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Answers Pet Food issued a nationwide recall for several raw beef and chicken dog food products. This action followed lab test results showing contamination with Salmonella and Listeria monocytogenes, which were confirmed after pet owners reported illness in their animals. [1]

Answers Pet Food Recall | Notice of Salmonella & Listeria in Raw Dog Food – June 2025

Recall , July 07, 2025

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On June 28, 2025, Answers Pet Food issued a nationwide recall for several raw beef and chicken dog food products. This action followed lab test results showing contamination with Salmonella and Listeria monocytogenes, which were confirmed after pet owners reported illness in their animals. [1]

salmonella pet food recall-FRl

Image source: Food Safety News – Answers Pet Food recall due to Listeria and Salmonella contamination (September 2024)

Recalled Products and Expiration Dates

Brand Product Name Packaging Size Best Used By Date (BUBD) Lot Code Distribution
Answers Pet Food Detailed Beef Formula for Dogs 4 lb frozen carton May 6, 2026 BUBD MAY 06 2026 Nationwide (USA)
Answers Pet Food Straight Beef Formula for Dogs 4 lb frozen carton January 31, 2026 BUBD JAN 31 2026 Nationwide (USA)
Answers Pet Food Straight Chicken Formula for Dogs 4 lb frozen carton January 2, 2026 BUBD JAN 02 2026 Nationwide (USA)
Answers Pet Food Straight Chicken Formula for Dogs 4 lb frozen carton March 11, 2026 BUBD MAR 11 2026 Nationwide (USA)

Details of Contamination – Pathogen Risks

The contamination was detected during standard microbial screening procedures, prompted by consumer reports of illness. Both Salmonella and Listeria monocytogenes are considered hazardous to pets and humans especially in raw food environments.

Health Risks for Pets and People

Symptoms in Pets

  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea (may be bloody)
  • Fever
  • Loss of appetite
  • Lethargy

Some animals may carry and spread pathogens without showing any signs of illness.

Human Health Risks

People can contract these infections through direct contact with contaminated food or surfaces. High-risk groups include the immunocompromised, infants, the elderly, and pregnant individuals.

Symptoms may include:

  • Nausea, fever, and diarrhea
  • Abdominal cramps
  • Severe complications such as bloodstream infections or Listeria-related illnesses  [2]

Consumer Guidance

Identifying Affected Products

Check product labels and expiration dates. If they match the details above, stop use immediately.

 Safe Disposal Practices

  • Do not feed affected food to animals
  • Place it in a sealed bag and dispose of it in a covered trash container
  • Do not compost or discard openly

 Sanitation and Health Protocols

  • Disinfect any containers, utensils, or surfaces that contacted the recalled product
  • Wash hands thoroughly after handling the food or packaging
  • Contact a veterinarian if your pet becomes ill
  • Consult a healthcare provider if humans experience symptoms [3]
Answers Pet Food Recall blog

Regulatory Requirements

To mitigate and prevent contamination from both Salmonella and Listeria monocytogenes, all raw pet food manufacturers are mandated to comply with:

FDA 21 CFR Part 507: Requires a food safety plan, hazard analysis, and preventive controls such as:

  • Sanitation of contact surfaces
  • Pathogen control during processing
  • Environmental monitoring

FSMA Compliance: Raw pet food is additionally subject to human-grade safety standards, including:

  • Risk-based verification
  • Supplier qualification

Labeling Compliance: Labels must include:

  • Clear safe-handling instructions
  • Warning information regarding raw food

State Supervision: State agriculture/health departments are frequently involved in recall assistance and enforcement.[4]

Manufacturer’s Guidance

To improve safety and prevent additional recalls, Answers Pet Food and other manufacturers should consider:

  • Batch Testing: Test every batch for Salmonella, Listeria, and E. coli.
  • Supplier Control: Only source from suppliers who provide a cold chain and have veterinary documentation.
  • HACCP Procedures: Put in place raw-food specific controls to address sanitation, hygiene, and cross-contamination.
  • Recall Procedures: Have a written plan for a recall procedure that aligns with the FDA with lot tracking and consumer notice.
  • Risk Communication: Have solid templates and online notices to notify retailers and customers quickly.[5]

FRL Commentary

June 2025 recall highlights ongoing biosafety issues in raw pet food. Food Research Lab recommends the following:

 
  • Microbial Monitoring: Product release must include lot-level pathogen environmental sampling.
  • Ingredient Pathways: To track ingredients, test results and record cold chain compliance electronically.
  • Regulatory Requirements: Sales across state lines requires full 21 CFR 507 and FSMA compliance.
  • Consumer Labelling: Place clear warnings and instructions for handling on packages and digital platforms.

Food Research Lab can help manufacturers with formulation audits, testing for microbial risks and producing the regulatory documentation to ensure raw pet diets are safe and trustworthy.

Stay Informed:

For the latest recall updates or to report a foodborne illness, visit the official FDA page: https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts

Conclusion

The recall of the company’s raw pet food formulas demonstrates that microbial risks exist in minimally processed pet diets. Raw pet food should avoid pathogens like Salmonella and Listeria at the source as they threaten human and animal health, especially in vulnerable populations. More environmental/pathogen testing, along with supply chain and public safety controls need to occur in the future. As the products grow in popularity, handlers of raw pet foods must follow the FDA guidelines for recalls, sanitation and FSMA compliance to protect consumer trust and product safety.

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