Viva Pet Food Issues Recall Due to Salmonella and Listeria Contamination
Viva Raw LLC, a pet food company based in Charlotte, North Carolina, has issued a voluntary recall for two lots of its dog and cat food products due to potential contamination with Salmonella and Listeria monocytogenes. The recall affects Lot 21495 (Viva Ground Beef for Dogs; Viva Beef & Turkey for Puppies) and Lot 21975 (Viva Ground Chicken for Dogs; Viva Chunked Chicken for Dogs; Viva Chicken for Cats; Viva Pure Chicken).
The recalled products are distributed as frozen 1 lb. bricks in clear vacuum packaging, with the lot number printed on the top of the packaging. The products were distributed between July 2, 2025, and August 21, 2025, directly to consumers nationwide and to a small number of select retailers in New York, Illinois, South Carolina, Florida, Kansas, California, and Arizona.
Salmonella and Listeria infections can affect both pets and humans. Pets may show symptoms such as lethargy, diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever, vomiting, decreased appetite, or abdominal pain. Infected pets, even if they do not show symptoms, can carry the bacteria and transmit it to other animals or people. Pet owners observing these symptoms should consult their veterinarian.
Humans can become infected by handling contaminated pet products, especially if they do not wash their hands or clean exposed surfaces properly. Symptoms of Salmonella or Listeria infection in people include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and fever. In rare cases, the infections can cause more serious conditions such as arterial infections, endocarditis, arthritis, muscle pain, eye irritation, or urinary tract issues. Pregnant women are especially susceptible to Listeria infection, which can result in miscarriage. The young, the elderly, and people with weak immune systems are more vulnerable to infection. Individuals who develop symptoms after handling the recalled products should contact their healthcare provider.
The contamination was discovered after routine testing was conducted by the North Carolina Department of Agriculture. No illnesses in dogs, cats, or humans related to these lots have been reported to date.
Consumers are urged not to sell, donate, or feed the recalled products to pets or any other animals. Products should be securely destroyed to prevent access by children, pets, or wildlife. Pet food bowls, cups, storage containers, and any surfaces that came into contact with the recalled products should be thoroughly washed and sanitized. Handwashing after handling pet food is strongly recommended.
For more information or to request a refund, consumers can email info@vivarawpets.com or call/text Viva Raw at (919) 371-8882, Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. EST.
