FDA Issues Warning Over Pet Food Recall Due to Salmonella and Listeria Contamination

Photo for illustrative purposes onlyPhoto byAyla VerschuerenonUnsplash

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a warning to pet owners today regarding the contamination of certain Answers Pet Food products. Tests revealed that two batches of dog food contained Salmonella, and a third tested positive for Listeria monocytogenes (L. mono). A fourth batch was found to contain both bacteria. These contaminants can pose serious health risks to both pets and their owners.

The affected products are sold in 4-pound cartons and include Answers Pet Food Raw Beef Detailed Formula for Dogs, Raw Beef Straight Formula, and Straight Chicken Formula for Dogs. The products are available online and in retail stores nationwide, and the FDA has recommended consumers dispose of the contaminated items immediately.

Although the FDA urged the company to issue a recall, Answers Pet Food has not yet taken sufficient action. Pet owners are advised to stop feeding the products to their dogs and to disinfect any surfaces the food or pets may have come in contact with.

Both Salmonella and L. mono can cause severe illness in pets and humans, particularly the young, elderly, or immunocompromised. Symptoms in pets include vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy, while humans may experience fever, muscle aches, and gastrointestinal distress.

For more information on identifying affected batches, cleaning procedures, and how to report related illnesses, pet owners are encouraged to visit the FDA's website or contact a veterinarian.

Additional information on the recall, including product photos can be found here.