FDA Issues Recall of Viva Raw Pet Food

Pet owners across several states are being urged to check their freezers after Charlotte-based pet food company Viva Raw issued a recall of certain dog and cat food products due to contamination with Listeria monocytogenes and Salmonella. The announcement, shared by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on Monday, has raised concerns for both animal and human health.

Contamination Discovered in Routine Testing

The recall was triggered after routine testing by the North Carolina Department of Agriculture detected bacterial contamination in two lots of Viva Raw’s frozen raw food. Affected products include both beef and chicken-based recipes distributed directly to consumers as well as a small number of retail stores between July 2 and August 21.

The FDA warned that the contaminated food poses a dual risk: it can cause illness in pets that consume it and in humans who handle the products, contaminated bowls, or infected animals. Even pets that appear healthy may still carry the bacteria and transmit it to humans, potentially leading to serious illness.

Which Products Are Affected?

According to the FDA recall notice, the products were sold as frozen 1-pound bricks in clear vacuum packaging, with lot numbers printed on the top of each package. The affected products are:

• Viva Ground Beef for Dogs (Lot 21495)

• Viva Beef & Turkey for Puppies (Lot 21495)

• Viva Ground Chicken for Dogs (Lot 21975)

• Viva Chunked Chicken for Dogs (Lot 21975)

• Viva Chicken for Cats (Lot 21975)

• Viva Pure Chicken (Lot 21975)

These lots were distributed in New York, Illinois, South Carolina, Florida, Kansas, California, and Arizona.

What Pet Owners Should Do

The FDA advises customers who purchased the recalled products to immediately stop feeding them to pets. Instead, the food should be disposed of in a secure trash container that children, pets, and wildlife cannot access.

Surfaces that may have come into contact with the recalled food—such as bowls, scoops, and storage containers—should be thoroughly washed and sanitized. Hand hygiene is also critical; anyone who touched the food should wash with warm water and soap.

Viva Raw has offered refunds for affected products. Customers can contact the company at info@vivarawpets.com or call (919) 371-8882 for assistance.

Symptoms in Pets

Pet owners are encouraged to monitor their animals for signs of possible infection. Symptoms of Salmonella or Listeria poisoning in pets include:

• Lethargy

• Diarrhea or bloody diarrhea

• Fever

• Vomiting

• Loss of appetite

• Abdominal pain

In severe cases, these infections can be life-threatening if left untreated. The FDA recommends seeking veterinary care immediately if symptoms appear.

Risks to Humans

Humans can also become sick from handling contaminated food or from contact with infected pets—even if those pets do not display symptoms.

Signs of Salmonella or Listeria infection in people include:

• Nausea and vomiting

• Diarrhea (sometimes bloody)

• Abdominal cramping

• Fever

More severe complications can occur, particularly in vulnerable groups such as children, pregnant women, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems. Potential complications include arterial infections, arthritis, urinary tract problems, eye irritation, and, in the case of listeriosis, miscarriage.

Anyone who experiences symptoms after handling or being exposed to the recalled products is urged to contact their healthcare provider promptly.

A Growing Concern Over Raw Pet Food

The Viva Raw recall underscores broader concerns about the safety of raw pet food diets, which, while increasingly popular, are more prone to bacterial contamination compared to cooked or processed options. The FDA has long cautioned that raw pet foods can introduce harmful pathogens into households, placing both pets and humans at risk.

While recalls like this one are relatively rare, experts say they highlight the importance of vigilance when it comes to handling and storing raw pet foods. Safe food practices—including thorough hand washing, disinfecting preparation areas, and avoiding cross-contamination with human food—are strongly recommended.

What To Do

Consumers with questions can find additional guidance on the FDA’s official recall page, or reach out directly to Viva Raw for support.

For now, pet owners in affected states are encouraged to double-check their freezers and remain alert to any symptoms in their animals or themselves.

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