Recall of Specific Lots of ANSWERS Dog Food Due to Potential Salmonella and Listeria Contamination

A voluntary recall for specific lots of beef and chicken dog food has been issued by Fleetwood, Pennsylvania-based Lystn, LLC doing business as ANSWERS Pet Food. The recal is due to potential contamination from Salmonella and Listeria monocytogenes (Listeria), both bacteriums that can cause severe illness in animals and humans.

Background

The presence of Salmonella and Listeria were discovered during sample testing by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Distribution

The affected products were distributed nationwide in the United States to retail locations and through online sale.

Product Details

Consumer Action

Consumers should check their homes for the affected products.

As with all food recalls, the products should no longer be used even if it looks or smells safe to eat.

The recalled products should be disposed of immediately and consumers should ensure that humans, pets, or wildlife cannot access it.  Any surfaces that have come into contact with the products should be sanitized thoroughly.

Health Risks

There have been no reported illnesses or injuries in association with the consumption of the recalled dog food.  However, any consumers who are experiencing symptoms after contact with the affected product should contact their medical provider.  The company has encouraged pet owners to contact their veterinarian if their dog has consumed any of the recalled food, whether they are displaying symptoms or not.

Listeriosis, the infection caused by Listeria monocytogenes, is particularly dangerous for certain vulnerable populations. Pregnant individuals, people aged 65 or older, and those with weakened immune systems are at highest risk. Symptoms can include fever, muscle aches, headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, and convulsions, sometimes preceded by gastrointestinal symptoms. In pregnant individuals, listeriosis can lead to miscarriages, stillbirths, premature delivery, or life-threatening infections in newborns.

According to the recall notice, Listeria rarely causes illness in dogs.  If infected, symptoms may include diarrhea and vomiting.  Infected dogs with no symptoms can still spread the infection to humans.

Salmonella is a bacterium that can cause severe gastrointestinal illness in humans. Symptoms typically include diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps, appearing six hours to six days after exposure to the bacteria. While most people recover without specific treatment, the infection can be severe, especially for young children, the elderly, and individuals with weakened immune systems.

Pets infected with Salmonella can show symptoms like lethargy, diarrhea (which may be bloody), fever, and vomiting. Some pets might only display a reduced appetite, fever, and abdominal pain. Even if they appear healthy, infected pets can still carry the bacteria and spread it to other animals or humans.

In July, Food Poisoning News reported on a recall of Viva Raw dog and cat food products due to potential Listeria contamination.

Commenting on this article, one national Listeria lawyer said, “I urge consumers in possession of the recalled products to take extreme caution.  Pet owners can become infected by touching the contaminated dog food and also from their infected pets.”