Viva Raw has recalled pet food products with lot numbers 21495 or 21975 for listeria and salmonella risks.

Pet food brand Viva Raw is recalling products for dogs and cats due to listeria and salmonella risks, according to a notice shared by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

The Charlotte, North Carolina-based company announced the recall on Monday, Aug. 25, saying that ground beef and chicken products for dogs and cats sold directly to consumers and to retailers are affected.

The recall was initiated after routine testing by the North Carolina Department of Agriculture found evidence of contamination in two lots of raw food. The products also pose a risk to humans, according to the FDA, as they can be exposed to listeria and salmonella when handling contaminated food or touching contaminated surfaces.

People can also become ill from an infected pet, even if the animal is not showing symptoms.

Here's what pet parents need to know about the recall.

Which products are recalled?

Recalled products were distributed as frozen 1-pound bricks in clear vacuum packaging, with lot numbers listed on top. They were distributed directly to consumers and to a small number of retailers between July 2 and Aug. 21 in NY, IL, SC, FL, KS, CA, and AZ.

  • 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)

What to do if you have recalled pet food

If you have any Viva Raw products with lot numbers 21495 or 21975, dispose of the food in a secure location that is inaccessible to children, pets, and wildlife, according to the FDA. Do not feed the recalled food to pets or any other animals and do not sell or donate it.

Wash and sanitize pet food bowls, cups, storage containers, and other surfaces that may have come into contact with the recalled products. Always thoroughly wash your hands after handling raw foods.

Customers with affected products can contact Viva Raw at info@vivarawpets.com or (919) 371-8882 for a refund.

Symptoms of listeria and salmonella poisoning in pets

According to the FDA, concerned pet owners should watch their animals for the following symptoms:

  • Lethargy
  • Diarrhea or bloody diarrhea
  • Fever
  • Vomiting
  • Decreased appetite
  • Abdominal pain

Symptoms of listeria and salmonella poisoning in people

Even healthy pets that do not exhibit symptoms can still infect humans and other animals. Humans can also come in contact with salmonella and listeria by handling contaminated foods.

According to the FDA, symptoms to watch for in humans include:

  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea or bloody diarrhea
  • Abdominal cramping
  • Fever
  • In more severe cases, infections caused by these bacteria can lead to arterial infections, endocarditis (inflammation of the heart), arthritis, muscle pain, eye irritation, and urinary tract symptoms.

Children, older people, people with weakened immune systems and pregnant women are more susceptible to infections and serious consequences, including miscarriage.

If you or your pet have had contact with the recalled products and demonstrate any symptoms of illness, contact your medical provider and/or veterinarian.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Recalled dog and cat food linked to listeria, salmonella. What pet owners should know.

Reporting by Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA TODAY / USA TODAY

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