Illinois Pet Owners: Recalled Pet Food Could Make You and Your Pet Sick

As pet owners, we really do want the best for our pets. They're a part of the family after all, which is why we need to pay extra attention to what we're feeding our dogs and cats. Especially when a massive recall could be the difference between illness, vet bills, and even death. Even worse, this latest recalled food item can also infect pet owners after providing the product to their pets.

Viva Raw, a pet food company based in Charlotte, North Carolina, has voluntarily recalled two lots of its frozen dog and cat foods after routine testing by the North Carolina Department of Agriculture turned up contamination with Salmonella and Listeria monocytogenes. While no illnesses have been reported so far, the risk is real. Not only for pets, but also for the owners.

Here’s what Illinois pet owners need to know. The recall affects Lot 21495 (Viva Ground Beef for Dogs; Viva Beef & Turkey for Puppies) and Lot 21975 (Viva Ground Chicken for Dogs; Viva Chunked Chicken for Dogs; Viva Chicken for Cats; Viva Pure Chicken).

The products come in one-pound frozen bricks, sealed in clear vacuum packaging. They were sold directly to customers nationwide and to select retailers, including in Illinois.

Other states were also affected, including New York, South Carolina, Florida, Kansas, California, and Arizona.

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So why does this matter so much? For pets, eating contaminated food can lead to vomiting, diarrhea (sometimes bloody), fever, loss of appetite, and abdominal pain. In some cases, otherwise healthy pets may not show strong symptoms but can still carry the bacteria and spread it to other animals, even to you.

For people, the symptoms are similar: nausea, cramps, diarrhea, and fever. Infections can become serious for young children, elderly people, those with weakened immune systems, and pregnant women. Listeria in particular can cause pregnancy complications and even miscarriage. That’s why the FDA is urging pet owners to take this recall seriously.

If you bought these Viva Raw products, check the lot number printed on the top of the package. If it matches 21495 or 21975, do not feed it to your pets. Dispose of it safely so other animals can’t get to it. Wash your hands thoroughly after handling, and make sure to clean and sanitize food bowls, utensils, and any storage containers.

For refunds or questions, you can contact Viva Raw directly here: info@vivarawpets.com. Most importantly, if your pet shows any symptoms or if you feel sick after handling the food, reach out to your vet and healthcare provider immediately.