A Pennsylvania-based pet food manufacturer has issued a recall for several of its dog food products after testing revealed the presence of salmonella and listeria bacteria.
ANSWERS Pet Food announced the recall through a notice on the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) website on Monday. The company is recalling three specific dog food varieties due to contamination concerns. The affected products are the 4-pound bags of ANSWERS Detailed Beef Formula for Dogs, Straight Beef Formula for Dogs, and Straight Chicken Formula for Dogs, all with expiration dates extending into 2026. Detailed expiration and lot codes are available here.
To date, no illnesses have been reported in connection with the recalled items. However, the company and the FDA emphasize that both pets and their owners are at risk. Proper hygiene is crucial, particularly washing hands and surfaces that may have come into contact with the contaminated food.
Listeria monocytogenes in dog food can lead to mild symptoms such as diarrhea and vomiting in dogs, though many remain asymptomatic. The bacteria can be transmitted to humans, potentially causing symptoms like fever, muscle aches, headaches, and confusion. Vulnerable groups include young children, the elderly, pregnant women, and individuals with weakened immune systems.
Salmonella contamination may provoke more severe reactions in dogs, including lethargy, diarrhea, fever, vomiting, decreased appetite, and abdominal pain. Pets that are asymptomatic can still spread the bacteria to humans and other animals. Human symptoms of salmonella infection include prolonged diarrhea, abdominal pain, and vomiting.
Pet owners who possess any of the recalled products should discard them carefully without direct hand contact.
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