Popular pet brand recalls dog food due to listeria and salmonella risk

A pet food manufacturer is recalling several dog food products after tests revealed the presence of salmonella and listeria.

Lystn LLC, the owner of Answers Pet Food, has initiated the recall of ANSWERS Detailed Beef Formula for Dogs, ANSWERS Straight Beef Formula for Dogs and ANSWERS Straight Chicken Formula for Dogs “out of an abundance of caution,” according to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) notice.

The samples that tested positive for the bacteria were collected by the FDA.

The affected products – sold in 4-pound cartons containing 2.3 liters each – were sold online and in retail stores.

No cases of illness have been confirmed so far. However, the bacteria can infect animals that eat the food and people who handle the food, especially if they have not washed their hands after touching it, the statement said.

Any product that has not been consumed should be thrown away or destroyed. All areas that have come into contact with food should be disinfected according to FDA guidelines. Federal health officials also recommend that people wear gloves or use paper towels when touching the contaminated product and throw it away.

In dogs, listeria rarely causes illness, but it is possible. Dogs may suffer from mild symptoms such as diarrhea and vomiting.

They could also be carriers of bacteria and transmit them to their owners, the statement says.

Salmonella can cause lethargy, diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever and vomiting in pets. Some pets only have loss of appetite, fever and abdominal pain. Infected but otherwise healthy pets can also carry the disease and infect other animals or people.

Anyone who handles food that contains salmonella or listeria can become infected if they do not wash their hands thoroughly.

According to the FDA, listeria can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. It can also cause miscarriages and stillbirths in pregnant women.

In healthy people, only short-term symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea may occur.

In healthy individuals, Salmonella infection can cause symptoms such as diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps. These symptoms usually last from six hours to six days after ingestion of the bacteria.

However, children under five, adults over 65, and people with weakened immune systems “may experience more severe illness requiring medical treatment or hospitalization,” the CDC said.