What your dog eats should keep them healthy, but recalls can get in the way of that. So, it’s important to stay on top of dog food recalls to ensure your pup’s safety. Maryland dog food brand Top Quality Dog Food recently recalled a batch of dog food.
The food might’ve been infected with Salmonella and Listeria monocytogenes. Both bacteria could be harmful to humans and animals, so here’s what you need to know about the recalled products.
What Was Recalled?
Top Quality Dog Food voluntarily recalled 1-pound packages of the Beef HVM recipe with the lot number 071521.
This product shipped to several states, including DC, MD, VA, DE, PA, MA, CT, and SC. Customers received it either through mail or direct delivery from 7/27/21 to 8/2/21.
The recall took place after a state surveillance sample tested positive for the presence of Salmonella and Listeria. The company didn’t distribute the remainder of the batch since the FDA is investigating the source of the contamination.
Risks of Salmonella and Listeria
Both Salmonella and Listeria pose a threat to the animals eating the food and the humans coming into contact with it. People who don’t wash their hands after handling the food are at a higher risk of contracting the bacteria.
Salmonella can cause humans to experience nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramping, fever, and diarrhea. In rare cases, it can cause more serious health concerns, including arthritis, arterial infections, endocarditis, urinary tract infections, muscle pain, and eye irritation.
For pets, Salmonella can lead to vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, a decreased appetite, fever, and abdominal pain. Healthy pets can still carry Salmonella and pass it on to other humans and animals.
Listeria can be fatal for some humans, such as children, elderly people, those who are pregnant, and individuals with compromised immune systems. People can also experience symptoms such as fever, headaches, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and stiffness.
It’s less common for pets to be affected by Listeria, but they could develop diarrhea, depression, anorexia, muscle pain, respiratory issues, and shock.
If any humans or animals have unusual symptoms after coming into contact with the food, contact a medical professional right away.
What Should You Do?
Top Quality Dog Food claims to have notified all the individuals who purchased this food. If you have the affected products in your household, dispose of them immediately. Then, thoroughly wash your hands and anything else that the food might’ve touched.
You can also return the product to the place for purchase for a full refund.
For any additional questions or concerns, you can call the company at 240-802-6601 from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm EST. You can also reach them at customerservice@topqualitydogfood.com.
H/T: fda.gov
Featured Image: @TOPQUALITYDOGFOOD/Facebook