Viva Raw Initiates Nationwide Recall of Dog and Cat Food Due to Potential Salmonella and Listeria Contamination

Viva Raw LLC., a pet food company based in Charlotte, North Carolina, has announced a voluntary recall of two specific lots of its dog and cat food products. This action, detailed in an announcement from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, is due to the potential presence of Salmonella and Listeria monocytogenes, bacteria that can pose health risks to both pets and humans.

The recall affects Lot 21495, which includes Viva Ground Beef for Dogs and Viva Beef & Turkey for Puppies, and Lot 21975, encompassing Viva Ground Chicken for Dogs, Viva Chunked Chicken for Dogs, Viva Chicken for Cats, and Viva Pure Chicken. These products were distributed nationwide directly to consumers, as well as to a limited number of retailers in New York, Illinois, South Carolina, Florida, Kansas, California, and Arizona, between July 2, 2025, and August 21, 2025. The affected products are identifiable by their frozen 1 lb. brick packaging, with the lot number printed on the top of the packaging.

The potential for contamination was identified through routine testing conducted by the North Carolina Department of Agriculture. While no illnesses related to these specific lots have been reported to date, both Salmonella and Listeria monocytogenes can cause serious health issues. For animals consuming the contaminated products, symptoms may include lethargy, diarrhea (potentially bloody), fever, vomiting, decreased appetite, and abdominal pain. Pets that are infected but appear healthy can still act as carriers, potentially spreading the bacteria to other animals or humans.

Humans handling the contaminated pet food products also face risks, particularly if proper hygiene practices are not followed. Symptoms of Salmonella or Listeria infection in humans can include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramping, and fever. In rare cases, these infections can lead to more severe conditions such as arterial infections, endocarditis, arthritis, muscle pain, eye irritation, and urinary tract issues. Pregnant women are especially vulnerable to Listeria, which can result in miscarriage. The very young, the elderly, and individuals with weakened immune systems are also at higher risk for severe illness from these bacteria.

Consumers who have purchased products from Lot 21495 or Lot 21975 are advised to contact Viva Raw directly at info@vivarawpets.com to arrange for a refund for any remaining product. It is crucial to dispose of the recalled food in a manner that prevents access by children, pets, or wildlife. The company strongly advises against selling or donating the recalled products, and under no circumstances should they be fed to any animals. Thoroughly washing and sanitizing pet food bowls, cups, and storage containers that may have come into contact with the recalled food is also recommended. Additionally, consumers should always wash and sanitize their hands after handling recalled pet food or any utensils used with it.

For further inquiries or assistance, consumers can reach Viva Raw via email at info@vivarawpets.com or by calling or texting (919) 371-8882 between 9:00 am and 5:00 pm Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday.

Article by Mel Anara, based upon information from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

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