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A TYPE of pet food has been recalled over fears it may have been contaminated with bacteria.
Safety chiefs have warned of the risks that this can pose to not only animals, but their owners too.
Bosses at Viva Raw have recalled a series of products due to the possible bacteria contamination.
These include chicken-flavored food for dogs and cats, as well as a ground beef product, and beef and turkey mixed product.
The food was recalled due to fears it had been contaminated with salmonella and listeria, per the Food and Drug Administration.
It was sold to retailers across several states, including New York, Illinois, Florida, California and Arizona.
No illnesses involving pets or humans have been reported.
But, shoppers who bought the products have been recommended to take a series of steps.
They should contact Viva Raw to arrange a refund.
Then, they should throw away the recalled pet food.
Pet owners are also encouraged to clean pet bowls and cups.
Americans who are infected with salmonella can fall sick and suffer symptoms such as a fever or diarrhea.
Salmonella infections can cause Americans to have diarrhea that may contain blood or mucus.
Other symptoms include headache, loss of appetite and vomiting.
Health chiefs at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have warned symptoms can start six hours after the infection.
How to handle product recall
FOOD Safety experts insist that shoppers shouldn’t panic if they’re affected by a recall, as many are harmless.
However, consumers should take each warning seriously and follow the necessary steps to protect themselves.
Oftentimes, food manufacturers issue recalls as a precautionary measure, so there likely isn’t a foodborne illness hiding in your pantry.
However, even if the recall is merely a precaution, shoppers should always stay safe and not consume the affected items.
Experts advise people to keep a product closed if it hasn’t been opened, and never feed it to a pet or donate it to food banks.
Anyone who has handled or opened an affected item should wash their hands thoroughly with warm water and soap for 20 seconds.
Read the recall closely for specific instructions on how to get rid of the food item.
Typically, the brand will ask consumers to return the recalled product to the store where they purchased it for a full refund.
Sometimes shoppers will also be asked to throw it away so that no one else can eat it.
Source: FoodSafety.gov
Americans should contact their doctor if they have a fever that is more than 102F or diarrhea lasting more than two days.
Salmonella infections can spread to other parts of the body.
It can lead to infections of the bones, blood and joints.
Infections can also lead to reactive arthritis, but this is rare.
People can avoid contracting salmonella by washing their hands and avoid cross-contamination when preparing food.
Pet owners should wash their hands with soap and water for around 20 seconds after handling raw meat products.
This rule also applies when cleaning up pet waste.
Health chiefs have warned how listeria infections can pose an increased risk for newborn babies, pregnant women, and adults over 65.
Around 1,600 people contract a listeria infection every year across the US, according to the CDC.
