In recent weeks, concern about a pet food salmonella recall FDA alert has grown significantly, as the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and several pet food manufacturers have issued new warnings and voluntary recalls after detecting Salmonella contamination in pet food products. This article provides the most current verified information for U.S. pet owners, including which products are affected, the potential health risks, and what actions to take.
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What’s Going On: The Latest Recalls and Advisories
Here are the most recent developments regarding pet food recalls linked to Salmonella:
- August 25, 2025: Viva Raw LLC, based in North Carolina, issued a voluntary recall of two lots of its dog and cat food products due to contamination with Salmonella and Listeria monocytogenes.
- Affected lots included Viva Ground Beef for Dogs, Viva Beef & Turkey for Puppies, Viva Ground Chicken for Dogs, Viva Chunked Chicken for Dogs, Viva Chicken for Cats, and Viva Pure Chicken.
- The recalled items were distributed throughout the United States. Consumers were advised to discard any products from these lots immediately and sanitize any surfaces that came in contact with them.
- September 2025: The FDA issued an advisory regarding certain lots of Darwin’s Natural Pet Products “BioLogics” frozen beef dog food produced by Arrow Reliance, Inc. Testing confirmed contamination with both Listeria and Salmonella.
- The FDA warned consumers not to feed the affected lots to their pets and emphasized that the company had not provided sufficient documentation to confirm the removal of affected products from the marketplace.
- April 2025: Blue Ridge Beef recalled its “Puppy Mix” and “Kitten Mix” frozen raw pet food due to contamination with Salmonella and Listeria.
- Approximately 2,460 pounds of pet food were affected across multiple states including Connecticut, New York, Massachusetts, Virginia, and Tennessee.
- 2023: Mid America Pet Food LLC, the manufacturer of brands such as Victor, Eagle Mountain, Wayne Feeds, and Member’s Mark, expanded a major recall after an investigation linked its products to a Salmonella Kiambu outbreak.
- The recall covered all pet food manufactured before October 31, 2024, and included multiple dry dog and cat food products.
- At least seven human illnesses were identified in connection with the contaminated pet food, most affecting children under one year of age.
Why This Matters: Health Risks for Pets and Humans
When a pet food salmonella recall FDA notice is issued, it signals a serious health concern for both pets and humans.
Health risks for pets include:
- Lethargy and loss of appetite
- Vomiting and diarrhea (sometimes bloody)
- Fever and abdominal discomfort
- Possible bacterial shedding even when pets appear healthy
Health risks for humans include:
- Nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, and diarrhea
- Fever and dehydration
- In severe cases, complications such as endocarditis, arthritis, or urinary tract infections
Households with infants, elderly individuals, or those with compromised immune systems are particularly vulnerable. In many cases, contamination occurs when humans handle raw pet food or contaminated surfaces and then touch their mouth or other food items without proper hygiene.
How to Protect Your Household
1. Check Lot Numbers and Brands
Always verify the lot number and expiration date of your pet’s food, especially if it is a raw or frozen product. If your lot matches a recalled number, do not feed it to your pet. Dispose of it in a secure trash container where animals and children cannot reach it.
2. Practice Strict Hygiene
- Wash hands thoroughly with soap and warm water after handling pet food or cleaning food bowls.
- Disinfect any surfaces, utensils, or containers that come into contact with pet food.
- Store pet food separately from human food to avoid cross-contamination.
3. Monitor for Symptoms
- Pets: If your dog or cat shows signs of illness such as vomiting, diarrhea, or fever, contact your veterinarian immediately.
- Humans: If you develop gastrointestinal symptoms after handling pet food, contact your healthcare provider.
4. Stay Updated
Check the FDA’s pet food recall page regularly for updates. Manufacturers frequently expand recalls after additional testing, so it’s important to verify that your food brand and lot remain unaffected.
Recent Timeline of Pet Food Salmonella Recalls
| Date | Company / Brand | Product / Lot | Issue |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aug 2025 | Viva Raw LLC | Lot 21495 & 21975 – Dog & Cat Foods | Salmonella & Listeria |
| Sept 2025 | Darwin’s Natural Pet Products | BioLogics Frozen Beef Dog Food (2 Lots) | Salmonella & Listeria |
| Apr 2025 | Blue Ridge Beef | Puppy Mix & Kitten Mix – Frozen Logs | Salmonella & Listeria |
| 2023 | Mid America Pet Food LLC | Multiple Brands – All Before Oct 2024 | Salmonella Kiambu Outbreak |
Why Recalls Keep Occurring
Recurring pet food recalls often result from several contributing factors:
- Raw and minimally processed foods: These products lack heat treatment steps that kill bacteria, increasing the risk of contamination.
- Shared manufacturing environments: Facilities producing both raw and cooked products can face cross-contamination challenges.
- Increased testing and reporting: Stricter FDA oversight and improved testing methods have led to quicker detection of contaminated batches.
- Consumer vigilance: Reports of ill pets and human infections often trigger investigations that lead to recalls.
FDA Recommendations for Pet Owners
The FDA advises the following for all U.S. pet owners:
- Always treat raw pet food as potentially contaminated.
- Wash hands for at least 20 seconds after touching pet food or bowls.
- Use dedicated utensils and feeding bowls for pets, and avoid washing them alongside human dishes.
- Disinfect pet feeding areas regularly.
- Report any adverse reactions in pets or humans to the FDA’s safety reporting portal.
FAQ: Pet Food Salmonella Recall FDA
Q: Can Salmonella in pet food infect humans?
Yes. Humans can get infected by touching contaminated pet food, bowls, or surfaces and then touching their mouth or food. Young children, older adults, and immunocompromised individuals face a higher risk.
Q: My pet ate recalled food but seems fine. What should I do?
Monitor your pet closely for symptoms such as diarrhea, vomiting, or fatigue. Even if asymptomatic, your pet could shed bacteria, increasing the risk of household exposure. Contact your veterinarian for advice.
Q: How can I find out if my pet’s food is recalled?
Check the FDA’s official recall list or the manufacturer’s website. Many brands post updated recall information and product photos to help consumers identify affected batches.
Q: Are raw pet diets more likely to be recalled?
Yes. Raw diets are more susceptible to Salmonella and Listeria contamination since they skip the cooking process that typically kills harmful bacteria.
Q: What are the symptoms of Salmonella infection in humans?
Common symptoms include diarrhea, abdominal cramps, fever, and nausea. Most recover within a week, but severe cases may require medical attention.
Q: What steps should I take if I handled recalled pet food?
Disinfect surfaces, wash your hands thoroughly, and monitor for symptoms. If you or a family member become ill, inform your healthcare provider about the potential exposure source.
Conclusion
The ongoing pet food salmonella recall FDA warnings highlight the importance of staying alert about what your pets eat. As recalls continue to affect various pet food brands nationwide, U.S. pet owners should remain cautious, verify product lot numbers, and follow safety practices when handling pet food. Protecting your pets also means protecting your family from preventable bacterial exposure.
If you’ve experienced a pet food recall or have questions about keeping your pets safe, share your thoughts below and stay tuned for further updates.
Disclaimer:
This article is for informational purposes only. It does not substitute for professional veterinary or medical advice. Always consult a veterinarian if your pet shows symptoms of illness or a healthcare professional if you suspect a Salmonella infection in humans.