Safeguarding Pets: FDA Warns of Listeria and Salmonella Risks in Pet Food Brands

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a cautionary alert to pet owners regarding the potential presence of listeria and salmonella in two pet food brands: Answers Pet Food and Darwin's Natural Pet Products. While Answers has initiated a formal recall, Darwin's has not, despite the FDA's findings of both salmonella and listeria monocytogenes (L. mono) in their products.

Protecting Your Furry Companions: Navigating the Pet Food Recall

Affected Answers Pet Food Products

The FDA has identified the following Answers Pet Food products as being affected by the recall:- Answers Pet Food Detailed Beef Formula for Dogs (Lot code: BUBD MAY 06, 2026)- Answers Pet Food Straight Beef Formula for Dogs (Lot code: BUBD JAN 31, 2026)- Answers Pet Food Straight Chicken Formula for Dogs (Lot codes: BUBD JAN 02, 2026 & MAR 11, 2026)

Contaminated Darwin's Natural Pet Products

According to the FDA, the following Darwin's Natural Pet Products have been found to contain both salmonella and L. mono:- Darwin's Natural Selections Antibiotic & Grain-Free Chicken Recipe for Cats (Lot Nos: 10832 MFG, 10856 MFG, 10890 MFG)- Darwin's Natural Selections Antibiotic & Grain-Free Chicken Recipe for Dogs (Lot Nos: 10828 MFG, 10844 MFG, 10887 MFG)

Safeguarding Your Pets and Household

If you have any of the affected products in your possession, the FDA strongly recommends disposing of them immediately and thoroughly cleaning and disinfecting any surfaces or dishes that may have come into contact with the contaminated pet food. This is crucial to prevent the potential spread of these harmful bacteria.

Reporting Potential Infections

If you believe your pet has been affected by the contaminated products, you can report it through the FDA's safety reporting portal. This information will help the agency investigate the issue and take appropriate actions to protect other pet owners.

Seeking Refunds for Affected Answers Products

Customers who have purchased the affected Answers Pet Food products can submit their receipt and a photo of the product to info@answerspetfood.com, along with the name of the store where they made the purchase, to receive a refund. Unfortunately, refund information for Darwin's Natural Pet Products is not currently available.

Understanding the Risks: Salmonella and Listeria Monocytogenes

Salmonella and listeria monocytogenes are both foodborne illnesses caused by bacteria. While infected pets may not always show symptoms, they can still transmit these illnesses to their owners through their stool.Salmonella can cause diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps in humans, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Listeria, on the other hand, can lead to more severe symptoms, including headaches, fevers, chills, and in some cases, even death.It is crucial for pet owners to take these warnings seriously and take immediate action to protect their furry companions and their own health. By staying informed and following the FDA's guidance, pet owners can ensure the safety and well-being of their beloved pets.