Lysnt LLC recalls Answers pet food due to alarming contamination risks from Listeria and Salmonella.
At a Glance
- Lysnt LLC recalls Answers pet food for Listeria and Salmonella contamination.
- The recall follows FDA guidance after initial resistance from the company.
- Contaminated pet food distributed nationally and online poses risks to pets and humans.
- Consumers urged to discard affected pet food and disinfect kitchenware.
Recall Details and Health Implications
Lysnt LLC has recalled specific batches of Answers pet food due to contamination with Listeria and Salmonella. This recall comes after FDA recommendations were made following complaints regarding illnesses in dogs. Unopened retail samples tested by the FDA confirmed the presence of these harmful pathogens. The recalled products, sold both in physical stores and online, include multiple frozen beef and chicken recipes for dogs.
This decision marks a turnaround for Lysnt LLC, which initially refused to recall the products in question. Due to the prolonged “Best Used By Date” running until 2026, there is significant concern that many consumers might still have these products in their freezers. Contaminated pet food poses risks not only to animals but also to humans who handle and prepare these foods.
Consumers are strongly encouraged to throw away the affected pet food in a secure container and not to donate it. Contact with the contaminated products can lead to the spread of bacteria, which poses serious health threats. Kitchenware and surfaces that have come into contact with the pet food need to be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected.
Several dog food products from Answers Pet Food have been recalled after FDA testing revealed the presence of salmonella and listeria. Both pets and humans are at risk of illness, prompting safety precautions and disposal instructions for consumers. https://t.co/9kNmTCSjHb
— FOX 29 (@FOX29philly) September 26, 2024
Risks to Pets and Humans
Both Listeria and Salmonella are dangerous pathogens that can cause severe health issues. Listeria infections can result in vomiting, nausea, persistent fever, muscle aches, severe headache, and neck stiffness. Vulnerable populations, including the elderly, infants, and those with weakened immune systems, are at increased risk for severe illness. According to an FDA warning: “The FDA recommended that Answers Pet Food recall these products. To date, the firm has not initiated an adequate recall of the affected products.”
Salmonella infections can also be severe, causing diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and fever. Human handlers of the contaminated pet food are at risk of contracting these infections, making it crucial to wash hands thoroughly after handling. According to the CDC, individuals “may experience more severe illnesses that require medical treatment or hospitalization.”
Lystn, owners of ANSWERS Pet Food, issued a voluntary recall this week over certain types of its dog food after samples showed that some of it tested positive for the presence of salmonella and listeria. https://t.co/r4oKTWpDS1
— Spectrum Bay News 9 (@BN9) September 25, 2024
Precautionary Measures and Consumer Guidance
Consumers are advised to contact Lysnt LLC at [email protected] for further questions or concerns. Additionally, pet owners should monitor their pets for any signs of illness and consult a veterinarian if symptoms appear. For humans, Listeria infections can result in life-threatening conditions, particularly in vulnerable groups. The FDA has recommended an “out of an abundance of caution” approach to ensure public safety.
Those affected by the recall are also encouraged to report any pet illnesses to their veterinarians and file complaints about pet food products through the FDA’s Safety Reporting Portal. It is critical for pet owners and handlers to be cautious and adhere to all safety measures during this time. Thorough disinfection of all pet supplies and surfaces that came in contact with the food must be prioritized to prevent further health risks.
