Pet food recalled for danger to animals—and people

LANSING, Mich. (WLNS) — Pet food company Viva Raw issued a voluntary recall on Wednesday after discovering that some of its products are contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes , which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in both animals and people, according to the Food and Drug Administration.

The company is only recalling products manufactured under Lot 21244, including:

• Viva Turkey for Dogs Ground
• Viva Turkey for Dogs Chunked
• Viva Turkey for Cats
• Viva Pure Turkey
• Viva Beef & Turkey for Puppies

The contamination was discovered during an FDA inspection of a production facility. All products produced under Lot 21244 were scheduled to be destroyed, but some of the products were accidentally released from the warehouse.

Infection with Listeria monocytogenes can cause symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, aches, fever, and diarrhea. The infection can spread through the bloodstream to the nervous system, including the brain, which can result in meningitis or other potentially fatal illnesses. The infection also poses a high risk for pregnancies, as it can result in miscarriage.

The FDA says that children, the elderly, and immunocompromised individuals are more vulnerable to infection.

Pets infected with Listeria monocytogenes may display symptoms such as diarrhea, anorexia, fever, miscarriage, depression, shock, and even death. Pets exposed to contaminated food can also show no symptoms, transmitting Listeria monocytogenes through their feces and saliva.

Here are the FDA guidelines on what to do in the case of discovering recalled product in your home:

If you find that you have products from Lot 21244 , please contact Viva Raw at info@vivarawpets.com for a refund on any remaining product—you should then destroy the food in a way that children, pets, and wildlife cannot access. Do not feed the recalled product to pets or any other animals.

FDA recommends humans do not touch the contaminated food product with bare hands. While wearing gloves or using paper towels, place the contaminated food in a sealed plastic bag and throw it in the garbage. Areas that may have come in contact with the contaminated product should be sanitized. Do not sell or donate the recalled products.

Food and Drug Administration, July 1, 2024.

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