Urgent Recall: ANSWERS Pet Food – Potential Salmonella & Listeria Contamination

Lystn, LLC, doing business as ANSWERS Pet Food, has announced a voluntary recall of specific lots of its dog food products due to the potential presence of Salmonella and Listeria monocytogenes. This action is being taken out of an abundance of caution after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) found these bacteria in samples of the pet food. While no illnesses have been reported in connection with these products to date, both Salmonella and Listeria pose a health risk to pets and humans.

Recalled ANSWERS Pet Food Products

The recall affects the following ANSWERS brand dog food formulas, sold in 4lb half-gallon cartons. Consumers are urged to check their freezers for these specific products and lot codes:

These products were distributed nationwide through retail stores and online sales. It is important to note that no other ANSWERS Pet Food products or lot codes are impacted by this recall.

Health Risks Associated with Salmonella and Listeria in Pet Food

Salmonella and Listeria monocytogenes are bacteria that can cause illness in both animals and humans. Pets, particularly dogs, can become ill from consuming contaminated pet food. Symptoms in dogs may include lethargy, diarrhea (which may be bloody), fever, and vomiting. Some dogs might only show reduced appetite, fever, and abdominal pain. Even dogs that appear healthy can be carriers of Salmonella and spread it to other animals or humans.

Humans are also at risk from handling pet food contaminated with Salmonella or Listeria, or by touching surfaces exposed to these products, especially if they don’t wash their hands thoroughly afterward. Symptoms of Listeria in humans can include fever, headache, muscle aches, stiff neck, nausea, abdominal pain, diarrhea, confusion, loss of balance, and convulsions. Salmonella infection in humans can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea (possibly bloody), abdominal cramps, and fever. Young children, the elderly, pregnant women, and individuals with weakened immune systems are at higher risk for more severe illness.

If you or your pet are showing any of these symptoms after handling or consuming the recalled ANSWERS pet food, seek medical or veterinary advice immediately.

What Pet Owners Should Do

If you have purchased any of the recalled ANSWERS Pet Food products with the specific lot codes and expiration dates listed, you should immediately stop feeding it to your dog. The FDA recommends the following actions:

1. Dispose of the Product: Safely discard the recalled pet food in a sealed bag and place it in a trash can where children, pets, and wildlife cannot access it.
2. Sanitize: Thoroughly clean and sanitize any surfaces that may have come into contact with the recalled food, including feeding bowls, storage containers, countertops, and floors. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water after handling the product or cleaning contaminated surfaces.
3. Seek Refund: If you wish to receive a refund for the recalled product, submit a photo of the product and your purchase receipt, along with retailer information, to [email protected].
4. Contact ANSWERS Pet Food: For any questions or concerns regarding this recall, you can contact ANSWERS Pet Food directly at [email protected].
5. Monitor Your Pet and Yourself: If your dog has eaten the recalled food, monitor for symptoms of Salmonella or Listeria infection. If you or your family members have handled the food, be aware of potential symptoms in humans. Consult a veterinarian for your pet or a healthcare provider for yourself if symptoms appear.

ANSWERS Pet Food is committed to the safety and quality of its products and is taking this voluntary action to ensure the well-being of pets and their owners. For further details and updates on this recall, please refer to the FDA Advisory.