FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Viva Raw LLC of Hillsborough, NC, has announced a voluntary recall of select raw dog and cat food products due to potential contamination with Listeria monocytogenes. This recall, issued on July 1, 2024, is a precautionary measure to protect both pet and human health.
The affected products are all from Lot 21244 and include the following Viva brand raw food varieties:
- Viva Turkey for Dogs Ground
- Viva Turkey for Dogs Chunked
- Viva Turkey for Cats
- Viva Pure Turkey
- Viva Beef & Turkey for Puppies
Listeria monocytogenes is a bacterium that can cause serious infection in both animals and humans. Pets consuming contaminated food can develop listeriosis, and humans are at risk through handling the food, contact with infected pets, or touching contaminated surfaces.
Risks to Pets
While Listeria infections in pets are not common, symptoms can be severe. Infected animals may exhibit:
- Diarrhea (mild to severe)
- Anorexia (loss of appetite)
- Fever
- Neurological signs
- Muscle weakness
- Respiratory distress
- Miscarriage in pregnant animals
- Depression
- Shock
- In severe cases, death
It’s important to note that pets can be infected and shed Listeria in their feces and saliva without showing any outward signs of illness, potentially spreading the bacteria within the household to humans and other pets. If your pet has consumed recalled Viva Raw Cat Food or dog food and is showing these symptoms, consult your veterinarian immediately.
Risks to Humans
Humans can contract listeriosis from handling contaminated pet food, interacting with infected pets, or through cross-contamination in food preparation areas. Healthy individuals may experience symptoms such as:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Muscle aches
- Fever
- Diarrhea
However, Listeria infection can be particularly dangerous for vulnerable populations. Pregnant women, young children, the elderly, and individuals with weakened immune systems are at higher risk of severe complications. In these groups, Listeria can spread to the nervous system, leading to meningitis and other life-threatening conditions, and can cause miscarriage in pregnant women. Anyone experiencing symptoms after contact with the recalled product or a pet that has eaten it should seek medical attention promptly.
Product Distribution and Identification
The recalled viva raw cat food and dog food products were distributed directly to consumers across all 50 U.S. states and the District of Columbia. The recall affects only products from Lot 21244. Viva Raw is contacting customers who received shipments of Turkey or Beef & Turkey for Puppies products between May 16th and June 28th, 2024.
The products are packaged as frozen 1 lb bricks in clear vacuum packaging. There are no expiration dates printed on the products. Consumers should check the lot number on the product packaging to determine if they have purchased recalled items.
| PRODUCT: | LOT# |
|---|---|
| Viva Turkey for Dogs Ground | 21244 |
| Viva Turkey for Dogs Chunked | 21244 |
| Viva Turkey for Cats | 21244 |
| Viva Pure Turkey | 21244 |
| Viva Beef & Turkey for Puppies | 21244 |
Discovery of Contamination and Recall Actions
The Listeria monocytogenes contamination was discovered during a routine facility inspection by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the North Carolina Department of Agriculture (NCDA). FDA testing confirmed Listeria in samples of Viva Turkey for Dogs from Lot 21244. While all products from this lot were intended for destruction, some product was inadvertently released into distribution.
Consumer Instructions
Consumers who have purchased viva raw cat food or dog food products with Lot 21244 should take the following steps:
- Do not feed the recalled product to pets or other animals.
- Contact Viva Raw at [email protected] for a full refund of any remaining product.
- Safely destroy the recalled food to prevent access by children, pets, and wildlife. The FDA recommends handling the contaminated food with gloves or paper towels, sealing it in a plastic bag, and disposing of it in the garbage.
- Thoroughly sanitize any surfaces that may have come into contact with the recalled product, including food bowls, utensils, and countertops.
- Do not sell or donate recalled products.
Contact Information
For questions or concerns, consumers can contact Viva Raw directly:
- Email: [email protected]
- Phone/Text: (919) 371-8882 (Monday to Friday, 9:00 am – 5:00 pm EST)
Viva Raw LLC is taking this recall very seriously and is committed to the safety of pets and their owners. The company is working closely with the FDA and NCDA to ensure all recalled product is removed from distribution and to prevent future incidents.
