In September 2024, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued urgent advisories regarding pet food safety, cautioning pet owners against feeding their beloved dogs and cats certain products from two notable brands. The Pet Food Recall 2024 is due to potential contamination with Salmonella and Listeria monocytogenes, bacteria that pose significant health risks to pets and can also spread to humans.
The brands at the center of this pet food recall are Answers Pet Food and Darwin’s Natural Pet Products. Testing revealed that selected batches from these brands were contaminated with these harmful bacteria. While Answers Pet Food has initiated a voluntary recall, the FDA has strongly advised Darwin’s Natural Pet Products to follow suit, although they have yet to issue an official recall.
Brands and Products Affected by the Recall
To ensure the safety of your pets, it is crucial to identify if you have purchased any of the recalled products. Here’s a breakdown of the pet food recall 2024 by brand:
Answers Pet Food Recall
Answers Pet Food has voluntarily recalled specific lots of their dog food formulas. These products were available nationwide at retail stores and online. The recalled Answers Pet Food products include:
- Answers Detailed Beef Formula for Dogs: Lot Code: BUBD May 6, 2026
- Answers Straight Beef Formula for Dogs: Lot Code: BUBD Jan. 31, 2026
- Answers Straight Chicken Formula for Dogs: Lot Code: BUBD Jan. 2, 2026 and Mar. 11, 2026
Darwin’s Natural Pet Products Recall
The FDA advisory concerns specific lots of Darwin’s Natural Pet Products, primarily sold online through a subscription service. The affected Darwin’s Natural Pet Products include:
- Darwin’s Natural Selections Antibiotic & Grain-Free Chicken Recipe of Cats: Lot numbers: 10832 MFG. Date: Jul 25, 2024; 10856 MFG. Date: Aug 04, 2024; 10890 MFG. Date: Aug 13, 2024
- Darwin’s Natural Selections Antibiotic & Grain-Free Chicken Recipe for Dogs: Lot numbers: 10828 MFG. Date: Jul 24, 2024; 10844 MFG. Date: Jul 30, 2024; 10887 MFG. Date: Aug 12, 2024
Pet owners who have purchased these products with the specified lot codes and manufacturing dates should immediately stop feeding them to their pets.
Health Risks: Salmonella and Listeria in Pet Food
The presence of Salmonella and Listeria in pet food poses significant health risks. Understanding these risks is vital for pet owners to protect both their animals and themselves.
Symptoms in Pets
Pets, especially dogs and cats, may not always show immediate symptoms of Salmonella infection unless they have underlying health issues. However, when symptoms do appear, they can include:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Bloody diarrhea
- Fever
- Loss of appetite
- Lethargy
Listeria symptoms in pets are also important to recognize:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Fever
- Muscle pain
- Breathing difficulties
While Listeria infections in pets are often mild, it’s crucial to be vigilant and consult a veterinarian if your pet exhibits any of these signs, particularly if they have consumed recalled pet food.
Risks to Humans
One of the most concerning aspects of Salmonella and Listeria contamination in pet food is the potential for transmission to humans. Pets can carry these bacteria and spread them through:
- Contact: Through saliva (kisses), feces, or by simply walking around the house after using a contaminated litter box.
- Cleaning: Humans can contract these bacteria when cleaning up after their pets or handling contaminated pet food and related items.
Practicing good hygiene, such as thorough handwashing after handling pet food or cleaning up after pets, is essential to minimize the risk of infection.
What to Do If You Have Recalled Pet Food
If you find that you have purchased any of the recalled pet food products, take the following steps immediately:
- Stop Feeding: Immediately stop feeding your pet the recalled food.
- Discard Safely: Dispose of the food in a secure trash can, out of reach of pets, wildlife, and children.
- Sanitize: Thoroughly clean and disinfect pet bowls, food storage containers, feeding areas, and any other surfaces that may have come into contact with the recalled food.
- Monitor Your Pet: Watch your pet for any signs of Salmonella or Listeria infection. If symptoms appear, contact your veterinarian promptly.
- Contact Brands: For further information or concerns, visit the official websites of Darwin’s Natural Pet Products or Answers Pet Food.
Protecting your pets from contaminated food is a top priority. Stay informed about the pet food recall 2024 and always check for updates from the FDA and pet food brands to ensure the health and safety of your furry family members.
