If you’re a proud pet parent, you know that our furry companions are more than just animals—they’re family.

That’s why it’s so unsettling when news breaks about a pet food recall, especially one that could put both pets and people at risk.

Officials are urging customers to check their purchases and take immediate precautions.


Viva Raw, a pet food company based in Charlotte, North Carolina, has voluntarily recalled several of its products after routine testing by the North Carolina Department of Agriculture detected possible contamination with Salmonella and Listeria monocytogenes.

These bacteria aren’t just a threat to pets; they can also sicken humans who handle the food or come into contact with contaminated surfaces.

The specific products under recall are:​

• Lot 21495: Viva Ground Beef for Dogs, Viva Beef & Turkey for Puppies
• Lot 21975: Viva Ground Chicken for Dogs, Viva Chunked Chicken for Dogs, Viva Chicken for Cats, Viva Pure Chicken

These products were distributed directly to customers nationwide and to retailers in Arizona, California, Florida, Illinois, Kansas, New York, and South Carolina.

If you’ve purchased frozen 1-pound bricks of Viva Raw pet food in clear vacuum packaging, check the lot number printed at the top of the package.


You might be wondering, “How bad can a little bacteria be?” The answer: potentially very serious. Salmonella and Listeria can cause a range of symptoms in both pets and people, from mild stomach upset to severe illness.

For humans, especially those with weakened immune systems, young children, and pregnant women, the risks include:

• Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea (sometimes bloody), abdominal cramps, and fever
• Rare but serious complications like arterial infections, endocarditis, arthritis, muscle pain, eye irritation, and urinary tract symptoms
• For pregnant women, Listeria infection can tragically result in miscarriage

For pets, symptoms may include:

• Lethargy, fever, vomiting, diarrhea (sometimes bloody), decreased appetite, and abdominal pain
• Even if your pet appears healthy, they can still carry and shed these bacteria, potentially infecting other animals or people in your home

Also read: Pet owners beware: Are your dogs secretly spreading deadly infections?

What should you do if you have the recalled food?​

1. Do NOT feed the food to your pets or any other animals.
2. Dispose of the food safely—make sure it’s out of reach of children, pets, and wildlife.
3. Do NOT sell or donate the recalled products.
4. Wash and sanitize all pet food bowls, scoops, storage containers, and any surfaces that may have come into contact with the food.
5. Wash your hands thoroughly after handling the food or cleaning up.

Also read: Never lose your pet again: the tech trick every pet owner needs to know

If you or anyone in your household starts experiencing symptoms after handling the recalled food, contact your healthcare provider.

If your pet shows signs of illness, call your veterinarian right away.

Viva Raw is offering refunds for any remaining recalled product. You can reach out to them at [email protected] or call/text (919) 371-8882 between 9 am and 5 pm ET, Monday through Friday.

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Have you ever had to deal with a pet food recall? How do you keep your pets safe from foodborne illnesses? Do you have questions about raw diets or pet food safety?