Pet Food Company Recalls Dog Food Sold Nationwide Due to Salmonella & Listeria Concerns
A pet food company has issued a voluntary recall of its popular dog food, sold nationwide, due to concerns about Salmonella and Listeria.
On September 22, 2024, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) reported that a company selling dog food has voluntarily withdrawn a product from store shelves after samples tested positive. Here's what you need to know.
According to the FDA, ANSWERS Pet Food has taken steps to remove one of its products from the market after samples were "reported to have tested positive for the presence of Salmonella and Listeria monocytogenes."
Related: FDA Issues Pet Food Recall Due to Salmonella Risk to Pets and People
The recall notice states that specific lots of ANSWERS Detailed Beef Formula for Dogs, ANSWERS Straight Beef Formula for Dogs, and ANSWERS Straight Chicken Formula for Dogs are affected. The products were distributed throughout the United States in retail stores and direct online sales.
The brand names and lot numbers of the product being withdrawn include:
ANSWERS Pet Food Detailed Beef Formula for Dogs sold in 4lb (Half Gallon Carton) with an expiration date of May 06, 2026, with the lot code BUBD MAY 06, 2026
ANSWERS Pet Food Straight Beef Formula for Dogs sold in 4lb (Half Gallon Carton) with an expiration date of January 31, 2026, with the lot code BUBD JAN 31, 2026
ANSWERS Pet Food Straight Chicken Formula for Dogs sold in 4lb (Half Gallon Carton) with an expiration date of January 02, 2026, with the lot code MAR 11, 2026
The recall notice from the FDA and ANSWERS Pet Food states that as of the time of reporting, "no illnesses associated with these lots have been confirmed."
Salmonella and Listeria monocytogenes have the potential to cause adverse health concerns and "can affect animals eating the products, and there is risk to humans from handling contaminated pet products, especially if they have not thoroughly washed their hands after contact with the products or any surfaces exposed to these products," per the recall notice."
What Should I Do If I Have the Products Included in the FDA Warning?
According to the FDA guidelines, if you have the affected dog food products they should "be thrown out or destroyed in a way that children, pets, and wildlife cannot access it. Areas that may have come in contact with any contaminated food should be sanitized."
The agency asks people to not touch the affected products with bare hands and to instead "suggests wearing gloves or using paper towels when placing any contaminated product in a sealed bag to throw out or when handling such food."
For consumers who wish to have a recall, the notice asks them to submit a receipt and pictures of the product to info@answerspetfood.com along with the retailer’s information. If you have questions or concerns, please email ANSWERS’ Pet Food at info@answerspetfood.com.
What Signs or Symptoms Might Indicate Salmonella Infection?
The FDA recall notice warns that dogs may not notice signs or symptoms of a Salmonella infection, though they may have symptoms such as a decrease in activity levels, fever, loss of appetite, diarrhea, or vomiting.
"If your pet has consumed product lot identified below and has these symptoms, please contact your veterinarian," the notice suggests.
The FDA notice explains that Salmonella bacteria can infect humans, and the signs and symptoms tend to be more noticeable and can include abdominal cramps, diarrhea, and fever.
What Are the Symptoms of L. mono Infection?
"Listeria monocytogenes rarely causes illness in dogs, but it is possible. Dogs can have mild symptoms such as diarrhea and vomiting. Even if a dog is not showing symptoms, it can still be a carrier of the bacteria and spread it to humans," the notice shares.
Symptoms for people may include confusion, headache, fever, nausea, diarrhea, stiff neck, muscle aches, and convulsions. The FDA notes, "Young children, elderly people, pregnant women, and those with weakened immune systems are particularly vulnerable to Listeria monocytogenes infections and symptoms can be more severe."
If you're concerned about the potential of your dog showing signs of infection, please contact a veterinarian. If you're showing signs yourself, get in touch with your doctor.
