Viva Pet Food Issues Recall For Duck Recipes Due to Contamination
Viva Pet Food has announced a voluntary recall of several duck-based pet food products from Lot #22853, as detailed in a notice dated January 27, 2024. This recall affects Viva Duck for Dogs (Ground and Chunked), Viva Duck for Cats, and Viva Pure Duck. These products are packaged as frozen 1 lb bricks in clear vacuum packaging, with the production of this lot starting on October 24, 2023, and the last units distributed on December 6, 2023.
The recall was initiated after the FDA tested samples of Viva Duck for Dogs (Chunked) from Lot #22853 following a consumer complaint. These tests confirmed the presence of Salmonella and Listeria monocytogenes, bacteria that pose serious health risks to both animals and humans.
In humans, Salmonella can cause symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramping, and fever. In more severe cases, it can lead to more serious ailments like arterial infections and endocarditis. Pets infected with these bacteria may show signs of lethargy, diarrhea, fever, and vomiting. Notably, infected pets may appear healthy but can still transmit the bacteria to other animals or humans.
Viva is advising customers to check their freezers for any remaining products from Lot #22853. If found, customers should complete a response form to receive a refund and are instructed to safely dispose of the contaminated product. This involves wearing gloves or using paper towels to handle the product, placing it in a sealed plastic bag, and disposing of it in a way that prevents access by children, pets, and wildlife.
Customers are also urged to sanitize any kitchen surfaces or areas that may have come into contact with the contaminated products. Even customers who do not have any remaining packs of food are requested to complete the response form for Viva’s record-keeping.
In their recall notice, Viva said that it conducted a detailed root-cause analysis in their facility to enhance their food safety protocols and prevent similar issues in the future.
Customers seeking more information or assistance regarding this recall can contact Viva via email at info@vivarawpets.com or call/text at (919)371-8882 between 9:00 am – 5:00 pm EST, Monday to Friday. This recall is being carried out with the acknowledgment of the Food and Drug Administration.
