(IntegrityPress.org) – Due to a potential bacterial risk, two recalls have been ordered on pet food made for cats, dogs, as well as hedgehogs – animals that could possibly fall ill or die from the products.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a recall notice on Monday, July 1, for products produced by Viva Raw LLC for dogs and cats after they were alerted to a potential contamination that could cause illness in affected animals and possibly even death. The products from the company based out of Hillsborough, North Carolina, were recalled due to the risk of listeria monocytogenes contamination, a bacteria that could harm pets as well as humans.
The affected products all came from the same lot, numbered 21244, and include Viva Turkey for Dogs (ground and chunked), Viva Turkey for Cats, Viva Pure Turkey, and Viva Beef and Turkey for Puppies. The five products from the lot, the only one the FDA warns against, were produced between May 16 and June 28, and sold throughout the country, in all 50 states.
According to the notice, although serious and fatal infections are rare, pets are still at risk and those infected would show symptoms such as fever, diarrhea, anorexia, respiratory issues, muscular spasms, nervousness, depression, miscarriage, and even death.
The notice also warned that even if no symptoms emerge, an infected animal can still carry the bacteria and spread it to other hosts, including pet owners. Humans infected by listeria monocytogenes would show similar symptoms, such as fever, vomiting, diarrhea, and body aches. The bacteria also increases the risk of meningitis and could cause other issues, including miscarriage, making pregnant women particularly at risk.
The hedgehog food recall was a separate incident in Weston, Ohio, where a batch of Vitakraft Sun Seed Inc. products were flagged for potential Salmonella contamination.
As of this report, no cases of infection or death have emerged related to the possible contamination, but the FDA continues to monitor the situation. According to a report from May, pet food recalls have been on the rise.
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