Raw pet food products from Charlotte-based Viva Raw have been recalled across the United States after routine testing detected salmonella and listeria contamination. The recall includes products sold directly to customers as well as through retail locations in Florida, South Carolina, California, Illinois, New York, and Arizona.
According to a recall notice posted by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), “Salmonella and listeria can affect animals eating the products and there is risk to humans from handling contaminated pet products, especially if they have not thoroughly washed their hands after having contact with the products or any surfaces exposed to these products,” Viva Raw’s FDA-posted recall notice said.
The affected products are lot No. 21495—Viva Raw’s Ground Beef for Dogs and Beef & Turkey Recipe for Puppies—and lot No. 21975—Ground Chicken for Dogs; Chunked Chicken for Dogs; Chicken for Cats; and Pure Chicken. These items were distributed between July 2 and last Thursday in one-pound vacuum-packed bricks.
The North Carolina Department of Agriculture discovered the contamination during routine testing. In response, Viva Raw stated on its website: “Given the sample results from NCDA, we have launched a thorough investigation into our product testing, sanitation procedures & pathogen intervention, and will be exploring additional technologies to see where we can add more safeguards. As always, we will continue sharing our learnings and updates with our community.”
Customers who purchased these recalled foods are advised to email Viva Raw at info@vivarawpets.com for a refund on any remaining product. The company also recommends disposing of the food in a way that prevents pets from accessing it.
