Pet Treat Recall — Listeria Concerns
In an attempt to stop the spread of Listeria contamination, Carnivore Meat Company, LLC has issued a recall on two of their raw pet treats. Through a press release shared by the company, individuals in possession of opened raw pet treat packages are asked to contact the company and responsibly dispose of the products. Healthy pets typically do not become ill from Listeria and, to date, there have been no reports of humans becoming ill. Owners who suspect that a pet has become ill since consuming the recalled treats should immediately contact a veterinarian for a Listeria screening.
Voluntary Recall Specifics
Only two lots are involved in the current recall, which were distributed in California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, New Mexico, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Texas, Vermont and Washington. Exact lot information is listed as follows:
Vital Essentials Frozen Beef Tripe Patties, UPC 33211 00809, Lot # 10930, Best by date 20160210
Vital Essentials Frozen Beef Tripe Nibblets, UPC 33211 00904, Lot # 10719, Best by date 12022015
Consumers are asked to inspect the “Best By” codes on purchases of these products and contact the company at 920-370-6542 if there is a match. As for the products themselves, Carnivore Meat Company, LLC asks that they be disposed of in a covered waste repository. The company further assures that product replacements or full purchase refunds will be issued. Questions about this recall and related issues may also be directed to the telephone number offered above.
What Is Listeria?
A bacteria unlike most others, Listeria monocytogenes has the unique ability to flourish even in cold temperatures. While it can easily grow in a chilly environment, it is easily killed by cooking with heat, as well as through pasteurization. Listeria is commonly found in water, soil and, to some extent, livestock.
Listeria is known to contaminate surfaces found in refrigerators and food processing plants. According to the Food and Drug Administration, it was through the results of an independent lab review that Listeria was detected in samples obtained from Carnivore Meat Company, LLC. According to the CDC’s website, the U.S. typically averages one outbreak per year, but a total of four were reported in 2014. Weeks ago, another recall involving Stella & Chewy’s Chicken Freeze-Dried Dinner Patties for Dogs was also contaminated with this particular bacteria causing that company to also recall multiple product lots.
Listeria Symptoms
Healthy pets are not typically affected by Listeriosis (the infection caused by Listeria). However, it can pose a major health risk for humans and pets with weakened immune systems. Those most at risk for Listeriosis include:
✔ Sick animals
✔ Pregnant women
✔ Newborn children
✔ Aging adults
✔ Individuals with health issues including HIV/AIDS, cancer, diabetes and liver disease
There is an incubation period of a few days up to as many as 70 days after contact with the bacteria. Once infected, physical symptoms in pets and humans may include:
✔ Vomiting
✔ Diarrhea
✔ Fever
✔ Body aches
✔ Stiffness in the neck
✔ Physical weakness
✔ Fatigue
✔ Mental confusion
Diagnosis and Treatment
Not all pets infected with Listeria will show noticeable signs of the illness and, for these, treatment is not generally needed. If symptoms are present, a veterinarian can provide the necessary testing for a proper diagnosis. Once Listeriosis is confirmed, it is typically treated with antibiotics.
In Conclusion
We sincerely hope that all of your fur babies are fit and healthy. If you or your faithful companion exhibit any of the symptoms detailed above, please do not second-guess your symptoms, but seek immediate medical attention just to be on the safe side. Now, off you go to check your product packages and when you’re done please come back and leave a comment to let us know your status. Feel free to also share any additional information that we may have missed, but that your fellow readers need to know about Listeria or the recall.
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