The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a recall of some Answers Pet Food products after they tested positive for Salmonella and Listeria monocytogenes (L. mono). The test of the unopened retail samples came after the FDA received multiple consumer complaints of illness in dogs who ate the products. Resultantly, the FDA has advised pet owners to take immediate action as Salmonella and L. mono can affect both people and animals.
Answers Pet Food recalls beef and chicken formulas for dogs nationwide
The FDA noted the affected products are sold frozen in 4-pound cartons. Specifically, the products of concern consist of certain batches of Answers Pet Food Raw Beef Straight Formula for Dogs, Answers Pet Food Raw Beef Detailed Formula for Dogs, and Answers Pet Food Straight Chicken Formula for Dogs. The advisory provided detailed information with the UPC/barcode number, as well as the best used by date, to identify the affected products.
The advisory further stated that the FDA recommended Answers Pet Food to recall these products. Since that time, the company has voluntarily recalled various product lots. Nevertheless, pet owners who bought these products are advised to throw them away in a secure container. The FDA warned, “Do not feed it to your pets. Do not donate the food.” Moreover, it is also noted that refrigeration or freezing does not kill Salmonella or L. mono.
The FDA also recommends consumers clean and disinfect all surfaces and pet supplies the food or canine came in contact with. This includes utensils, bowls, and food preparation surfaces. The list also features toys, pet bedding, litter boxes, and other possible objects. In addition to disinfecting, pet owners are advised to clean up the canine’s feces in places frequented by people or animals.
The FDA is routinely aware of cases where humans or animals have fallen sick from exposure to Salmonella-contaminated pet foods. It is under their advice that pet parents should dispose of the potentially affected products as soon as possible.
