk of miscarriage due to Listeria infection.
What Steps to Take If You Have Recalled Viva Raw Cat Food
If you have purchased any Viva Raw cat food or dog food products, immediately check the packaging for the lot number 21244. If you find this lot number on any of the listed product types, follow these crucial steps:
- Do Not Feed It: Absolutely do not feed the recalled viva raw cat food or dog food to your pets or any other animals.
- Safe Disposal is Key: Handle the product carefully. The FDA recommends avoiding bare hand contact. Use gloves or paper towels to place the contaminated food in a sealed plastic bag before discarding it in the garbage, ensuring it is inaccessible to children, pets, and wildlife.
- Sanitize: Thoroughly sanitize any surfaces that may have come into contact with the recalled pet food, including food bowls, utensils, countertops, and freezers.
- Contact Viva Raw for a Refund: Reach out to Viva Raw at [email protected] to arrange a refund for any remaining recalled product.
If your pet has consumed the recalled viva raw cat food or dog food and is exhibiting symptoms of Listeria infection, such as those mentioned earlier, contact your veterinarian immediately. Similarly, if you are experiencing symptoms of listeriosis after handling the recalled product or being in contact with a pet that consumed it, consult your healthcare provider.
Viva Raw’s Commitment to Safety and Contact Information
This recall was initiated after routine facility inspections by the FDA and the North Carolina Department of Agriculture discovered Listeria monocytogenes in samples of Viva Turkey for Dogs from Lot 21244. While all products from this lot were intended for destruction, some were inadvertently released.
Viva Raw is taking this matter very seriously and is committed to the safety of pets and their owners. For any questions or concerns regarding this recall, consumers can contact Viva Raw directly:
- Email: [email protected]
- Phone/Text: (919) 371-8882 (Monday to Friday, 9:00 am – 5:00 pm EST)
It is critical for pet owners to act promptly if they have purchased the recalled viva raw cat food or dog food to mitigate any potential health risks associated with Listeria contamination. Always prioritize pet food safety and follow recall instructions carefully.
