Adapted from a press release:
Bravo Packing, Inc. of Carneys Point, New Jersey, USA expanded the previously announced voluntary recall of two raw pet food products to now include all pet food and bones in all package sizes, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. During an FDA inspection, samples collected tested positive for Salmonella and Listeria monocytogenes and resulted in a recall due to the potential health risks to humans and pets. Bravo Packing, Inc. is expanding the recall due to potential cross contamination. No human or animal illnesses related to the identified products have been reported to date. Bravo Packing Inc. generally works with distributors that fill orders to retail stores and to consumers directly nationwide. Earlier this month, Bravo Packing recalled all Ground Beef and Performance Dog frozen raw pet food.
Animal advocacy organization investigation
The recall followed an investigation conducted by animal advocacy group Animal Outlook. In December 2020, Animal Outlook notified the FDA that a sample of Performance Dog Diet we tested was positive for Salmonella. Amanda Sorvino, horse activist and actress, went undercover at Bravo Packing in 2008.
Salmonella and Listeria in pet food
Salmonella can cause illness in pets eating the products, as well as people who handle contaminated pet food products, especially if they have not thoroughly washed their hands after having contact with the products, infected pets, or any surfaces exposed to these products. People infected with Salmonella should monitor themselves for some or all of the following symptoms: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramping, and fever. Rarely, Salmonella can result in more serious ailments, including arterial infections, endocarditis (an infection of the heart muscle), arthritis, muscle pain, eye irritation, and urinary tract symptoms. People who have these symptoms after having contact with the products identified in this recall or with a pet that has eaten these products should contact their healthcare providers. A pet with a Salmonella infection may be lethargic and have diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever, and vomiting. Some pets will have decreased appetite, fever, and abdominal pain. If your pet has consumed the recalled products and has these symptoms, please contact your veterinarian. Pets exposed to contaminated food can be infected without showing symptoms. Infected pets, including those without symptoms, can also shed Salmonella through their feces and saliva, spreading pathogens into the home environment and to humans and other animals nearby.
Listeria monocytogenes is an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Although healthy individuals may suffer only short-term symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain, and diarrhea, Listeria monocytogenes infection can cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women.
Consumers with any of the affected products should handle them with caution, discard products in a secure container, and wash hands and surfaces properly. Consumers with questions should contact Bravo Packing, Inc. at 856-299-1044 (Monday – Friday, 9:00 AM-2:00 PM, EST).
