UK pet owners are being urged to check their supplies immediately following an urgent recall notice from pet food manufacturer Viva Raw. The company has pulled specific batches of its raw dog and cat food over fears they may be contaminated with dangerous pathogens, including Listeria monocytogenes and Salmonella.
The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has issued a stark warning to consumers, stating that the affected products should not be fed to pets. Furthermore, they caution that these bacterial contaminants pose a serious risk to human health, particularly to those handling the food who may then accidentally ingest the bacteria or cross-contaminate kitchen surfaces.
Which Products Are Affected?
The recall affects specific batches of Viva Raw's frozen raw food products. Pet owners should look for the following batch codes and best before dates:
- Viva Turkey Complete: Batch codes 24168, 24169, 24170, 24171. Best before end of November 2024.
- Viva Turkey Complete: Batch code 24133. Best before end of October 2024.
What Are The Risks?
Consumption of food contaminated with Listeria or Salmonella can have severe consequences for both animals and humans.
- For Pets: Infection can lead to symptoms including vomiting, diarrhoea, lethargy, and fever. In severe cases, it can be life-threatening, especially for very young, old, or immunocompromised animals.
- For Humans: Handling contaminated food can lead to infection. Symptoms range from fever and muscle aches to more serious gastrointestinal issues. Listeria is particularly dangerous for pregnant women, the elderly, and individuals with weakened immune systems.
What Should You Do?
If you have purchased any of the affected products, the FSA advises you to:
- Stop feeding it to your pet immediately.
- Return the product to the store from which it was purchased for a full refund.
- Thoroughly clean and disinfect any surfaces, utensils, or pet bowls that may have come into contact with the recalled food.
- Wash your hands meticulously with soap and water after handling any pet food or touching surfaces.
If you or your pet are showing any signs of illness, contact a doctor or veterinarian promptly and inform them of the potential exposure.
This recall highlights the ongoing importance of practising good hygiene when handling raw pet food to protect the entire household from foodborne illnesses.
