The FDA has issued a pet food recall for specific products from Darwin’s Natural Selections and ANSWERS Pet Food due to contamination with listeria and salmonella, posing health risks for both pets and humans.

FDA Issues Pet Food Recall

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has recalled multiple pet food products from two well-known brands: Darwin’s Natural Selections and ANSWERS Pet Food.

Testing revealed contamination with listeria and salmonella, both of which can cause serious health issues for pets and, potentially, their human owners.

While most pets may not show immediate symptoms, these bacteria can spread to humans through contact with pet saliva or feces, making it crucial to handle the situation immediately.

Which Products Are Affected?

The recall affects several specific products from the ANSWERS Pet Food brand, all sold in four-pound cartons.

If you have any of these products, stop using them and dispose of them immediately:

• ANSWERS Pet Food Detailed Beef Formula for Dogs
  • UPC: 856554002102
  • Use By: May 6, 2026
• ANSWERS Pet Food Straight Beef Formula for Dogs
  • UPC: 856554002072
  • Use By: Jan. 31, 2026
• ANSWERS Pet Food Straight Chicken Formula for Dogs
  • UPC: 856554002065
  • Use By: Jan. 2, 2026, and March 11, 2026

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Why Listeria and Salmonella Contamination Is Dangerous

Both listeria and salmonella are bacteria that can cause significant health risks. In pets, infection may result in mild to severe symptoms, including fever, vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy.

However, some pets may show no signs of illness but can still shed the bacteria, making humans vulnerable through handling pet waste or contaminated surfaces.

For humans, listeria and salmonella exposure can lead to:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Abdominal pain
• Fever
• In extreme cases, infections may become serious and even life-threatening, particularly for those with weakened immune systems.

What Should You Do If You Have These Products?

If you own any of the affected products, you should take the following steps immediately:

• Stop feeding the product to your pet.
• Dispose of the product in a way that it cannot be accessed by other animals or humans.
• Wash your hands thoroughly after handling the product or any containers that may have been in contact with it.
• Clean any surfaces that the pet food or its packaging may have touched to prevent the spread of contamination.

If your pet has consumed any of the recalled products and shows symptoms of illness, contact your veterinarian right away.

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Protecting Your Pet and Family

While most pets may not immediately show symptoms of illness from eating contaminated food, the risks of exposure to humans, especially young children, the elderly, and those with compromised immune systems, make this recall urgent.

It’s critical to take extra precautions when handling pet food, including:

• Storing pet food in secure containers.
• Regularly cleaning food bowls and areas where your pet eats.
• Monitoring your pet for signs of illness, especially if they’ve consumed one of the recalled products.

How to Stay Informed on Future Recalls

Pet food recalls, like this one, remind us of the importance of staying informed. To ensure your pet’s safety:

• Regularly check the FDA’s recall list for updates on pet food products.
• Follow your veterinarian’s advice on the best nutrition and handling practices for your pet’s food.
• Consider signing up for recall alerts to receive notifications about food and product recalls directly.

Urgent Pet Food Recall

The recent recall of pet food from Darwin’s Natural Selections and ANSWERS Pet Food due to contamination with listeria and salmonella poses a serious health risk to both pets and humans.

It is vital that you dispose of any recalled products immediately and monitor your pets for signs of illness. By staying informed and practicing safe food handling, you can protect both your pet and your family.