January 27, 2024 – One lot of Viva Duck for Dogs (Ground), Viva Duck for Dogs (Chunked), Viva Duck for Cats and Viva Pure Duck (for cats and dogs) has been recalled due to potential Salmonella, Listeria monocytogenes contamination.
What was recalled?
The lot under recall is Lot 22853. The product is distributed as frozen 1lb bricks in clear vacuum packaging. Please see the example of product labels.
Viva started shipping this lot out on 10/24/23 and the last units were distributed on 12/06/23.
The FDA obtained and tested samples of Viva Duck for Dogs (Chunked) Lot 22853 after a consumer complaint and found that the samples were positive for Salmonella, Listeria monocytogenes.
Salmonella and Listeria monocytogenes can affect animals eating the products and there is a risk to humans from handling contaminated pet products, especially if they have not thoroughly washed their hands after having contact with the products or any surfaces exposed to these products.
What to do?
Please check your freezer for any remaining products of Lot 22853. If you still have products from the lot, Viva is asking customers to complete this response form and they will reach out to you to provide a refund for any remaining product — you can then destroy the food in a way that children, pets, and wildlife cannot access.
Make sure you do not touch the contaminated food product with your bare hands. While wearing gloves or using paper towels, place the contaminated food in a sealed plastic bag and throw it in the garbage. Then you will need to sanitize your kitchen and any other area that may have come in contact with the contaminated product. Do not sell or donate the recalled products. Do not feed the recalled product to pets or any other animals.
Healthy people infected with Salmonella should monitor themselves for some or all of the following symptoms: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramping and fever. Rarely, Salmonella can result in more serious ailments, including arterial infections, endocarditis, arthritis, muscle pain, eye irritation, and urinary tract symptoms. Consumers exhibiting these signs after having contact with this product should contact their healthcare providers.
Company statement
“The health of your pet has always been Viva’s #1 priority and we have always been committed to making safe and transparent pet food. We started this company to change the industry and make the best pet food available. From choosing to manufacture in a USDA facility & sourcing 100% human-grade ingredients, we are committed to going above and beyond.
“We have conducted a detailed root-cause analysis in our USDA facility to ensure we continue to exceed the highest industry food safety standards & will continue to push the boundaries for how safe, fresh pet food is made.
“If you have any questions regarding this notice, feel free to email us at info@vivarawpets.com or call/text us at (919) 371-8882 between 9:00 am – 5:00 pm EST Monday to Friday.”
