Maker: Viva Raw, LLC
Cause: Listeria monocytogenes
Announcement: FDA recall announcement dated July 1, 2024 (archived here).
What was recalled: Dog food and cat food for Lot 21244 distributed across all 50 U.S. states
What did Viva Raw Pets Recall on July 1, 2024
On July 1, 2024, Viva Raw LLC, based in Hillsborough, NC, issued a voluntary recall for several of their raw dog and cat food products due to potential contamination with Listeria monocytogenes. The affected products include:
- Viva Turkey for Dogs Ground
- Viva Turkey for Dogs Chunked
- Viva Turkey for Cats
- Viva Pure Turkey
- Viva Beef & Turkey for Puppies
All these products fall under Lot 21244. This recall is a precautionary measure following the detection of Listeria monocytogenes during an inspection conducted by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the North Carolina Department of Agriculture (NCDA).
Listeria Monocytogenes Health Risks
Listeria monocytogenes is a serious pathogen that can cause severe infections in both pets and humans. Pets consuming contaminated food may exhibit symptoms ranging from mild to severe diarrhea, anorexia, fever, and more severe conditions such as nervous, muscular, and respiratory signs. In extreme cases, it can lead to miscarriage, depression, shock, or death. Infected pets, even if asymptomatic, can shed the bacteria through their feces and saliva, posing a risk to humans and other animals in the household.
For humans, especially those with weakened immune systems, the elderly, young children, and pregnant women, exposure to Listeria monocytogenes can lead to serious health issues such as nausea, vomiting, aches, fever, diarrhea, and in severe cases, meningitis and other potentially fatal conditions. Pregnant women are particularly vulnerable, with infections potentially resulting in miscarriage.
Recalled Viva Raw Product Details
The recalled products were distributed directly to consumers across all fifty states and the District of Columbia. They are packaged as frozen 1 lb bricks in clear vacuum packaging without expiration dates. The affected lot number is 21244, and the products were shipped between May 16 and June 28, 2024.
Actions for Consumers
Consumers who have purchased any of the recalled products are advised to check for the lot number 21244. If found, they should contact Viva Raw at [email protected] for a refund and then destroy the product in a manner that prevents access by children, pets, and wildlife. It is crucial not to feed the recalled products to pets or any other animals.
The FDA recommends handling contaminated products with gloves or paper towels, placing them in a sealed plastic bag before disposal, and thoroughly sanitizing any surfaces that may have come into contact with the product.
For further information, consumers can reach Viva Raw LLC at (919) 371-8882 or via email at [email protected]. Customer service is available Monday to Friday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm EST.
Summary
Viva Raw LLC is committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of pets and their owners. No illnesses related to this recall have been reported to date. This proactive measure underscores the company’s dedication to maintaining the highest standards of food safety.
For any concerns or questions, do not hesitate to contact Viva Raw LLC.
We urge our readers to spread the word about this recall, ensuring the safety of pets and pet owners alike. Stay informed and stay safe!
View other recent pet food recalls here, and if you have not done so already, we urge you to sign up now for Petful’s FREE recall alerts by email. Our free alerts are saving pets’ lives.
There were more pet food recalls in 2024.
See the previous dog food recall:
See the previous cat food recall:
(Or browse recalls by brand name)